May 5, 2011
For the Journal-Review
By Rev. Gary Lewis
First United Methodist Church
Crawfordsville, IN
We were planning to spend a few days away during Spring Break. Train tickets were purchased. (I have never traveled on a train before, so this was supposed to be my maiden voyage.) Hotel rooms were booked. All was set in motion until we both became sick with a deep, disturbing, cough, headaches and general misery.
All we wanted to do was stay in bed. So instead of a fun-filled few days away, we spent a miserable week together confined in Crawfordsville. Except for a trip to see my physician, all we could do was rest.
If I could just take a cruise to some warm, tropical, paradise, then I would find happiness. Isn’t this what the world would have us believe? If I could take 12 months off and travel the world, then I would be happy. Isn’t that what the TV commercials would lead us to believe?
Mother Theresa, who spent her life caring for the hungry and thirsty in India, would often say those of us in America are starving spiritually. So many people today have a spiritual hunger inside them. The confusing thing is that we don’t want to call it a spiritual hunger. We use phrases such as: “My life is empty.” Or, “I’m bored.” “I’m restless.” “Something seems to be missing in my life.” “There must be more to life than this.”
Even when things are going good, even when things seem to be OK in life; there’s this gnawing feeling on the inside – something is missing. The Rolling Stones gave the baby boomer generation a theme song: “I can’t get no satisfaction.” If this becomes the theme of your life then that is a pretty sad outlook.
I believe Jesus knew something about our human tendency to want more and more while at the same time we become less and less satisfied. Everyone must fight this trend to self-destruct. The Bible says no matter how much we see we’re never satisfied: no matter how much we experience, we are never content. Jesus puts it this way in Matthew 5:6, “Happy are those who are hungry and thirsty for true goodness, for they will be truly satisfied.” (J.B. Phillips translation)
“Satisfaction guaranteed” is a common promise of many manufacturers. They are convinced that their product will exceed all of our expectations. But is that really true? Twice as many products are available today than were available 10 years ago. Are people twice as happy? I would venture to say “no.”
We cannot find happiness in pleasurable experiences such as vacations, or in possessions. They will only leave us empty. That’s because no matter how great the vacation might be, or how wonderful our possessions may be, we still have to deal with ourselves.
A few years ago, we went to a movie and decided to go out for supper afterward. We played this game: “Honey, where would you like to go to get something to eat?” My wife says: “I don’t know.”
“What are you hungry for?” I don’t know. Have you ever played that game? You know the game I’m talking about, the where-do-you-want-to-go-I-don’t-know game? A lot of people spend their lives that way. They really don’t know what they want in life.
My question for you, dear reader, is this: How is your spiritual appetite these days? Do you hunger for the things of God? Do you really want to know God?
One of the most powerful ways to seek true happiness is to be on the outlook for God moments in your everyday life. Truly, God is around us at all times. We need to have our spiritual eyes to see them. They often come in ordinary packages but are expressed in extraordinary ways.
Here is the secret of true satisfaction: “Seek your happiness in the Lord and He will give you your hearts desire.” (Psalm 37:4, Good News translation) Notice it says, don’t seek happiness … seek God. If you make happiness your goal in life, you are going to miss it. The only path to happiness is in seeking God. When we seek God, happiness is a natural by-product of that search.
I know I need some time to get away from my normal, hectic, schedule. Vacations do have a way of refreshing our lives. Setting some time to be with my wife is precious to me. Yet, I know that no matter where we go or what we do such experiences do not create happiness.
Seeking God is what will give me satisfaction. “Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty … if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever!” (John 8:35, 51, New International Version)
The Good News is we can seek God no matter where we happen to be – in Cancun, or in dear, ole’ Crawfordsville.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Power of Story in Living a Life of Faith
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
During our “One Month to Live” spiritual growth campaign, I have been reminded of the many conversations I have had with terminally ill persons and their families. One of the first things that come to mind is the importance of story. Many times, I have been privileged to sit with someone and listen to the story of his or her life.
We need to tell our stories. We need time to reflect, to think about the things that have mattered most to us. We need to give thanks for those we have loved and those we have received love from during the course of our days. This is the way we make meaning in life.
