Month: January 2013

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Work Study Fellowship

We’re excited to announce the beginning of a new outreach project here at First that we’re calling the “Work Study Fellowship”. Using the language of the old adage, instead of giving someone a fish, we’re going to help them learn how to fish. We’re starting a program that should be beneficial both to Heather Scott (the participant) and to the church.

Heather’s responsibilities will be:

  • 10 hours of “work study” in the office each week, answering the phone and greeting visitors to extend the church’s office hours (when not answering the phone or greeting visitors, the rest of her time is to be spent studying)
  • progress in a course of study at Coffeyville Community College
  • meeting with a life mentor(s)

In exchange, the church will provide:

  • 10 “work study” hours each week for up to two years
  • a wage of $7.50 per “work study” hour
  • instruction/experience in bookkeeping using quick books
  • a life mentor(s)
  • references for future employment

Other expectations:

  • regular worship attendance whenever possible (not necessarily at First United Methodist Church)

United Methodists have always valued education and this program is an expression of that priority. It is a departure from traditional scholarships in that it seeks to add a layer of accountability (also a traditional United Methodist value) and to make available to Heather the full scope of the church’s support system. This program will exist outside of the church’s budget and will be funded by special offerings. Heather’s employment as a custodian is not bound to this program.

 

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Voice of the Day: Lillian Daniel – Updated

I need to introduce today’s quote from Lillian Daniel with the disclaimer that I appreciate the importance of relevant worship. That being said, Lillian gives voice to what I’ve often felt:

“Someone was complaining to me about why she had stopped going to her church, saying, ‘You know, when I was sitting there in worship I just didn’t get much out of it.’ To which I replied, ‘Well, it wasn’t directed toward you.'”

— Lillian Daniel, When “Spiritual but Not Religious” Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church.

Update: I’ve been thinking some more about this and I probably need to clarify that when Lillian Daniel says “it wasn’t directed toward you” she doesn’t mean that it’s directed toward some other human being, but rather that our worship is directed to God. That said, Methodists also believe that worship is a means of Grace by which God regularly reaches out to us through the Holy Spirit. So we do benefit from worship, even though we are by no means the focal point. The other thing that occurs to me is that perhaps a reason you need to be in worship on any given Sunday is that God will work through you to reach someone else. You may not get anything out of it, but the person sitting next to you has their experience enriched by your being there with them.

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The Sermon Next Sunday

Next Sunday, February 3, 2013, I’ll be preaching on Luke 4.16-30 with a working sermon title of “Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger.” The other two scripture readings are Jeremiah 1.4-10 and 1 Corinthians 13.1-13. The hymns will be “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “Lord of the Dance,” and “We Are Called.”

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Candlelight Prayer Vigil

The Coffeyville Ministerial Alliance will be sponsoring a Candlelight Prayer Vigil “in memory and support of Newtown and For Coffeyville area schools.” The vigil will be tomorrow, Monday, January 28, 2013, from 6:30 to 7 pm on the Plaza.

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Voice of the Day: Dallas Willard

voice-mic

Now Jesus himself was and is a joyous, creative person. He does not allow us to continue thinking of our Father who fills and overflows space as a morose and miserable monarch, a frustrated and petty parent, or a policeman on prowl. One cannot think of God in such ways while confronting Jesus’ declaration, “He that has seen me has seen the Father.”

— Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

Hat Tip: Job, Rueben P. Job, Three Simple Questions: Knowing the God of Love, Hope, and Purpose.

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Chloe Addison Kirk Born Monday

We’re happy to announce that Chloe Addison Kirk was born to Jeremy and Nikki Kirk on Monday, January 21. She was 6lbs, 5oz.; 19 inches (same exact numbers as big brother). Nikki will be on Maternity leave for at least four weeks, Faye Millen will be filling in.

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New Members

Yesterday we had the joy of officially welcoming three new members during second service: Scott, Renae, and Crystal Lazenby.

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The Creeds Explained — Part 9


Two weeks ago, I did something I never thought I would do: I altered the Apostle’s Creed. I didn’t do so lightly, so please allow me to explain. In preparation for this past week’s continuing education event, Jenny and I were asked to read Diana Butler Bass’ most recent book. The book served to remind me that the English word believe once had a deeper, broader meaning than it typically does today and it is used to translate ancient Greek and Latin words whose meanings go far beyond intellectual consent. Bass reminded me that in the Christian mind, the statement “I believe” should connotate an act of faith, a commitment to God, a loyalty given, a vow, a “pledge of faithfulness and loving service” to God. To believe is to to “belove, prize, or treasure.” Belief is a disposition of trusting God. Belief is relational and lived out.

With all that in mind, here’s the creed as we said it on Epiphany and as we’ll say it tomorrow:

I commit myself to God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I set my heart upon Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I place my trust in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

To me at least, substituting “I commit,” “I set my heart upon,” and “I place my trust in,” for “I believe,” more faithfully express the Christian understanding of faith/belief. Let me know what you think.