THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

Leading congregations to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ Meal time In-Reach At Rest l Event reaches out to 024000 Volume 159 Churches provide Jerry Ruth Williams Number 12 l July 20, 2012 help to community those who are incar- passes away on July kids. 4A cerated. 6A 9. 7A Two Sections, Section A Camps running strong for 2012 Late June and early July has were 1,933 registered campers, up seen day after day of record-set- 10 from the same time in 2011. ting heat, but camp goes on. Christine and Eric Barton, the “We just adjust our schedules new directors at Blue Mountain to include more water time,” said Camping and Retreat Center, have Missouri Conference camping done well with facility improve- director Lee Walz. ments and outreach their first Midway through the sum- year, and their numbers are up. mer, Missouri’s United Methodist Parent-child family camps have camps are a bit ahead of last year been very popular in 2012. in terms of number of campers “We’ve had more than twice registered for camps at this time. as many people sign up for fam- The first week of July there ily camp,” said Francesca Burton, camping assistant. This Rev. Eric Anderson welcomes a group of campers to Rocket Camp at Jo-Ota on July 9. year Rev. Chris Sloan The Thirst Camp at Camp Galilee Leaders were prepared ahead of end, that doesn’t mean the camp from Christ had 112 campers in 2011, this schedule this year. facilities are closed to next year. Community year it had 212. The Kerusso “Out of 700 volunteers, we had All of the camps have an increased UMC led camp led by John Birkhead grew more than 500 registered and cer- amount of year-round use. An a canoe from 33 last year to 77 this year. tified by May 15,” Walz said. example of one such event is the camp on An Athletes for Christ camp for There are still opportunities at first Missouri Conference orga- the Niangua junior high and high school last some camps for late planners, or nized Women’s Retreat October 12 River that year had 18 campers, and this year people whose plans have changed. -14. Registration is open and space involved it was split into two age groups Visit www.mocamps.org for more is limited. For more information more than and it grew to a total of 61 camp- information. e-mail fburton@moumethodist. 50 people. ers. When summer comes to an org. Small Church Initiative helps churches be healthy

The Healthy Church Initiative The SCI is designed for church- out the Small Church Initiative process is a system that looks at es that have fewer than 80 in aver- because the church was in decline. several operational areas of the age worship attendance. The goal “The church had been grow- church, but some components of of the SCI is to provide training, ing, and they wanted to maintain the process may not work as well support and consulting to help their momentum,” said Rev. Dee for small churches. The Missouri small United Methodist Churches Pennington, pastor of Pacific UMC. Conference has more than 600 in the state grow into more fruit- Pennington had ideas and a churches in the “Small Church” ful, vital congregations. vision, but was looking for some category. To better address their To participate, a church must affirmation and confirmation. needs, Bob Farr and the Center for have: She said the process of the Small Congregational Excellence devel- • A desire by the congregation Church Initiative helped everyone oped the Small Church Initiative. and the pastor to grow their get on board. The pilot project of the Small church “By gathering folks together Church Initiative in 2010 was • A sense of urgency and talking about issues, it helped completed by 24 churches with • The pastor and approximately people understand that this was 140 people participating. To date 10 percent of the congregation something we all needed to be there has been 77 churches and must be willing to participate concerned about,” Pennington 400 people participate in the ini- in the training said. tiative. Pacific UMC did not seek See SCI, pg. 3A

Pacific UMC is makes its presence known in its community The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profi t, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals as a church that engages in mission. Postage Paid at Dallas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275. 2A Opinions and Insights July 20, 2012