The one constant theme I have learned from “One Month to Live” is that we don’t have to wait. Each of us is terminal so the decision we need to make now is to really start living. The way to do that is to tell our stories. I have been encouraging our church leaders to share their testimonies of faith with us. I envision a time when worship will include moments of sharing. What has God been doing in your life? How has God’s grace, mercy and care been made real to you?
We are benefactors of a long history of God’s providential grace and care. I came across a sermon title the other day I really liked: “Why Windshields are Larger than Rearview Mirrors.” While a rearview mirror is mandatory by law, seeing what is in front of us is infinitely more important. Yet, knowing the story of where we have been gives us encouragement to face an uncertain future.
People remembering the mighty acts of God in the past are also encouraged to persevere and hope, even in the midst of present difficulty. When we remember the powerful hand of God at work in the past, we are encouraged to trust in God. Rehearsing the mighty acts of God offers assurance that the future is secure in God’s hands as well.
As we begin the season of Lent (March 13), we are encouraged to remember our story as Christ-followers. There are many stories to tell. There are the stories of Old Testament figures that testify to God’s love and deliverance. We hear the stories of Daniel, Nehemiah, Deborah, and Jonah—and they become our story. There are the stories of the New Testament, and encounters with God’s Word made flesh. We hear the stories of the disciples, of the Gerasene demoniac, of the lepers, of the paralytic, and of Mary and Martha—and they become our story. We hear the stories of the early church in the book of Acts, and the stories of each church that has proclaimed the truth of Christ since the day of Jesus’ resurrection - and they become our stories.
We all have stories to tell. We remember all the blessings we enjoy. We think about the things we have accomplished through the power of God at work in us. We give voice to the things that have mattered most to us. We give thanks for those we have loved and those we have received love from during the course of our days. This is the way we make meaning in life. This is the way we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift we have ever received - the body of Christ given for us so that we might live.
During these 40 days in Lent, let’s spend time sharing our stories. I believe that if we listen closely, we will hear the good news of God’s amazing love, being poured out for us in ways large and small.
By Pastor Gary Lewis
During our “One Month to Live” spiritual growth campaign, I have been reminded of the many conversations I have had with terminally ill persons and their families. One of the first things that come to mind is the importance of story. Many times, I have been privileged to sit with someone and listen to the story of his or her life.
We need to tell our stories. We need time to reflect, to think about the things that have mattered most to us. We need to give thanks for those we have loved and those we have received love from during the course of our days. This is the way we make meaning in life.
The one constant theme I have learned from “One Month to Live” is that we don’t have to wait. Each of us is terminal so the decision we need to make now is to really start living. The way to do that is to tell our stories. I have been encouraging our church leaders to share their testimonies of faith with us. I envision a time when worship will include moments of sharing. What has God been doing in your life? How has God’s grace, mercy and care been made real to you?
We are benefactors of a long history of God’s providential grace and care. I came across a sermon title the other day I really liked: “Why Windshields are Larger than Rearview Mirrors.” While a rearview mirror is mandatory by law, seeing what is in front of us is infinitely more important. Yet, knowing the story of where we have been gives us encouragement to face an uncertain future.
People remembering the mighty acts of God in the past are also encouraged to persevere and hope, even in the midst of present difficulty. When we remember the powerful hand of God at work in the past, we are encouraged to trust in God. Rehearsing the mighty acts of God offers assurance that the future is secure in God’s hands as well.
As we begin the season of Lent (March 13), we are encouraged to remember our story as Christ-followers. There are many stories to tell. There are the stories of Old Testament figures that testify to God’s love and deliverance. We hear the stories of Daniel, Nehemiah, Deborah, and Jonah—and they become our story. There are the stories of the New Testament, and encounters with God’s Word made flesh. We hear the stories of the disciples, of the Gerasene demoniac, of the lepers, of the paralytic, and of Mary and Martha—and they become our story. We hear the stories of the early church in the book of Acts, and the stories of each church that has proclaimed the truth of Christ since the day of Jesus’ resurrection - and they become our stories.
