How do you deal?

What do you do in the face of death and dissapointment? As a faithful leader people expect you to be able to deal well with death and dissapointment. I think the most important part is dealing with them. If we try to go on as though nothing has changed, it is like going on with a weight tied on to our legs. Instead of brushing things under the rug, it is important to grieve our losses. No matter what you are dealing with--the struggle of the loss of a partner, the death of a loved one, or even just the dissapointment of the week-- please, deal with it.
As Christians, somehow we think it is best to keep our chins up, smiles showing, and everything will be alright. Seems to me Jesus was anything but fake. He lived through some pretty tough losses. Some of his closest friends decided to turn back. He lost John the Baptist early in his ministry. He dealt with things through prayer and taking the time he needed to be alone. If you are hurting and dealing with loss, please do what you need to do. Take time to pray. If you need time alone, take time alone. If you need friends to carry you through the crowds, lower you through the roof to be healed by the hands of Jesus, ask for their help. You know better than anyone what you need. Remember, being a strong Christian may mean allowing God to work through our weaknesses.
Grace and peace, Emily

Enough

As we begin our study of finding joy and simplicity in generosity a thought crossed my mind of how we might do this together. I know some of you have great ideas about how to save money, live within your means and still be generous. Please post ideas that you have about how to simplify and live the joyful life God wants us to live. I hope we can find together that God is enough.
Grace and peace, Emily

Even when we can't see

Today, I am struck by how God is continually at work even when we do not see the action. We have plenty of Holy Spirit wind blowing through our church these days. Many people are growing, quietly, like soup simmering. Things are bubbling and ministry is cooking. God is at work, and we can't always see the tangible results of this work. However, it is these times when God continues to work just beneath the surface of our observation that our faith grows.

We are preparing the way for future generations to experience God in this place. The things we are wrestling with now at some point will start to bear fruit. God is much more patient than me. I want to plant an apple seed, watch it grow for an afternoon and have fresh ripe apples to pick by tomorrow. God's ministry doesn't work like that. It takes a while to plant the seeds. The seasons change. Years go by. A few more years. Finally, blossoms, and eventually fruit.

No matter what you are waiting for God is active. Weather you are waiting for the market to get better, a season of your life to be over, or for fruit to be ripe-- trust in the Lord. During this period of waiting God is at work. God is bringing to completion the actions initiated prior to your involvement even. As the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."

May we all be patient for what God is doing when we can't see.

What is God up to in our neighborhood?

Yesterday I went to a very interesting day long discussion of the future of church.

The main question that keeps me thinking is what is God doing in your neighborhood and community. If you have ideas about what that might be I would love to read them. Please feel free to post comments about how you have seen God in action.

I love thinking and this week, between Bible Studies and preparing for our Revelation study starting in September, thinking about Sudan for United Methodist Women today, looking towards a walk to Emmaus retreat, and even just being sure everything is current in our communication, plus a day of thinking and listening to Alan Roxburgh, I finnaly have enough thoughts!

God meets us where we are and helps us listen for new insights. I hope you have enough of what it is that makes you satisfied in Christ. Enjoy the beautiful weekend and let me know where you think God is doing something in your neighborhood.

Grace and peace, Emily <><

Wow, look what God is doing!

This summer alone, we have hosted one hundred people to learn about God through School of Christian mission, we have completed Vacation Bible School, and we have grown together as a body of belivers! I am so blessed to be able to look back from this point and see what God is doing in our midst. I think of the smiles and blessings we shared as we prepared meals for our friends from around the conference. I think of the lessons we have learned and continue to learn about slowing down and making the right decisions at the right times. I am so blessed to be a pastor at a church where people come before programs. I am blessed by the encouragement from our all day Saturday meeting that we will continue to develope people more than counting attendance, and we will work together on our two main goals of Music and Youth. I am excited to be a part of an education team that weather you know it or not is prayerfully discerning the kinds of speakers to bring that not only reflect our values and vision, but also line up with scriptural truth. We are making some wonderful strides in this race of faith. I am excited to see where our Fellowship LIFE groups will lead this fall. I am also hopeful that the continued Spiritual Gifts Assesments will help us to move forward into God's Spiritual leadings for us as individuals and as a church. I am honored to be your Discipleship Pastor.
Grace and peace, Emily ><>