Familiar faces – and the God thing By Randa Rawlins works closely with our scheme of When you travel, it is always churches from Missouri who part- a pleasure to see a familiar face ner with churches in Mozambique. at your destination. Our journey And, on top of that, he has a full gave us the opportunity to see time job with the Mozambique many familiar faces – both from government. He had assisted us prior trips to Mozambique (Jim with the arrangements for our and Caryl Bryan, 2005; Craig mission – especially the work in Stevenson, 2006; Jim & Caryl Chokwe, the partner church in our Bryan and Randa Rawlins, 2007) trinity partnership. – and visits by Mozambicans to A few days later, when we Missouri. arrived in Chicuque, we were greet- When we arrived at the air- ed at the Methodist Guest House port in Maputo, standing outside there by Olivia and Isabella. They the customs doors and waving to have also both taken good care of us were Naftal (one of the VIM us before on our many visits there, coordinators for the Mozambique packing lunches for us on the days Annual Conference), John Sambo we traveled and serving us wonder- and his son Keith (more about ful dinners when we returned from John later) and Ezequiel – the a long day. Davita also helped take Missouri/Mozambique Initiative care of us this time – so we have a loves it. on the day that we were there, so 2006. Zephanias attended Eden Coordinator in Mozambique – or new friend here. Now for the God thing. As Jim they had the chance to visit with Seminary in St. Louis and was Eze, as we know him. All of these After our arrival in Chicuque, and I left the orphanage to walk him again. They also met his wife. financially supported by MUMC people have been to Missouri – Caryl and I walked over to the down the road back to the main Their picture is posted on the during part of that time. some more than once. More joy hospital and visited with the mission, Jim mentioned that he blog. And – the final God thing. to us when the van drove up to hospital administrator, Jeremias remembered a young man that On the driving from Chicuque On Sunday afternoon, our part- pick us up – and the driver was Franca to arrange for a tour of the was there in 2007 who could to Maputo, we passed Bishop ner church Malhangalene had a Telmo – the same driver Caryl hospital for our group the follow- not speak. We had assumed at Machado’s house – which is along special 3 p.m. music service to had in 2005 and our team had ing day. Caryl worked at the hos- that time that he was deaf – we the main highway in Mozambique. honor our VIM team. They have in 2007. Telmo is amazing – he pital during her mission in 2005, remembered that he had a big Bishop Machado retired 4 years a Sunday afternoon service like knows everyone, including all the and I met Jeremias in 2007. smile. Jim mentioned that he did ago. Jim met him during his time this once a month. It was sup- police at all of the checkpoints The first day in Cambine, the not see that young man this time, there in 2005. I also met him in posed to be next week, but they – and knows all of the locations Methodist Mission Station, also and wondered what happened to Atlanta 2 years ago when we all had a special service for us. As for everything we need, including brought old friends to us. First we him. Within a few minutes, a tall attended John Sambo’s graduation the service began, several young ice cream stores!!! Seriously, we saw Olga Ranchaze, the District young man neatly dressed in his from Emory. Just as we were pass- people entered the back. We were had requested Telmo to drive us, Superintendent for the Maputo school uniform came toward us ing his house, he and others were told that they were part of a band because we feel very safe and com- District, wife of Pastor Zaqueu and on the road, waving because he in a car pulling out onto the high- that would be singing for us, fortable with him. mother of our guide, Ericka. Olga had recognized Jim. Yes – it was way. Telmo pulled over so that we although not all were members at Our first stop after the air- stayed with Jim and Caryl just a the same boy – all grown up now. could yell our greetings to him out Malhangalene. In just a few min- port was the Malanga\ Methodist few weeks before we left for our He still had difficulty speaking, the window. He smiled and waved utes, one of the band members Guest House. Lucia, Rosa and mission. As we toured the grounds but had the same beautiful smile. his greetings and his thanks to us. was tapping Jim on the shoulder Betty, the staff at the guest house led by the seminary librarian, we How could it be that we could be On our return to Maputo, we and said “do you remember me?” have taken care of us before and met Dieudonne. He has been there talking about him – and he just had the opportunity to spend It was Magaia, our Habitat coor- we received a warm welcome for several years and leads the happened to be walking down time with our partner congrega- dinator from the home building and a great lunch prepared by agriculture educational program. the road toward us a few minutes tion at Malhangalene. There were mission in 2007. Just that morning them. Pastor Zaqueu Ranchaze Our visit to the orphanage at later. . . many familiar faces here, although at breakfast, Caryl and I had talk- appeared to greet us here. Zaqueu Cambine was especially exciting, The next familiar face to Jim we don’t know all of the names. ed about the fact that we did not visited us in Columbia last year because we saw Maravilha, who and Caryl was Belzardo, the Benedita Nhambiu is one of the get to see him. I had tried to find and stayed in our home. He is the was previously at the Guest House young man who they sponsored in members who has been with the him, but the email I sent before pastor of our covenant partner in Maputo. She was asked by the seminary for 3 years – and who is congregation for many years. our trip had come back undeliv- church, Malhangalene. He is also church to assume responsibility now a pastor. They saw him dur- Thyrlza Machado also approached erable. There he was. He had no the President of the Missouri/ of the orphanage at Cambine – a ing our trip in 2007 very briefly. Jim and Caryl at the Youth idea we were going to be there Mozambique Initiative on the huge change in her life. She said Thankfully, he was participating in Conference – she spent time in – and we were obviously very sur- Mozambique side. That means he it was hard at first, but now she a pastor’s seminar at the seminary Columbia at school. prised. When our team sang for On Saturday, we had dinner the congregation, we asked him to THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW with John and Delia Sambo in join us, since we had taught him their home with their children, the song in 2007. Robert Schnase Columbia: (573) 441-1770 Keith and Drianne. John was our So – the story goes. So com- Bishop, Missouri Area Fax: (573) 441-1780 guide during our 2007 mission fortable here with our old friends Sherry Habben Subscription rate is available upon request. Email and he and Delia and Keith visited – and our new friends. Although Director of Connectional Ministries Lorraine Sanders, Circulation, at us in Columbia in 2008. We were maybe a bit more difficult to say Contact information [email protected] blessed to share their home and good bye. We all talk about how 3601 Amron Court Subscribe for the free e-mail version of the Columbia, Missouri 65202 Missouri Conference Review at the wonderful meal that Delia pre- we will see each other soon. I E-mail for news submission: www.moumethodist.org/stayconnected pared. When we returned from the hope that is true for everyone – all fk [email protected] Next Deadline: July 20 Next Issue: August 3 Sambos house, Craig was greeted on our team and all of the friends Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 by his friend Zephanias – who we have made. With God’s bless- was the guide on his mission in ing, we will meet again. July 20, 2012 Missouri Conference News 3A