We all have stories to tell. We remember all the blessings we enjoy. We think about the things we have accomplished through the power of God at work in us. We give voice to the things that have mattered most to us. We give thanks for those we have loved and those we have received love from during the course of our days. This is the way we make meaning in life. This is the way we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift we have ever received - the body of Christ given for us so that we might live.
During these 40 days in Lent, let’s spend time sharing our stories. I believe that if we listen closely, we will hear the good news of God’s amazing love, being poured out for us in ways large and small.
'5-Minute Rule' to be Enforced at Worship
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
The final five minutes in each worship service will be reserved for our guests. At a recent seminar, author and church assimilation expert Gary L. McIntosh said churches have found a “Five Minute rule” to be extremely helpful in welcoming visitors to church.
This is how it works: the five minute clock begins immediately after worship concludes. Your job is to find someone you don't know and welcome them to our church. Most of us spend this valuable time talking to someone we know.
Don’t know if they are guest or long-time attendee? There’s an easy fix. Plus, you will get to meet a new friend. Say this, “Hi, I’m (say your first name) I don’t believe we have met. (Then shake their hand.) How long have you been attending here?”
If they have only been attending a short time, say a word of welcome. For example, introduce them to someone else standing nearby you know. If they have been attending here a long time, then tell them it is great to meet them. Either way, you can’t lose.
So instead of finding someone familiar, spend five minutes looking for someone new. When the five minutes have concluded – then you are off the hook! McIntosh said many churches completely forget about guests AFTER the worship service ends. Many times, newcomers will want to leave quickly. This is why it is important everyone spends five minutes greeting others they may not know.
I will be reminding you from time-to-time by saying to you all “Remember the 5-minute rule.” This might serve as a conversation piece because someone might say “What is he talking about?” You’ll get to inform them on our little secret.
Please pray for our ministry of hospitality to those who visit us. We have had several people visit our worship services once and then disappear. I need your help to fix this problem. I believe our church has a lot to offer someone searching for a church home. Do you believe that is true? Then, join me in enforcing the “five minute rule” on Sunday morning!
By Pastor Gary Lewis
The final five minutes in each worship service will be reserved for our guests. At a recent seminar, author and church assimilation expert Gary L. McIntosh said churches have found a “Five Minute rule” to be extremely helpful in welcoming visitors to church.
This is how it works: the five minute clock begins immediately after worship concludes. Your job is to find someone you don't know and welcome them to our church. Most of us spend this valuable time talking to someone we know.
Don’t know if they are guest or long-time attendee? There’s an easy fix. Plus, you will get to meet a new friend. Say this, “Hi, I’m (say your first name) I don’t believe we have met. (Then shake their hand.) How long have you been attending here?”
If they have only been attending a short time, say a word of welcome. For example, introduce them to someone else standing nearby you know. If they have been attending here a long time, then tell them it is great to meet them. Either way, you can’t lose.
So instead of finding someone familiar, spend five minutes looking for someone new. When the five minutes have concluded – then you are off the hook! McIntosh said many churches completely forget about guests AFTER the worship service ends. Many times, newcomers will want to leave quickly. This is why it is important everyone spends five minutes greeting others they may not know.
I will be reminding you from time-to-time by saying to you all “Remember the 5-minute rule.” This might serve as a conversation piece because someone might say “What is he talking about?” You’ll get to inform them on our little secret.
Please pray for our ministry of hospitality to those who visit us. We have had several people visit our worship services once and then disappear. I need your help to fix this problem. I believe our church has a lot to offer someone searching for a church home. Do you believe that is true? Then, join me in enforcing the “five minute rule” on Sunday morning!
Faith for Tough Times
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
Easter Sunday is a message of hope in tough times. The disciples were scattered and afraid after Jesus’ crucifixion. For three long days it seemed their world had crashed down all around them. Even Peter, the designated leader, “the rock,” had denied even knowing Christ. In fact, he denied Jesus three times.
Cowering in fear, there’s very little doubt that the followers of Christ were looking over their shoulders for the authorities. If they crucified a sinless Jesus, it was a sure thing they would be crucified too. Matthew 28 is one of the four Gospel accounts of that first Easter Sunday.