June Flowers

Did you know that flowers are uplifting? It is so amazing to see how God creates the variety of plants and flowers to bring smiles. We are also different from one another. All unique. We all look different, grow best in one light or another, and have different fragrance.
Today as you think about discipleship and growth consider the lilies of the field. They neither work or labor, yet they have everything they need. Sometimes we have chosen to put expectations on ourselves or others based on what we need. We may need less light, or more water, or a more quiet environment to reach our potential. As you consider the unrealistic expectations you place on yourself and others remember that we are all created uniquely.
Be kind to one another, help foster the beauty in others by giving enough space in the garden. Enjoy the flowers you can see at this time. Invite others to be blessed by the light and life that helps you grow. Enjoy the beauty of today. Stop and enjoy the blessings of God all around you.

God, thank you for the beauty of variety. Help me to be kind to people. Remind me of the best light. Help me know what is right for me. Thank you for sustaining my every need.
Amen.

Friends and readers,
I want to invite each of you to attend some of this year’s sessions of the Annual Conference in Denver. Adam is a dynamic pastor and very inspiring leader. I am sure that anyone who attends will gain something from the experience. You all know that I enjoy sharing leadership tips with you. I encourage you to attend this training if possible.



ADAM HAMILTON TO SPEAK AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN 2010 ANNUAL SESSION.

The theme of the 2010 Annual Conference Session of the Rocky Mountain Conference is “Everyone Leads, Everyone Serves.” The person chosen to “rethink” leadership in the local church, is Adam Hamilton, the Senior Pastor the Church of the Resurrection, a church of over 12,000 members, located in Leawood Kansas. His education presentation will take place Saturday, June 19, 2010. Remember, along with members of the conference session, interested persons from RMC local congregations are invited to attend Adam’s presentation, “Leading Beyond the Walls,” based on a book by the same name.

The presentation includes three sessions and a time for book signing,

8:30 am-10:15 am, “What Leaders do and Why,”
10:45-12:00 pm, “Effective Worship and Preaching,”
Book signing by Adam over lunch (Bring, Leading Beyond the Walls, or another one of Adam’s books you would like him to sign.)
1:45-3:15 pm, “Evangelism and the Future of Methodism.”


For additional information about Adam or any other aspect of the annual conference session, go to the Rocky Mountain Conference web site, rmcumc.org; open the “annual conference” tab and scroll down to “speakers.”

The Resurrection

This morning I received an email containing a story about a painting about the Resurrection. I am so grateful for people who can depict the theology of our faith so dynamically. Listen for something new. I found this expression of grace beautiful and inspiring. We have so many things to be grateful for. The artist in this clip shares his talent and knows first to know God we must turn to the Word. I hope you are finding something in God's Word fascinating too. Enjoy the art and the beauty of one disciple's gifts.
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

I welcome any feedback and thoughts on this video. I would love to hear your perspective.
Grace and peace, Emily <><

Spring

Today I looked out my window and saw that the grass on the lawn of the church is green. I don't think it was green like this on Easter. It has increased in life since the ressurection. It made me wonder if I am more green too. Have I grown in life since Easter this year? Even because of Easter? Easter was only three days ago. What wonderful change can happen in three days!
For the grass to grow it takes being in the sun, getting plenty of water, and just going with what is happening. Leaning into spring.
God has given plenty of water, sun, and now it is up to me to go with what is happening. For me leaning into spring means: considering worship outside, thinking about Earth Day, looking forward to time at the river-walk. It means slowing down to smell the flowers, even if they make me sneeze. I am blessed that God is taking such good care of me. It makes me want to share with everyone how much God wants to take care of them too. The sun is for everyone, just like Pastor Bob shared during our last Lenten, Lunch and Learn. Grace is for everyone. We can all show signs of new growth.
Maybe you will lean into spring with me. See how green we can become. See if people will notice the difference that Easter has made in our lives.

God, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for offering us new opportunities to question what you would have us be. Help me to lean into the newness you have offered in the season of spring. Let me be glad for the gifts you give. Amen.