High-Tech Chat UMCOM suggests apps for church leaders

By United Methodist 9. Lectionary washing cars. Keynote Remote: iPhone, iPod Ultimate To-Do List (Android) Commmunications For preaching, the Lectionary app In a similar fashion, JotNot Pro touch and iPad (requires iOS 4.2.1 and TaskJot (Blackberry) offer the Mobile apps are becoming is essential. Spend 99 cents for this turns your iPhone into a scanner. or late): $0.99. same functionality. more and more a part of our app, and you can easily review this Where Evernote takes a picture 4. Dropbox iPhone, iPod Touch, and everyday lives, simplifying ordi- week’s texts on your iPhone. Some and catalogues the text, JotNot Pro If you’re not using cloud-based iPad (requires iOS 3.1.3 or later): nary tasks and providing instant may argue that this app should be takes a picture and cleans up your storage and file sharing at least on $2.99. access to information on the go. closer to number one, but some page’s background and text, mak- an elementary level, you should Compatible Android – Ultimate For example, you can easily helpful features are missing. For ing the document easier to read. be! Dropbox is an easy- to-use To-Do List: $5 after a free access information about The example, there is no search feature If your goal is to go paperless, this app that adds a nice little folder 14-day trial. United Methodist Church with the and no way to make notes inside app will help you get there. icon to your desktop. It automati- Compatible Blackberry – new UMC app, which enables the text. Still, for under a buck, it’s Evernote cally syncs any file that you put TaskJot: $14.95 standard/$24.95 access to daily devotions, news, very handy! iPhone, iPod touch and iPad in that folder to other computers Pro. videos, photos and social media iPhone and iPod touch (requires iOS 3.0 or later): Free. with Dropbox installed. No more 1. BibleXpress sites. The “Find-A-Church” fea- (iOS 3.0 or later): $0.99. Android: Free. frantic calls to find that elusive file This app has everything you need ture allows you to find a United iPad (requires iOS 3.2 or later): Blackberry: Free. at 11 p.m. on Saturday! Dropbox and then some!. It includes sev- Methodist church in a specific $4.99 JotNot Pro: makes it easy to access those files eral Bible translations and para- geographic location, as well as 8. Facebook iPhone, iPod touch and iPad from virtually anywhere. phrases, including ASV, ESV, KJV, UMC conferences, agencies and With the new Facebook timeline, (requires iOS 3.1.2 or later): $0.99 iPhone, iPod touch and LBLA (Spanish), NASB, NRSV administrative offices. The “Ask updating your church or organiza- 6. Logos iPad (requires iOS 3.1 or later): and The Message. You can also InfoServ” feature connects users tion’s Facebook page frequently If you’re looking for the best read- Free. download CUV (Chinese), Latin who have questions about the is critical! If you are among the ing app for the Bible, look no Android: Free. Vulgate, LutherBible, Reina Valera church or are looking for resourc- many people who have grown an further than Logos. Navigation Blackberry: Free. and Septuagint + Greek New es with church staff who can help. extra appendage (phone or tablet), is a breeze. Many translations are 3. NOOMA Testament free. The translations use it to update your page when- available. It includes Greek and FLANNEL and Rob Bell have are on your device so you need no After scouring the Internet and ever and wherever! Photograph Hebrew references. teamed up to make all 24 Internet connection to use them consulting with techie pastors, the potluck or vacation Bible iPhone, iPod touch and NOOMA videos available for The BibleXpress intuitive laity and bloggers, we take a look school gathering and post it iPad (requires iOS 4.0 or later): Smartphones and tablets. The app search feature rivals Google. It at ten other leading mobile apps directly to Facebook. It couldn’t be Free. is free. The first video is free; the allows you to choose how to for church leaders. easier. Android: Free. rest are $2.99 each – half of the organize your bookmarks and iPhone, iPod touch and 5. KeyNote and KeyNote retail price! With this app, you can includes Easton’s Bible Dictionary, Beginning with Number 10 … iPad (iOS 4.0 or later): Free. Remote have all of the 10-15-minute vid- with about 4,000 names, places Android: Free. Create a presentation in MS eos available wherever you go. and Christian-specific definitions 10. BC Reader Blackberry: Free. PowerPoint or Apple’s Keynote iPhone, iPod Touch and along with Scripture hyperlinks. Are business cards falling out of 7. Evernote & JotNot and then control it from the pul- iPad (requires iOS 4.0 or later): The app also includes a Prayer your wallet or computer bag? Who Pro pit. With Keynote, you can build Free.. Journal that allows you to keep has time to enter that information Evernote organizes everything! If attractive presentations and import Android: Free. track of your prayers by contacts, into a phone? You know what’s you want to remember something, PowerPoint presentations without 2. Toodledo categories and calendar. next! “There’s an app for that!” take a picture with your phone any virtual jumbling to fix. Keynote Toodledo will simplify your to-do With these features, you do Use your phone to photograph and Evernote will use text-recog- Remote allows you to control lists. Toodledo is a powerful task have to pay a little more than for each card , and Business Card nition technology to make the text another computer on the same and note manager that will help most other apps. You can purchase (BC) Reader software will save in the image searchable. Do you network that also has Keynote. you organize lists and notes. Your BibleXpress for $29.99 and enjoy the information and create a new like the message on a marquee and Keynote Remote also frees you to increased productivity is a win all the features. If that’s a little contact. want to use it at your church later? untether your iPhone and iPad and for everyone! Use Toodledo as steep, the BibleXpress Lite app has iPhone, iPod touch and Take a photo and Evernote will move about the room. a stand-alone application or use the intuitive feature. It does not iPad (requires iOS 3.1 or later): store the words in its long-term Keynote: iPhone 3GS, 4 and it to synchronize your lists on contain copyrighted Bible transla- $5.99 memory so your long-term mem- 4S, iPod touch (3rd and 4th gen- Toodledo.com. tions, but you may purchase addi- Android: $4.99 ory is freed up for more important eration) and iPad (requires iOS 5.1 While Toodledo is designed for tional ones. BibleXpress Lite costs Blackberry: $9.99 things – like when the youth are or later): $9.99. the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, $2.99.

SCI continued from page 1A

Pennington was familiar with all over again.” sidering making it into a regular December, and started imple- pleting all of the Prescriptions another church that was resistant The church went through the Saturday service. menting them in January. that were adopted a year ago,” to change, and is now having consultation process, and came Barry Baugh had been through “Some people were asking if we she said. “While we haven’t seen struggles because it tried to do out with recommendations that Pastor Leadership Development could just do part of the prescrip- an increase in our worship atten- everything the same way for too advised them to have a clear plan 1 and 2 right as the Small Church tions, but I told them that if we dance or in professions of faith long. She didn’t want to see that for forming disciples, to develop Initiative was getting started. wanted to continue on with the we are becoming more intentional happen to Pacific UMC. clarity on their vision, and to hire Normally PLD would be the first help of consultants, it was all or and focused. We have a clearer “Bob Farr has got into my a part-time director of children’s step in the SCI process, but since nothing,” Baugh said. understanding and a process out- head, and I keep hearing him say- ministry to expand their programs he had just completed PLD, the More than a year after accept- lined for making new disciples for ing how you’ve got to keep doing in that area. church went right into the SCI ing the prescriptions, Pennington Jesus Christ.” something different,” she said. “If The church has also been try- process. The consultation was in is glad that her church participat- For more information on the you get to static, you eventually ing an alternative worship service November of 2010, they voted ed in the Small Church Initiative. Small Church Initiative, e-mail end up having to start everything on the fifth Sundays, and is con- to accept the prescriptions in “We are getting close to com- [email protected]. 4A Missouri Conference News July 20, 2012

Summit Church offers summer lunch

The congregation of the Lee’s challenged families throughout program or would like to donate, Summit United Methodist Church the school year. This program please call the church at 816-524- expects to feed between 7,000 and allows us to continue that support 4966 and ask about the Summit 10,000 children throughout the even while the children are out of Lunch Program. All contributions community this summer. school.” He continues, “Providing are tax deductible and will go Lee’s Summit, MO - As part of these types of programs to the straight to providing the lunches. their mission and outreach pro- community allows us to fulfill The Summit Church is located grams, The Summit Church will our commitment to be the hands at 2nd and Douglas in Lee’s deliver sack lunches to students and feet of Jesus and meet the real Summit, Missouri and offers in the community who may not needs of our neighbors.” both contemporary and tradi- Eastwood Memorial have enough to eat. The Church Volunteers will prepare tional worship on their campus. will take lunches to seven differ- between 120 and 150 lunches each Services are offered on Saturday provides 6,000 meals ent areas in the city five days each day and will then deliver to the evening and Sunday morning and week, working in tandem with areas of Sage Crossing, the Lee’s children’s Christian education is Eastwood Memorial UMC a volunteer with Outreach other groups to make sure that Summit Elementary neighbor- available on Sundays. in Caruthersville was a flurry International. Mr. Bernard these pockets of need are served. hood, Crossroads, Knollbrook, As a congregation of the of activity on June 26 when underwrote the cost of the food Pastor Jim Preisig is pleased Ridgeview Village and Maple United Methodist Church, The members of the church along and the transportation of the that the church is able to con- Estates each day between 11:30 Summit offers Outreach, Adult with volunteers from other food to Caruthersville. As a rice tinue their service to the school and noon. The lunches are free to Education, Impact missions and churches and the community farmer, Mike has been very sup- children in our area, even dur- anyone who asks. Volunteers will a Day care and Montessori pre- came together to help alleviate portive of the Festival of Sharing ing the summer. “Through our be dressed in green shirts and will school. For more information hunger insecurity in Pemiscot in Missouri and Second Harvest partnership with Lee’s Summit have signs that indicate they are on The Summit, please visit the County and the Missouri in Tennessee. According to Mr. Elementary, we provide volunteers from the Summit Lunch Program. website at www.reachingthesum- Bootheel. Approximately 40 vol- Bernard, “I am very pleased with and funding to our economically If you have questions about the mit.com. unteers helped with the project. the great job our volunteers have Eastwood Memorial partnered done and the fact that we were with Outreach International able to package over 6,000 meals Ministries out of Memphis to in about two hours. I look for- package over 6,000 nutritious mac ward to doing this again with a & cheese meals for distribution goal of 10,000 meals.” in Southeast Missouri. The food Pastor Jim Coffer added that will be shared through the Day of this food will go a long way Hope in Caruthersville, a commu- toward alleviating food insecurity nity service ministry which serves in the Bootheel. Pemiscot County 350-400 people each month with is one of the poorest counties in their food distribution program. Missouri with 31% of the popula- Eastwood Memorial has a close tion at or below the federal pov- partnership with Day of Hope erty level. According to Pastor which serves the entire Bootheel Coffer, “This was an excellent way area. to bring Christians together from Mr. Mike Bernard, a member various backgrounds to share the of Eastwood Memorial and a local love of Jesus in a very concrete agribusinessman, developed a and practical way. I look forward passion for this ministry through to expanding this effort in the his friendship with Ted Medlin, future.” July 20, 2012 Local Church News 5A Faith in Action results in shipment to Mozambique