Some women, who were followers of Jesus, show up at the tomb. They come there expecting to find the body of Jesus. They arrive with anointing oil and spices and they were going to prepare the body for long term burial. There wasn’t anything highly unusual about this trip. Although it was a somber ritual, it was a way for them to show their love for Jesus.
When they arrived the massive stone at the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away. There was an angel outside. This is where the story picks up in Matthew 28:5: “Then the angel spoke to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come see where his body was lying.’”
The first thing the angel said was “Don’t be afraid.” Scholars have concluded there are about 365 references in the Bible to “don’t be afraid” or “fear not.” Why did the angel say that to these early followers of Jesus? Well, if you went to a tomb expecting to see a body and the body wasn’t there all sorts of things would probably cross your mind. And most of those thoughts would send a chill down your spine. So there’s a practical reason why the angel said “don’t be afraid.”
If you go back three days prior, though, there’s another reason. On Good Friday, Jesus, the Lord, was arrested. In just a matter of a few hours, he was arrested, tried, crucified, dead and buried. Now, these women at the tomb might have thought their life was in danger at that very moment. So this angel said – “don’t be afraid.”
Don’t be afraid because the resurrection had changed everything. Easter teaches us a powerful lesson about having faith in tough times. A casual look at the economy, the on-going conflict in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and the unfolding disaster in Japan tells us we are living in a period of tough times. We need a strong dose of faith to overcome our fears.
Think about it. The Bible tells us the resurrection transformed the lives of the early church. Peter goes from being a denier of Christ to become the pillar of the new Christian church. The resurrection can change you, too.
Maybe you are facing some tough times. In the weeks following Easter we are going to look at where can I find faith to stand when things go sour? How do you face doubt with faith? How do you faith failure with faith? How do you face illness with faith? And then ultimately, how do you face death, itself, with faith?
Maybe you need an infusion of Easter faith in your life. This is going to be a great time to invite your friends, family and neighbors to Easter at First United Methodist Church. Make an effort to show God’s amazing love to the people you care about. Invite them to worship and I promise to share with them the Good News that ordinary people like us can overcome adversity in tough times. The story of Easter still resonates with a clarion call of hope.
By Pastor Gary Lewis
Easter Sunday is a message of hope in tough times. The disciples were scattered and afraid after Jesus’ crucifixion. For three long days it seemed their world had crashed down all around them. Even Peter, the designated leader, “the rock,” had denied even knowing Christ. In fact, he denied Jesus three times.
Cowering in fear, there’s very little doubt that the followers of Christ were looking over their shoulders for the authorities. If they crucified a sinless Jesus, it was a sure thing they would be crucified too. Matthew 28 is one of the four Gospel accounts of that first Easter Sunday.
Some women, who were followers of Jesus, show up at the tomb. They come there expecting to find the body of Jesus. They arrive with anointing oil and spices and they were going to prepare the body for long term burial. There wasn’t anything highly unusual about this trip. Although it was a somber ritual, it was a way for them to show their love for Jesus.
When they arrived the massive stone at the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away. There was an angel outside. This is where the story picks up in Matthew 28:5: “Then the angel spoke to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come see where his body was lying.’”
The first thing the angel said was “Don’t be afraid.” Scholars have concluded there are about 365 references in the Bible to “don’t be afraid” or “fear not.” Why did the angel say that to these early followers of Jesus? Well, if you went to a tomb expecting to see a body and the body wasn’t there all sorts of things would probably cross your mind. And most of those thoughts would send a chill down your spine. So there’s a practical reason why the angel said “don’t be afraid.”
If you go back three days prior, though, there’s another reason. On Good Friday, Jesus, the Lord, was arrested. In just a matter of a few hours, he was arrested, tried, crucified, dead and buried. Now, these women at the tomb might have thought their life was in danger at that very moment. So this angel said – “don’t be afraid.”
Don’t be afraid because the resurrection had changed everything. Easter teaches us a powerful lesson about having faith in tough times. A casual look at the economy, the on-going conflict in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and the unfolding disaster in Japan tells us we are living in a period of tough times. We need a strong dose of faith to overcome our fears.