Extravagant Generosity

Extravagant generosity is the last of the Five Practices of fruitful congregations. As I consider what makes generosity extravagant I think about boiled eggs for kids in our community. I think about the people who volunteer at the literacy center and teach kids how to read. I am also blessed by the extravagant generosity of friends in the past who have loaned me their cars, their homes, their Bible to help me grow closer to God.
What do you have that you can share that will bring about a wave of extravagance in your area. I am so blessed when someone offers to share something I didn't even realize I needed until it was offered. Weather you offer your shoulder for someone to cry on, a walk, or a listening ear, these are all forms of extravagant generosity.
Be grateful for the gifts God gives you, you may be able to share more than you think. I know that even when I think I can not share money or even time, something changes in my life to make God's generosity possible. I am blessed to be a blessing and so are you.

God, please open my heart to share with others whatever I have. When I prayed last week to help me walk instead of drive, thank you for that flat tire. Thanks for reminding me what the birds sound like. Thank you for giving me friends to help shower me with your love. Let me know how you want me to share. I will give my best. Amen.

Risk Taking Mission and Service

When we began looking at our ten week series on Five practices of Fruitful Congregations we knew that Risk Taking Mission and Service would be a welcome topic here at First United Methodist Church. The thing we didn't know is that Haiti, a place close to our hearts already would be hit hard with an earthquake on January 12th, 2010.

The difficulties already faced in a region of extreme poverty and unrest are compounded many times over compared to what the same earthquake may do in a place ready with infrastructure and emergency preparations. We continue to be a compassionate people and when we see people hurting our immediate response is to hold out our hands in assistance.

Already the United Methodist Committee on Relief has seen 11 million dollars sent to Haiti in response and hoped for recovery. The money will be used as needed in the three phases of emergency relief, urgent care and rebuilding. The story I ready today about the way UMCOR is going about the recovery process in Haiti is so thoughtful and will help so much. I am blessed to know that my small gift made a difference.

http://twitter.com/home?status=RT%20%40umns%20UMCOR%20field%20office%20opens%20in%20Haiti%20-%20UMC.org%20http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Far2aqh



I know too that my heart is first excited about global impact and making a different world, and my risk is helping more in my own community. I am blessed to know that God is with all who hurt no matter where they live. I hope to be able to design spiritual conversations and lead in a way that will add value to a hurting world.

Intentional Faith Development

Thinking about how faith develops is important as one of the architects of the development of discipleship activities here at the church. One of the most difficult things I have found about intentional faith development is working to use language that may be accessible to Christians and non-Christians alike.
When I think about the many ways my faith has been formed I consider my younger years in church. I was involved in everything from choir, worship, and Sunday school to musicals, talent nights, and snow shoveling. What a blessing to grow up not only learning the stories of the Bible at home, but also during Vacation Bible School.
The education we receive in church is from our teachers, our pastors, and even our friends. I am so grateful for all the people who took the time to invest in my faith development. From the education I got in Sunday School to the field trips for Confirmation classes, I was formed and steeped in the faith of God.
Youth Disciple Bible Study was my first taste of reading the Bible. It made me so hungry for the word that I read the Bible on my own before going on to a Christian College. I have been blessed by the rich teachings of scholars, theologians, and ranchers. The main things I would stress for intentional faith development would be
1) having a plan
2) having a goal
3) sharing with someone else
4) acting on what you learn
I could have learned from all these people and kept the knowledge to myself. Instead, I was continually encouraged to teach others. My most treasured experiences of faith seem like gems in retrospect. I am grateful for moments when God has worked through me to develop the faith of others. I hope you will be able to experience this joy as well.

God, as we learn from you through your holy word, allow us to share with others. Teach us to be like your son Jesus Christ. Make us followers of your way. As you taught the Hebrew people, remind us to keep your commands. Your word is written on our hearts, bring the living word into our everyday lives. Let us be a blessing to those we teach.
Amen.