By Chris Sams administrator in CRH, we discov- It all started with Platte Woods ered the great need. UMC’s Faith in Action Weekend We began to talk to others over Memorial Day Weekend. In about the logistics of sending a years past we have worked with container to Mozambique and felt Numana, and this year we wanted secure that we could get a contain- to do a different type of collection er there. After we decided to send to affect another ministry. Talking the container, then we had to get with Jeremias Franca, the hospital the word out to as many churches and people as possible to fill the con- tainer. With Mozambique usually) so we put the word out micro project of a sewing room at the MI booth. One church missions we to as many partners as possible in Cambine so over 20 sewing has been saving over 2000 medi- are always to let them know of the commu- machines went in the shipment. cine bottles. Crossroad UMC in faced with nity shipment to Chicque Rural Our friends at Treich Memorial Oakdale, Pennsylvania, heard the difficulty Hospital. UMC in Flower Mound, Texas, about the shipment and wanted to of getting We had PETs being shipped. collected some medical items send $2800 to help cover the cost items there When I was at the PET warehouse and drove them all the way to of the shipping. It truly was a work (due to in Columbia they asked if those Platte Woods UMC to include in of God’s people all around sending expense and in Mozambique could use sew- the shipment. People at Annual hope to our brothers and sisters in luggage size ing machines. We were starting a Conference dropped things off Mozambique Africa.