Think about it. The Bible tells us the resurrection transformed the lives of the early church. Peter goes from being a denier of Christ to become the pillar of the new Christian church. The resurrection can change you, too.
Maybe you are facing some tough times. In the weeks following Easter we are going to look at where can I find faith to stand when things go sour? How do you face doubt with faith? How do you faith failure with faith? How do you face illness with faith? And then ultimately, how do you face death, itself, with faith?
Maybe you need an infusion of Easter faith in your life. This is going to be a great time to invite your friends, family and neighbors to Easter at First United Methodist Church. Make an effort to show God’s amazing love to the people you care about. Invite them to worship and I promise to share with them the Good News that ordinary people like us can overcome adversity in tough times. The story of Easter still resonates with a clarion call of hope.
Becoming a 'Contagious Congregation'
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
Dr. George G. Hunter wrote a book in 1979 with the title “The Contagious Congregation: Frontiers in Evangelism and Church Growth.” He is now the chair of Christian Evangelism and professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has probably written several dozen new books since then. Yet, I find this book to still be relevant today.
What I find most challenging is the title “The Contagious Congregation.” When we think about the word “contagious” we usually associate it with some sort of disease. When someone is contagious we want to wear masks and gloves to avoid being exposed. In the Christian context, though, being contagious means to be like Jesus. When non-Christians come into contact with a local church they should be exposed to Christ-like love and actions.
Would you consider our congregation “contagious” about its faith? Or do we put on masks and gloves (in a symbolic way) to avoid being exposed to those who struggle with faith or may have no faith at all?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be “contagious” for the Lord! Yet, I don’t always know how to go about doing that. That’s why we are in this together. We need to spend some time in prayer asking God to show us some ways to become more contagious. For Hunter, prayer means we take the time to “wait to receive power.” After all, it is really the Holy Spirit that does the real work of evangelism.
Let me be clear: I look at our attendance reports each week with a keen eye. I am well-aware of our ups and downs in both services. I care deeply about our outreach. Someone taught me a long time ago that when it comes to ministry “people vote with their feet.” Yet, this desire to be contagious for Jesus has nothing to do with the institution of our church. It is not about numbers. It has to do with being faithful to Jesus. I have this compelling drive within me to share the Good News.
How about you, dear reader, do you have such a compelling drive?
Most non-Christians are convinced that Christianity is an otherworldly enterprise far outside the real world concerns that occupy most thoughtful human beings. This is why the message our church brings must be relevant to those who do not embrace the Christian faith.
The message must be unambiguous. Often times, pastors and lay people simply speak a different language that cannot be understood by non-Christians. A similar problem with clarity involves saying too much. The message must be reduced to meeting a particular question or need at a particular moment.
This is why the message we share must be Biblical. The church is built on a book and people are interested in what Jesus proclaimed and taught. They are not interested in private opinions about our concept of Christianity. What matters the most is our relationship with others.
Hunter puts it best: “It is not necessary that one always (or even usually) verbalizes the gospel; the Christian has not ‘failed Jesus’ just because he has not mentioned his name. The essential purposes of presence ministry are to know people, to be known by them, to identify with them, and to demonstrate a caring interest in them, to build the friendships which can become the bridges of God.” (Page 135)
A key to all of this is that God’s workers must be intentional in their efforts. Every conversation, every contact, is an opportunity for evangelism. This is what it means to become a “contagious congregation.”
By Pastor Gary Lewis
Dr. George G. Hunter wrote a book in 1979 with the title “The Contagious Congregation: Frontiers in Evangelism and Church Growth.” He is now the chair of Christian Evangelism and professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has probably written several dozen new books since then. Yet, I find this book to still be relevant today.
What I find most challenging is the title “The Contagious Congregation.” When we think about the word “contagious” we usually associate it with some sort of disease. When someone is contagious we want to wear masks and gloves to avoid being exposed. In the Christian context, though, being contagious means to be like Jesus. When non-Christians come into contact with a local church they should be exposed to Christ-like love and actions.
