I’ll be preaching on 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18 this Sunday. This passage is often cited in support of the idea of the rapture. I’d like to know what you think. Would answer this one question poll to help me out?
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
This Sunday, November 16, 2014, we’ll be singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic because it goes with my text from 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18 and in observance of Veterans Day. The song first appeared in The Atlantic during the Civil War. The Atlantic has an article titled “The Battle Hymn of the Republic: America’s Song of Itself” that traces the song’s history and cultural resonance while also touching on the concerns some devout Christians have about it.*
The concern that I’ve felt most keenly is the conflict between the hymn’s martial tone and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. I found great comfort in learning that Martin Luther King, Jr. had quoted it. If a peacemaker like MLK can quote it, than surely there’s enough room for someone like me to sing it. The article is well worth the read.
Link: http://goo.gl/ifgTcx
*The Atlantic’s article isn’t the only one out there. But, it’s the one I’m sharing because I think that the magazine that first published the song might provide the best insight into its nature and history.
2014 Stewardship Campaign
This year’s stewardship campaign will be different than in previous years. Instead of the usual campaign which lasts four Sundays, we’ve been preaching on stewardship throughout the year. For this reason we’ll simply use the Sunday before thanksgiving as consecration Sunday and allow people to make a commitment for 2015.
For those who aren’t able to attend, we’ll follow up as we always do. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Youth Movie
Quick Reminder: there will be a youth movie and game night tomorrow (Sunday, November 9, 2014) at 6 pm.
Funeral Service for Eva Barber
A Service of Death and Resurrection for Eva Barber will be held at 10 am on Monday, November 10, 2014 at First United Methodist Church. Eva’s obituary is can be found on the Martin-Becker-Carson Funeral Home website. Please pray for Eva’s family and friends in their time of loss.
Link: http://goo.gl/dmCLi7
A God So Smitten
Another choice quote from Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church by Kenda Creasy Dean:
“The Christian God-story emphasizes a God so smitten with creation that God chooses to enter creation with us, and stops at nothing—not even death—to win us back.”
And according to scriptures like Romans 8.18-23, when God gets us back, all of creation will come with us. But what I like best about this statement is the use of the word smitten. I had never heard that word used to describe God’s love for us before. God’s love for us is so powerful, so profound, so vast and so everlasting that we’re always in danger of underestimating or understating it. I’m going to add smitten to my repository of words I used to describe the love that God has for us.
Meeting Notes: Charge Conference
We had a great charge conference Sunday night (November 2, 2014). Rev. Dee Williamston, our new District Superintendent, presided. As required by The Book of Discipline, members present set clergy compensation and approved a new slate of church officers and committee members. The conference received the fund balance and other reports. Jenny and I shared our goals for the present appointment year. Those gathered sang hymns, heard a meditation from Dee and prayed for the future of the church. Jenny and I want thank everyone who attended, it’s not glamorous or exciting, but it is necessary.
UMW Fall Bazaar
Today is election day. After you vote be sure and stop by Wright Fellowship Hall to visit the UMW (United Methodist Women) Fall Bazaar. They’ve already started serving cinnamon rolls for breakfast (or brunch, or lunch, or an early afternoon snack), and supper will be served beginning at 4 pm. They also have pies, baked goods, and crafts for sale. All proceeds go to support mission projects and scholarships. I hope you can make it.
Daylight Savings Time Ends This Sunday
Don’t forget to enjoy an extra hour of sleep tomorrow (Sunday, November 2, 2014) as daylight savings time comes to an end and we “fall back” one hour.