Bibles bought for Mozambique Pat Farris visited Mozambique story “Spread the Word – Bibles sought information and photos of in 2008. While there she saw the and hymnals for Mozambique”. Nazareta. realities of this country, extremely She knew that Bibles cost about So she did just that and in poor economically but rich in $10 and hymnals about $6. She honor of her 60th birthday which spirit! When Pat returned she had seen the smiling faces in the would be on November 22nd, got connected to the Missouri photos of Bible presentations in she invited her congregation to Mozambique Initiative and sub- Mozambique. give for 60 Bibles and 60 hym- scribed to the MI newsletter. This Pat contacted Missouri MI nals. Her Sunday school classes at is not unusual – except that Pat coordinator, Carol Kreamer, to Santa Monica FUMC contributed Farris is senior pastor of First see if there was a specific church $938.40. In 2012 MI coordina- United Methodist Church in Santa that she could help. After learning tors, Carol Kreamer and Sarah Monica, California. the options of churches without Bollinger, along with representa- For her 60th birthday in partners, she chose Nazareta tive Ezequiel Nhantumbo, present- November 2011, Pat invited the (Nazareth) UMC – a poor church ed the Xitswa Bibles to Nazareta Santa Monica Sunday school that needed 68 Bibles and 60 UMC presented during the their to contribute Bibles & hym- hymnals. She wanted to make itineration in Mozambique. Lay nals – Bibles and hymnals for this an educational moment as Leader, Lidia, was thrilled to Pat writes, “Our congrega- church without a partner. Mozambique. You see, Pat had well as mission outreach for her receive the donated Bibles. tion is grateful to be able to send Bibles currently cost about read the September MI newsletter congregation, and Note of interest the Nazareta UMC Bibles and $11. If you or your church wish Rev. Patricia Farris vis- Hymnals to honor Rev. Farris’s to donate Bibles in Mozambique, ited Mozambique in 2008 60th birthday. We send our send your contributions pay- with a team from the prayers and love to your pastors, able to Missouri Conference, Women’s Division of the Rev. Cesar and Rev. Jossias, and marked 8800 Mozambique Bible United Methodist Church. to your whole congregation. May fund (with partner church name She has been appointed these Bibles open up God’s Word if designated), and mail to the as Senior Minister at the to you and may the hymnals join treasurer’s office at 3601 Amron First United Methodist you together in praise. Truly God’s Court, Columbia, MO 65202. Or Church of Santa Monica, love in Christ Jesus unites us as give online at www.moumethodist. California, USA, since sisters and brothers.” org/mi, click Donate and specify 1998. Prior to this You can give Bibles and hym- “Bibles”. Contact MI coordina- appointment, she served nals also! You can contribute for tor, Sarah Bollinger, sbollinger@ as District Superintendent your partner church! Or you can moumethodist.org 314-623- of the San Diego District. contribute to the Bible fund for a 0401. Spread the Word! 6A Missouri Conference News July 20, 2012 Saint Paul’s UMC extends thanks to Woods Chapel UMC On May 22nd of 2011 a massive tornado struck Joplin, Missouri destroying many homes, churches, and businesses within the community. Within the first few days following the tornado, Woods Chapel UMC of Lee’s Summit, Missouri was present in Joplin. The church formed a part- nership with Saint Paul’s UMC, first helping with recovery efforts and then with rebuilding. On May 6th of 2012, almost a year after the deadly tornado, members of Saint Paul’s visited Woods Chapel to show their Bikers join Nelson appreciation for all they had done in the past year. Many on the Memorial for Day of trip had been direct recipients Woods Chapel. from Psalm 115:15, “May you be of the efforts of Woods Chapel. Pastor Jeff Brinkman was pre- blessed by the Lord.” Ministry with prison Throughout the day, Saint Paul’s sented with a gift from the mem- Saint Paul’s UMC, along with members shared stories of survival bers of Saint Paul’s. A framed the city of Joplin, is recovering. and hope, as well as expressions picture of the damaged Saint Woods Chapel continues to be On Saturday June 2, more than the goal of this event is to share of gratitude with the members of Paul’s steeple shared the words present in Joplin. fifty men and women Christian Christ, many of the motorcyclists motorcyclists along with the had free tracts, Christian books, Christian band Tattooed Prophet Bible portions and Bibles to give traveled to Boonville Missouri away to all who asked. to participate in the twelfth- In the evening, an awesome UMW has active June of 2012 annual Day of Ministry within service was led by the band with- the Boonville Correctional Center in the prison chapel with over (BCC). The event is coordinated 100 in attendance. Well over half June 2012 was a busy time by Nelson Memorial UMC in of those in attendance prayed to for United Methodist Women of Boonville. receive Christ. Praise God!! the Missouri Conference. Two The day began with a free Whereas the prison chapel is large events happened; one was BBQ lunch served by members very active in this prison facil- the South Central Jurisdiction of the Nelson Memorial United ity, it is able to reach only a small Meeting, and the other the last Methodist Church. After prayer portion of the 1,500 offenders West Gulf Regional School. and a time of instruction, the being kept behind the fences At the South Central “bikers” traveled across town to of BCC. This annual Day of Jurisdiction Conference held enter the prison facility. During Ministry is the only event that in Abilene, Texas June 22-24. the time on the “yard”, the band offers a Christian witness to There were six delegates from the played their “rockin’” Christian potentially all of the men serving Missouri Conference UMW to music and the offenders were able time at the Boonville Correctional elect four to the board of direc- to look at the variety of motor- Center. tor’s for Women’s Division, and cycles and talk to the riders. As one alternate. The six delegates were: Mabel Unser, President; Katie Willis, Communications; Gail Davis, Education and Interpretation; Linda Page, of Women’s Division or as it will Poverty or Haiti. Study leaders Program Resources; Alexis soon be called the UMW National learned how to teach these vari- Robinson, Membership, Nurture Office. Another group will be ous topics and to connect spiritu- and Outreach; and Carolyn formed shortly of 70-80 women ally with them. We enjoyed great Celestine, Treasurer. that will comprise the Program fellowship and how to illustrate We elected, along with Advisory Board. More informa- Radical Hospitality to the least of the other Conferences in the tion will be released as we get it. us. Southwest Jurisdiction, Yvette These ladies will lead us into the Please join us for the Missouri Richards, Karon Mann, Becky next quadrennium. Cooperative School of Christian Thompson and Stacie Hawkins. The last West Gulf Regional Mission at our Central Methodist The alternate was Mary Helen School was held in Abilene, University Campus on July 26-29. Gracia. Yvette Richards is from Texas on June 26-28 on the Registration forms and other our own Missouri Conference McMurry Campus. Several people information available on www. UMW and was re-elected for from the Missouri Conference moumethodist.org/umw a four year term. This group stayed in dorms learning about forms the policy making body Immigration and the Bible, July 20, 2012 Opportunities 7A Conference Calendar Job Date Event Location Phone/E-Mail Contact Postings 7/20/2012 MO School of Lay Ministry CMU [email protected] Rick Matson Assistant for Children 7/22/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer and Family Ministry, St. John’s - Kansas 7/26/2012 Cooperative School of Christian Mission CMU (314) 432-1091 Sally Holston City St. John’s United Methodist 7/29/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Church is a faith community of approximately 450 members 8/2/2012 MO Candidacy Summit Camp Jo-Ota (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden in a neighborhood south of the Country Club Plaza. The 8/10/2012 Holy Ghost Party Camp Clover Point (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer church is growing and empha- sizing the importance of faith 8/11/2012 UMW Finance & Mission Team Meetings Conference Center (417) 437-9628 Paula Ackerson formation and discipleship for all age groups. The Assistant for Sheraton Westport - St. Children and Family Ministry is 8/16/2012 School of Congregational Development (573) 441-1770 Tammy Calcote Louis a member of the Faith Formation Ministry, the purpose of which is 8/24/2012 MO State PAUMCS Conference Woods Chapel UMC [email protected] Barbara Webb to help all members know God and to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. For more infor- Respective District 8/27/2012 Quadrennial Boundaries Training Kirksville UMC Respective District Office mation e-mail mailto:khern@ Office stjohnsumc.org. Respective District 8/28/2012 Quadrennial Boundaries Training Blue Ridge UMC Respective District Office Office Community Business Director, Green Trails Respective District 8/30/2012 Quadrennial Boundaries Training Manchester UMC Respective District Office UMC Green Trails in Office Chesterfield is looking for a Community Business Leader. Respective District 9/1/2012 Quadrennial Boundaries Training Kingsway UMC Respective District Office This full-time position will be Office responsible for implementation of administrative ministries and 9/8/2012 SERVE 2012 State-wide [email protected] Audrey Phelps tasks, as well as direction on internal/external communica- Wood's Chapel - Lee's karen.hayden@ 9/11/2012 CONVERGE Karen Hayden tion. Desired applicants will have Summit moumethodist.org at least a Bachelor’s degree and some experience in marketing, communication and/or customer Jerry Ruth Williams leaves a legacy of service service. Good people, communi- cation and computer skills are a Jerry Ruth Williams died on to Geneva, Switzerland as a mem- studies. Her travels include must. For questions or to apply, July 9 following a brief struggle ber of the Executive Committee of Israel, Egypt, Brazil, Switzerland, email [email protected]. with cancer. She was 75. General Commission on Christian Italy, North and South Korea, Mrs. Williams was the lay lead- Unity and Interreligious Concerns, China, Argentina, Australia, New er of the Missouri East Conference and visited the World Council Zealand, and most of the United Life on Mission and the Missouri Conference from of Churches and the Ecumenical States of America. Pastor, Morning Star 2000 - 2004, and was the first Institute de Bossey. In 2006, she Mrs. Williams was a Harry African-American lay leader for was a member of the delegation Hosier Life Member of the Black Morning Star Church in the Conferences. While serving as which met with the Pontifical Methodists for Church Renewal. O’Fallon, MO is a dynamic con- a lay leader she wrote a column Council on Christian Unity at the In the Missouri Conference temporary church that is pas- for each issue of the Missouri Vatican, Rome Italy. she served on the Pathways sionate about meeting people Conference Review. She later wrote Mrs. Williams is a past Task Force, which guided the where they are and helping them a book entitled “Sighing Forth My president of the South Central Conference through its restruc- to take next steps in their spiri- Soul,” published in 2007. Jurisdiction United Methodist turing process. She was named tual journey. Incumbent will be Mrs. Williams has held many Women’s Core Planning Group director emeritus by the Board of a leader of leaders, who coor- lay positions in The United and a past director of the Women’s Directors of Epworth Children dinate and lead teams of both Methodist Church, as well Division, General Board of Global and Family Services in St. Louis. Jerry Ruth Williams staff and volunteers to deliver as being actively involved in Ministries. At the time of her Mrs. Williams chaired the engaging ministry to MSC’s adult the World Methodist Council death she was completing the first Episcopal Committee for the ate the faithfulness, loyalty and population consistent with the Executive Committee and the quadrennial of a 12-year term as a Missouri Conference, and served hard work that she gave to the overall mission of the church. General Assembly of the National member of the board directors of on the Episcopal Committee for United Methodist Church. She Incumbent will be committed to Council of Churches of Christ in the United Methodist Publishing the South Central Jurisdiction. had excellent insight, and brought and support the philosophy and the USA. She was elected to the House. “I’m deeply in debt to Jerry a wealth of leadership and experi- mission of Morning Star Church 2000, 2004, and 2008 General Retired from Southwestern Ruth, as she played a pivotal role ence to the table. The Missouri and its leadership team. For the Conference and served as Vice Bell, Mrs. Williams, was a cer- in working to invite and receive Conference will miss her, and I full job description please visit chairman for both the 2000 and tified lay speaker and holds me into the Missouri Conference,” will personally miss her friendship our website http://mscwired.org. 2004 Missouri Conference delega- educational certifications in said Missouri Bishop Robert and support.” tions. In April 2003, she traveled counseling, English, and social Schnase. “I very much appreci- 8AA Office of Creative Ministries News July 20, 2012