Would you consider our congregation “contagious” about its faith? Or do we put on masks and gloves (in a symbolic way) to avoid being exposed to those who struggle with faith or may have no faith at all?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be “contagious” for the Lord! Yet, I don’t always know how to go about doing that. That’s why we are in this together. We need to spend some time in prayer asking God to show us some ways to become more contagious. For Hunter, prayer means we take the time to “wait to receive power.” After all, it is really the Holy Spirit that does the real work of evangelism.
Let me be clear: I look at our attendance reports each week with a keen eye. I am well-aware of our ups and downs in both services. I care deeply about our outreach. Someone taught me a long time ago that when it comes to ministry “people vote with their feet.” Yet, this desire to be contagious for Jesus has nothing to do with the institution of our church. It is not about numbers. It has to do with being faithful to Jesus. I have this compelling drive within me to share the Good News.
How about you, dear reader, do you have such a compelling drive?
Most non-Christians are convinced that Christianity is an otherworldly enterprise far outside the real world concerns that occupy most thoughtful human beings. This is why the message our church brings must be relevant to those who do not embrace the Christian faith.
The message must be unambiguous. Often times, pastors and lay people simply speak a different language that cannot be understood by non-Christians. A similar problem with clarity involves saying too much. The message must be reduced to meeting a particular question or need at a particular moment.
This is why the message we share must be Biblical. The church is built on a book and people are interested in what Jesus proclaimed and taught. They are not interested in private opinions about our concept of Christianity. What matters the most is our relationship with others.
Hunter puts it best: “It is not necessary that one always (or even usually) verbalizes the gospel; the Christian has not ‘failed Jesus’ just because he has not mentioned his name. The essential purposes of presence ministry are to know people, to be known by them, to identify with them, and to demonstrate a caring interest in them, to build the friendships which can become the bridges of God.” (Page 135)
A key to all of this is that God’s workers must be intentional in their efforts. Every conversation, every contact, is an opportunity for evangelism. This is what it means to become a “contagious congregation.”
Amazing Easter, SC, Youth Sunday Notes
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
I am still in the “Easter Sunday” zone, so I can’t sit still enough to write a column this month. So, instead of a column, I decided to share with you some interesting facts, figures and projects God has put into my path.
We had an amazing Easter Sunday. I want to express many thanks to those “behind the scenes” folks who do so much each and every week to make things happen! I’m talking about the sound-TV-video-ushers-greeters-hospitality table people (depending on which worship service you attend.) When you have 254 at the Sanctuary service and 166 at The Gathering – you really appreciate all those unsung heroes who make things happen.
I want to say a special word of appreciation to all of our musicians who did an incredible job on Sunday (and every week). The song selection was excellent and fit our theme for the day “Faith for Tough Times.”
***
Did you make it to the Good Friday service? “Messages from the Cross” was our first attempt among the five “downtown” pastors to do a combined worship service.
From all accounts, the service was well-received. It was an honor to serve together with colleagues in ministry.
The 6:15 p.m. service at the First Church of the Nazarene attracted 148 people. Thanks so much to those of you from FUMC who attended. I got to have the final word at the service … it was pure joy.
Churches represented at the event included:
First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian, Christ Lutheran Church and First Church of the Nazarene.
***
We have 26-30 people tentatively scheduled for the 24th annual mission trip to the Sea Islands of South Carolina. The group leaves June 10 and returns June 19.
This year, the group will be “sharing the load” with a shared leadership structure.
Transportation team leader is Mark McBee; kitchen team leaders are Peg Rose and Bev Bannon; mentor leader Ed Stuffle; devotion team leader is Monte Thompson; hotel team leaders are Sue Ann Ford and Karen Thada; t-shirt leader is Deb Zurawski; affirmation leader is Peg Rose; prayer leader is Jenny Lewis; thank you note leader is Carol Myhre; first aid kit team leader is Tiffany Issacs; corrugated procurement leader is Bev Bannon; coordinating leader is Cynda Mellish; construction leader is Bruce Whitehead.
So far, there may be 10 high school students making the trip this year. Three “first-timers” may also be on the team.