Worship

For all of you who are following our series. This link is a great example of worship. I hope you enjoy the video if you can open it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWndDW_271g

I would appreciate feedback on how well this works.
Grace and Peace, Emily <><

Passionate Worship

Worship comes in many forms. Sometimes our worship is individual, we notice something God has made and exclaim to ourselves-- Wow! God, thank you for the sunrise. We thank God for the path we are walking that day, or recognized the blessings and respond with worship. This type of worship is usually on our own, with rare instances of sharing with others our own realizations and praise. There is also corporate worship. The worship of a body, in our case the body of Christ. We worship together when we meet on Sunday mornings and focus our attention on God collectively as a group for a length of time. Our worship here in the states is usually limited by time, but in Haiti their passionate worship may go on for four or five hours. Imagine worshiping God until you're really done. Just praising, thanking God, recognizing the source of blessing and honoring the giver of life. How long do you think that type of passionate worship would last?

In some ways our worship lasts a lifetime. From the moment we acknowledge God as creator, sustainer, redeemer, we worship. We may pause and divert our attentions to work or school, or family matters, but overall in everything we do we choose weather to worship God with our actions and our lives. Deciding to worship God can disappoint people. It can disrupt systems. Praise the Lord, says Psalm 113. Psalms are rich with praise. If you are wanting to get back to that place of passionate worship, read Psalm 84.
Not only the Psalms, but also the whole Bible is rich with images of passionate worship. The other primary way to worship is to remember. In worship we remember the lives of people who have before been faithful to God. Their example of living through hardship and difficulty while still speaking well of God is a reminder for us. When the people were lost in the wilderness for so long, they still worshiped God. When they were discouraged by events surrounding them, turning to worship brought joy. An example of this is found in Nehemiah chapter 8. Worship changes hearts, lives, and motivation.
The act of remembering may be most evident in Communion. We remember the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup. The remembering gives us the chance to take part in honoring God's gifts. Many cultures use meals, food offerings, and ritual to worship God. We worship not because we have too, but because we choose to. The choice to worship, when we do, honors God. Our passionate worship begins to open our lives to what God is doing. We recognize God as greater than ourselves, we honor God with the choices we make, and we remember what God has done.

God, thank you for being greater than us. Thank you for the blessings you provide. Even if you just continued to be God and did nothing else, we would honor you. We trust you with our lives. We worship you when we can. Set our hearts toward you, so we might worship even more passionately. We praise your Holy Name, Amen.

Radical Hospitality

Here at the church we are starting to read and study together Bishop Robert Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. We are looking at each chapter together in small groups, sermons and classes. Today I will begin to blog some of my own thoughts on the various chapters in the book.
The first chapter is on Radical Hospitality. What catches my attention first is the word radical. I love radical. I am not usually thought of as radical myself, but I enjoy the sentiment of being rooted, grounded, and branching out from that foundational sense. Some radicals take things too far, they change for the sake of change, stir up trouble. Radical in this sense is not helpful overall to society in general.
How do we calm, usually status-quo upholding Christians, get back to being so deeply rooted in our faith that we stir up changes God would want? What needs to change in us for us to be radically different from the world around us? I think often about becoming better each day. I want to improve in life on a daily basis. Sometimes this has to do with drinking more water and sitting still longer, but more often than not my attitude is what needs altering.
Being rooted in Christian love, hospitality can naturally grow out of our desire to be loving, like God is loving. God gave us many examples of hospitality in the Hebrew Bible before ever becoming an incarnational presentation of welcome through Jesus Christ himself. Entertaining strangers and angles is part of our story from long ago. Then, later, we see Christ offering a sense of welcome to everyone but the upholders of status-quo. Outcasts, oppressors, and people who felt like nobodies were welcome in Jesus circles.
All people are worthy of the love God offers. We all know someone who needs more love. I guess the challenge I see for all of us is to root ourselves so deeply in love that is starts to be the fruit we express. So, if that is what we are talking about, I want to be radical. I want to be extreme in love. I want to love like God. I'll love strangers, angles, outcasts and nobodies.

Dear God, help me love like you. Help me get back to the origins of faith. Let my roots go deep into scripture, spiritual practices, thinking and experiences that transform my life. Let me be more Christlike in welcome. Teach me radical hospitality. Thanks, Amen.