Missouri Methodists help build the dream in Hawaii

A few years ago a handful of of putting in a small microwave on people dreamed of building a each side of the duplex. church camp on the big island of The camp lodge, the main Hawaii. For twenty years, since building, is complete and provides the camp on Oahu was con- a space for the mission teams to demned, church camp had been prepare meals and sleep. When all an ever more distant memory. But the planned buildings are com- these dreamers organized, and pleted, this lodge will become the today, near the town of Honoka’a, camp director’s home. Currently, Camp Mekokiko (Hawaiian for shower facilities are contained in a Methodist) is in the process of separate building that also houses becoming a reality. the camp laundry. The process has been slow- In January the VIM team from going, as Camp Mekokiko relies Missouri began construction on solely on volunteers and dona- a maintenance shed to house the tions. But progress is being made. equipment necessary to maintain So far one set of four tent sites, the camp. The shed was completed which includes a bathhouse, have by a VIM team from Wisconsin been completed. There is no elec- in February. This new construc- tricity at the tent sites, but each tion frees up a smaller shed on site will have a BBQ pit for cook- site where they are now storing ing, a protective covering to shield a riding mower and other small tents from the heavy tropical rains. landscaping tools. The bathhouse has running water The next major project planned and a small water heater. There is at Camp Mekokiko is a bunk a meditation gazebo that can be how to make a donation. be covered. Team members plan to also progress on a second tent site house area with four buildings used for worship services. A rec- The second way to help is worship with a local congregation at the camp, and plans to complete and two shower facilities. Each reation hall that will provide facili- to join a VIM team. Several that sponsors a carry-in dinner two more tent areas and a second bunk house will sleep at least ties for games as well as cooking teams from Washington, Illinois, for the team. There is also a “work bathhouse! seven. These buildings need to and dining for large groups is also Wisconsin, and Missouri, with day” where people from all over The volunteers at Camp be completed so that the camp on the drawing board. regular commitments at various the island come together to work Mekokiko have also completed can host large groups of campers. Camp Mekokiko is slowly times throughout the year, have with us and share a meal, giving one duplex—a single building with Already the camp has obtained becoming less of a dream and already formed and would wel- team members ample opportuni- two separate living areas. Each an occupancy permit, allowing more of a reality, but the dream- come your help. Another team is ties to visit with the Hawaiian area includes a living room with the camp to be rented out to non- ers still need help! There are two in the process of forming in North locals. Plenty of time for site-see- a refrigerator and sink and din- profit groups. As Camp Mekokiko ways that you can help. First, Carolina. The Missouri team is ing is also built into the trip. If you ing table. There are two day beds currently relies on donations to check out their web site at WWW. tentatively scheduled to make are interested in more information in this area, and with the separate survive, completing this area is MEKOKIKO.COM . The site is another trip in February 2013. on the Missouri VIM trip to Camp bedroom, the duplex can comfort- vital to producing needed rev- currently undergoing renovations This mission will last approxi- Mekokiko contact ably sleep up to eight people. Each enue. but check back regularly to see the mately 18 days and the current Dwayne Abbott unit has a full bath with running Other planned projects for the entire lay-out of the camp, featur- estimate of cost is $2000 per 502 Hwy 100 water. The lights in the duplex are camp include a Polynesian fale— ing both the completed projects person, which includes air fare, Linn, MO 65051 powered by a solar unit. They are picture an oval-shaped hut with a and their construction plans. A transportation and a majority of Phone: 573-897-3210 currently looking at the possibility thatched roof and no walls—and link from this site will show you the meals. Six to ten meals will not E-mail: [email protected]

Visit the Office of Creative Ministries Web site at www.umocm.com. Wesleyan Considering ‘A m e r i c a n Wisdom Seminary? Bible’

Donald Haynes reports from Questions to ask Scholar Stephen Prothero Wesley’s Chapel in U.K. | 4B if you feel the call | 6B offers intriguing anthology | 7B

July 20, 2012 Section B

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER The independent source for news, features and commentary about the United Methodist Church Q&A: ‘Spiritual but not religious’: What does that mean? A growing number of people de- scribe themselves now as “spiritual but not religious.” Linda Mercadante, professor of theology at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, spent years researching the beliefs of “SBNRs,” and now she’s on a mission to help churches to better engage them. Dr. Mercadante spoke by phone with staff writer Mary Jacobs; here are excerpts.