***
Three new members joined the church Easter Sunday at The Gathering. Sean and Chrissy Smith and Wilbert Falconer joined the First United Methodist Church family by confession of faith!
***
Do dogs go to heaven? Check it out on Youth Sunday, May 8, (Mother’s Day). The skit “Stairway to heaven” is featured with a dog, snake, hyena, vulture, squirrel, lion and lamb. The skit was created and written by the Middle School class. Each adult woman attending that day will receive a special gift. It should be a fun and memorable day with the youth.
***
Rainbows & Rhymes is completing its 18th year of ministry on May 13. There are 95 students enrolled. Age ranges include one year to age 4. Summer parents day out begins June 2. The pre-school is going bowling at C’ville Lanes in early May.
By Pastor Gary Lewis
I am still in the “Easter Sunday” zone, so I can’t sit still enough to write a column this month. So, instead of a column, I decided to share with you some interesting facts, figures and projects God has put into my path.
We had an amazing Easter Sunday. I want to express many thanks to those “behind the scenes” folks who do so much each and every week to make things happen! I’m talking about the sound-TV-video-ushers-greeters-hospitality table people (depending on which worship service you attend.) When you have 254 at the Sanctuary service and 166 at The Gathering – you really appreciate all those unsung heroes who make things happen.
I want to say a special word of appreciation to all of our musicians who did an incredible job on Sunday (and every week). The song selection was excellent and fit our theme for the day “Faith for Tough Times.”
***
Did you make it to the Good Friday service? “Messages from the Cross” was our first attempt among the five “downtown” pastors to do a combined worship service.
From all accounts, the service was well-received. It was an honor to serve together with colleagues in ministry.
The 6:15 p.m. service at the First Church of the Nazarene attracted 148 people. Thanks so much to those of you from FUMC who attended. I got to have the final word at the service … it was pure joy.
Churches represented at the event included:
First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian, Christ Lutheran Church and First Church of the Nazarene.
***
We have 26-30 people tentatively scheduled for the 24th annual mission trip to the Sea Islands of South Carolina. The group leaves June 10 and returns June 19.
This year, the group will be “sharing the load” with a shared leadership structure.
Transportation team leader is Mark McBee; kitchen team leaders are Peg Rose and Bev Bannon; mentor leader Ed Stuffle; devotion team leader is Monte Thompson; hotel team leaders are Sue Ann Ford and Karen Thada; t-shirt leader is Deb Zurawski; affirmation leader is Peg Rose; prayer leader is Jenny Lewis; thank you note leader is Carol Myhre; first aid kit team leader is Tiffany Issacs; corrugated procurement leader is Bev Bannon; coordinating leader is Cynda Mellish; construction leader is Bruce Whitehead.
So far, there may be 10 high school students making the trip this year. Three “first-timers” may also be on the team.
***
Three new members joined the church Easter Sunday at The Gathering. Sean and Chrissy Smith and Wilbert Falconer joined the First United Methodist Church family by confession of faith!
***
Do dogs go to heaven? Check it out on Youth Sunday, May 8, (Mother’s Day). The skit “Stairway to heaven” is featured with a dog, snake, hyena, vulture, squirrel, lion and lamb. The skit was created and written by the Middle School class. Each adult woman attending that day will receive a special gift. It should be a fun and memorable day with the youth.
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Rainbows & Rhymes is completing its 18th year of ministry on May 13. There are 95 students enrolled. Age ranges include one year to age 4. Summer parents day out begins June 2. The pre-school is going bowling at C’ville Lanes in early May.
Finding Focus in a World of Random Dots
For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
I have been trying to take a few more steps into the online world in recent weeks. The steps have been uncertain and shaky at times, but I am trying to persevere. It seems to be coming together all at once. I made Facebook the home page of one of my search engines and that has helped me to keep up with our church family. To be honest, though, I sometimes don’t know what to say. (And if you know anything about me this is very rare in real life.)
I updated my twitter account and my blog. You can find me at twitter@PastorWGL. So far, I have only one “follower.” (Thanks to my daughter Sarah.) My blog address is www.garylewis05.blogspot.com.
