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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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.
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.
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