Who are the “spiritual but not religious”? A common assumption many peo- ple make is that SBNRs operate out- side the world of organized religion. I’ve found, however, that many of the UMNS PHOTO BY PAUL JEFFREY people who regularly or irregularly United Methodist Women from the North Georgia Conference joined others from around the world in a rally against private prisons during show up in the pews apply the SBNR the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. label to themselves. For my inter- views, I would go to churches and talk to church members, thinking they UMW begins new era of independence would suggest their children, friends or relatives for me to interview. They “No change is an indication that came known as the “agreements of of Ms. Olson and Thomas Kemper, top did, but some would come up and B Y L INDA B LOOM something is inert,” she said. “We have 1964,” triggering, she believes, “a long, executive for Global Ministries, as a  See ‘Spiritual’ page 2B United Methodist News Service always been changing.” long list of unanticipated conse- “proposed strategic direction” was ac- You could say that Cynthia Rives On May 1, the 2012 United quences” and concerns over how mis- cepted in principle. was raised from the cradle to be part Methodist General Conference ap- sion money raised by women “was Women’s Division directors ap- of United Methodist Women. proved legislation to separate UMW being integrated in other parts of the proved the final legislation in April As a child, she attended activities and its administrative body, the board.” 2011. with her mother, an officer in the de- Women’s Division, from the UMC’s The new structure approved in Although separated, the two agen- nomination’s New Mexico Annual General Board of Global Ministries, to May is “an important and strategic cies remain “missionally connected.” Conference. As a bride of 20, she which it had been related for decades. move” to re-assert control over assets, Ms. Olson and Mr. Kemper plan to es- joined on her own. Over the years, in The move to independence is a institutions and missional directions, tablish “program tables” to discuss New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, she nod to denominational pioneers— Ms. Campbell said. common mission concerns, such as has always found mentors and friends women who ran their own foreign and global health, leadership development, through UMW “wherever I’ve gone.” home missionary societies, dating as Opportunity to expand poverty, immigration, and peace and Now, as president of the Central far back as 1869, until those groups Harriett Olson, UMW’s top execu- reconciliation. Texas Conference UMW, Ms. Rives, 61, became part of larger mission boards, tive, considers the organization’s new “We’re trying to create a new pat- is excited and supportive as UMW says Barbara Campbell, a retired independence as an opportunity to tern of being together. . . on strategy starts a new chapter of its 143-year- Women’s Division executive and de expand on its tag line—“Turning and planning work,” Ms. Olson ex- old existence as a mission movement facto UMW historian. faith, hope and love into action.” plained. for women within the United Further changes in women’s mis- The process of separation began Mr. Kemper noted that the UMW Linda Mercadante Methodist Church. sion work occurred through what be- three years ago, under the leadership  See ‘New Era’ page 8B 2B FAITH focus FAITH WATCH  SPIRITUAL Continued from page 1B whisper to me, so the pastor couldn’t rate portrayal of religion or of spiritu- COSROW exec hear, “Actually, you should interview ality. Nevertheless, the majority of my stepping down me.” interviewees insist that spirituality is The top executive of the This happened day after day. the personal center and quest for an UMC’s Commission on the Scratch below the surface of an aver- individual, whereas religion is some- Status and Role of Women age Protestant or Catholic church and thing external, rule-ridden and insti- has announced she’s step- you will find many who resonate to tutional. In their thinking, religion is ping down. M. Garlinda the SBNR description. They may at- nothing more than a dispensable Burton, who has held the tend church on Sunday but during the shell. post since 2003, will work week pursue meditation, yoga, Reiki through the end of the year. sessions, energy work, A Course in So is there a dichotomy—people The commission plans to Miracles, or read books by such non- believe they’re spiritual, as opposed consolidate its staff in Christian gurus as Eckhart Tolle or to being religious? Chicago in 2013, and Ms. Deepak Chopra. Oftentimes, clergy This isn’t a deep philosophical Burton, who has worked themselves are among them. tenet but more of a rhetorical strategy from Nashville, did not to get out from under the weight of want to relocate. When people say, “I’m spiritual but traditional authority. Clearly it is also PC (U.S.A.) keeps not religious,” what do they mean? a very useful strategy for those who ©2012 DESIGN PICS marriage definition It means they’re taking authority are selling alternative spiritualties. It’s Many Americans call themselves “spiritual but not religious” — away from the organization, or the in- part of a wider pattern that dates back After more than three hours including some who may attend church but also pursue activities of debate, the General As- stitution, or the authority figures, to the Enlightenment, what scholars like yoga or meditation. sembly of the Presbyterian which they assume have held broad call de-traditionalization. It’s been Church (U.S.A.) voted by a authority over people’s lives. They’re building for a very long time. partners. Remember that my research churches need to do is to explain 52 percent margin to pre- assuming they have the right to is qualitative, not quantitative. I did and “sell” the value of commitment serve the traditional mean- choose what to believe and how to What about the image that some in-depth, one-on-one interviews, and to a group. ing of marriage as spelled practice, and they think this is some- church folks might have, of SBNRs I listened to lots of people for hours. I I couldn’t agree more. Commit- out in the church constitu- thing religions don’t want to allow. So as self-absorbed? didn’t get what I expected. I expected ment to a group is something that our tion. The constitution de- they’re reacting to the idea that organ- I found very few who would fit the to hear how people had been hurt by society does not teach, and it’s some- fines marriage as a “civil ized religion would like to assert au- criteria for genuine narcissism. the church, had been abused, or had thing people feel they have every right contract between a woman thority over them and tell them how The practical difficulty with the SBNR come from strict fundamentalist to reject. That would be the biggest and a man.” The effort to behave, and they do not want to ethos is, at least among my many in- church backgrounds. My research takeaway. We should be counterintu- was to change that to “a grant that right. In truth, organized re- terviewees, that the people who self- didn’t bear that out. itive and even countercultural. The covenant between two peo- ligion hasn’t had that kind of author- identify as SBNR often have only culture makes religion a consumer ple.” The vote, occurring at ity over vast numbers of the fleeting, fragile, temporary commit- How can people in churches product. The culture says, “If it’s not a recent meeting in Pitts- population for a long time. ments to groups. The problem is that respond to this trend? working for you, walk away.” But those burgh, means Presbyterian it’s very hard to do good on your own. There are the folks that I call “ca- of us in the Christian faith, we know clergy who officiate at gay Do you think these folks are Christianity, at its best, is really a com- suals” who dip in and out of spiritual about the dark night of the soul. weddings will violate proto- reacting to stereotypes of munal religion. SBNRs may be public- communities on an as-needed basis, Sometimes you pray and pray and col and risk censure, the Christians rather than from their spirited and they may want to help for their own therapeutic good. It’s only eventually do you finally get an newspaper reported. direct experience? others, but given their strong anti-in- going to be hard to engage them. But answer. Vatican reports I think it does come, in part, from stitutional bent they tend to ‘shoot there are also SBNRs who are dedi- We practice liturgies, and they deficit for 2011 portrayals of conservative Christianity themselves in the foot.’ In other words, cated spiritual seekers, and we should don’t make sense every single day, but The Vatican ran a $19 mil- in the media, as some kind of hege- it is hard to do good by yourself. All honor their quest, the fact that they there’s a value in showing up. The lion deficit in 2011. Offi- monic, monolithic authority. This alone, you certainly can’t change soci- are searching. So I would say, try to be benefit is that, one day, things do click cials blamed the poor whole thing is fraught with stereo- ety. This “spiritual but not religious” a good listener and appreciate what into place. We need to be countercul- outcome on high personnel types. Most people don’t take the time trend seems harmless, but it could the SBNRs have to say. We can look at tural in this culture which doesn’t and communications costs, to listen to each other, to ask ques- have some social repercussions about our church structures to see if we’re value commitment, which doesn’t as well as adverse market tions. There are terrible misconcep- the common good that are unin- missing some of the things that value showing up, which doesn’t value conditions, particularly for tions on both sides, as to what tended. SBNRs wish they could find in reli- doing something when it’s not paying its real estate holdings, the Christians are, and what SBNRs are. gion: for more vital experiential off immediately. That’s a gift the Associated Press reported. SBNRs see “religion” as the external Many people assume that SBNRs things, for vital communities. The church can offer. The Vatican City State, structure and the dogma, whereas are folks who have been wounded church can provide that, and it has We understand the value of com- which is separate and man- “spirituality” is the individual’s per- by the church. True? often done that. SBNRs are looking munity. SBNRs often don’t yet appre- ages the Vatican Museums, sonal experiences of transcendence. No, that’s not what I have been for integrity, wisdom, kindness and ciate that religious community has ran a surplus. That definition really is not an accu- hearing among my many conversation love. They’re looking for flexibility great deep value, how it’s healthy and and willingness to experiment. They spiritually enlightening. To plant deep Somalia pressed on don’t want everything to be the same and grow roots is a very good thing religious freedom THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER (USPS954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications Inc., 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, Texas old same old, although some do want for a human being to do. We also bring Somali leaders are seeking 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional the most ancient practices and be- to the table a long history of social ac- mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE UNITED to bring financial aid to liefs. tion which is very important. Society areas of their country that METHODIST REPORTER. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275. THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided denominational Even more important than dis- doesn’t have many places where you have lately been recaptured www.unitedmethodistreporter.org news coverage since its beginning as the Texas Methodist newspaper in 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to the United Methodist General pelling stereotypes about SBNRs is can link up with others and transform from Islamist rebels. But po- [email protected] tential international donors Conference or to any of the denomination’s general boards or agencies. engaging them theologically. Unless society. That’s something we can offer. This newspaper aims to provide readers with a broad spectrum of the church takes seriously the theo- In order to do that you need to be say they want to see the Alan Heath, CEO information and viewpoints consistent with the diversity of Christians. new Somalia constitution All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted by UMR logical reasons that they give for stay- committed, to show up, to build trust. Communications Inc. unless otherwise noted. Reprint of material from ing away from organized religion, any Our culture doesn’t foster trust, com- guarantee religious free- Sam Hodges, Managing Editor this newspaper must be authorized in advance by the Editor, and fees dom. The constitution is on are assessed in some cases. To request reprints, e-mail [email protected], efforts to engage this population will mitment or deep personal ties. We track to be adopted Aug. Bill Fentum, Associate Editor or fax a request to (214) 630-0079. Telephone requests are not accepted. be hampered. SBNRs represent an op- have all of that to offer and I want to 20, as part of a United Na- Mary Jacobs, Staff Writer Send Correspondence and Address Changes portunity for churches to reinvigorate help the church recognize this. (include mailing label) To: P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX their ability to speak and think theo- tions-led process, according 75266-0275 Telephone: (214) 630-6495. Subscriptions are For more information, visit to Agence France-Presse. Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager $26 for 52 issues per year. Click on “subscriptions” at Please recycle. logically. www.umportal.org, e-mail [email protected] or send We do! www.healthybeliefs.org/programs- seminars/spiritual-but-not- Dale Bryant, Senior Designer a check to UMR Communications, Attn: Circulation, 1221 —Compiled by Sam Hodges Profit Dr., Dallas, TX 75247. It seems to me that part of what religious/.