So what this means is that on one computer screen, I can now log into my Facebook account, read my e-mail, post my written work to my blog and figure out what a “tweet” is supposed to be all about!
Not bad for someone still trying to master the art of chewing gum and walking at the same time.
I have found the key to being able to do many things at once is not brilliance or electronic wizardry or even terrifying efficiency – the key to that ability is focus. And what is focus? Author/futurist Leonard Sweet calls it “the integration of peripheral vision.”
Peripheral vision means achieving a sharper focus of the world around us. In the 1990s, “Magic Eyes” books were very popular. Although I’m not very good at it, those seemingly random dots can become highly focused three-dimensional images. Once you “get it,” a whole new world of experience opens to you. No matter what you think you’re seeing or how well you think you’re seeing, there is more to be revealed.
Another term to describe this focus is vision – the ability to see what could be within the realms of the here and now. Jesus did this all the time. He had amazing focus through peripheral vision. He brought into focus the smallest and the least even while addressing the cosmic concerns of his ministry.
In the midst of serving an anxious, pressing, crowd he could feel the touch of the hemorrhaging woman and focus on her needs. In the midst of teaching his chosen disciples, he could connect with the tiny children running underfoot and focus on their needs. In the midst of preaching to and healing a huge throng of people, he could hear the hungry rumblings of empty stomachs and focus on that need.
It is my belief that we can capture such a vision. The choice is ours. We can go through life looking at random dots and flat surfaces. Or, through patient observance of prayer and Christian fellowship, we can experience three-dimensional images of hope and ministry to others.
My prayer is that each of us will be able to see with the deep vision of faith in God. Look deep and hard, with a confident faith in God. Together, we can find ways to bring the Good News of God’s love to a seemingly flat and hurting world full of random dots.
By Pastor Gary Lewis
I have been trying to take a few more steps into the online world in recent weeks. The steps have been uncertain and shaky at times, but I am trying to persevere. It seems to be coming together all at once. I made Facebook the home page of one of my search engines and that has helped me to keep up with our church family. To be honest, though, I sometimes don’t know what to say. (And if you know anything about me this is very rare in real life.)
I updated my twitter account and my blog. You can find me at twitter@PastorWGL. So far, I have only one “follower.” (Thanks to my daughter Sarah.) My blog address is www.garylewis05.blogspot.com.
So what this means is that on one computer screen, I can now log into my Facebook account, read my e-mail, post my written work to my blog and figure out what a “tweet” is supposed to be all about!
Not bad for someone still trying to master the art of chewing gum and walking at the same time.
I have found the key to being able to do many things at once is not brilliance or electronic wizardry or even terrifying efficiency – the key to that ability is focus. And what is focus? Author/futurist Leonard Sweet calls it “the integration of peripheral vision.”
Peripheral vision means achieving a sharper focus of the world around us. In the 1990s, “Magic Eyes” books were very popular. Although I’m not very good at it, those seemingly random dots can become highly focused three-dimensional images. Once you “get it,” a whole new world of experience opens to you. No matter what you think you’re seeing or how well you think you’re seeing, there is more to be revealed.
Another term to describe this focus is vision – the ability to see what could be within the realms of the here and now. Jesus did this all the time. He had amazing focus through peripheral vision. He brought into focus the smallest and the least even while addressing the cosmic concerns of his ministry.
In the midst of serving an anxious, pressing, crowd he could feel the touch of the hemorrhaging woman and focus on her needs. In the midst of teaching his chosen disciples, he could connect with the tiny children running underfoot and focus on their needs. In the midst of preaching to and healing a huge throng of people, he could hear the hungry rumblings of empty stomachs and focus on that need.
It is my belief that we can capture such a vision. The choice is ours. We can go through life looking at random dots and flat surfaces. Or, through patient observance of prayer and Christian fellowship, we can experience three-dimensional images of hope and ministry to others.
My prayer is that each of us will be able to see with the deep vision of faith in God. Look deep and hard, with a confident faith in God. Together, we can find ways to bring the Good News of God’s love to a seemingly flat and hurting world full of random dots.
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