J ULY 20, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 3B Tragedy hits UM mission site in Ukraine an outgrowth of student ministry, is Ukraine early in the spring of 2010. B Y L INDA B LOOM part of the United Methodist Russia This year, work was initiated on a new United Methodist News Service Initiative. space a couple of blocks from the old A United Methodist volunteer The L’viv United Methodist apartment. In a May 14 post on their from Texas and a Ukrainian student Church serves a largely downtown blog, Shannon Goran reported that were killed July 10 and a missionary population of young people. One of its remodeling had begun. seriously injured when a building’s ecumenical ministries, “Youth for Mr. Nevotti was one of those dedi- roof collapsed in L’viv, Ukraine. Jesus,” includes Orthodox, Catholic cated team members, helping with The fatal accident, which occurred and Protestant students, with the goal the project. Father of three grown while repairs were being made to a of uniting and organizing “young children, he and his wife, Cathy, church-related facility, was confirmed people to understand, practice and joined the Sugar Land church 16 in a news release issued by the Texas grow in living Christian faith.” years ago. Conference and United Methodist Mr. Goran and his wife, Shannon, Kip Johnson, the director of mis- Board of Global Ministries. A mission were commissioned in 2009 by the sions at the church, called him a team representing members of both Board of Global Ministries and Mr. “kind and gentle” spirit. She added: First United Methodist Church in Goran was ordained an elder last “He always was thinking of other Sugar Land, Texas, and Lakewood month by the Ukraine/Moldova Con- people.” United Methodist Church, Houston, ference. They have two young chil- The Sugar Land congregation, were making the repairs. dren. which has about 3,700 members, has UMNS PHOTO BY CASSANDRA M. ZAMPINI David Nevotti, a member of the L’viv has about 150,000 college planned trips to Ukraine since 2006, The Rev. David Goran, shown here being commissioned as a Sugar Land church, and Illya Ono- students, but the schools do not have but this was Mr. Nevotti’s first mis- missionary during a 2009 ceremony in Stamford, Conn., was prienko, a member of the student traditional campuses. For several sion experience outside the United injured while serving as a student ministry director in L’viv, Ukraine. ministry of the University of L’viv, years, the Gorans had run their min- States. were fatally injured during the col- istry from a fourth-floor apartment his love of the Lord.” Ukraine, who was our partner in mis- lapse. in a downtown building. There, they ‘Humble attitude’ Texas Conference Bishop Janice sion,” they said in a statement. “May The Rev. David Goran, a United offered tea and cookies, free Internet Back in L’viv, Onoprienko was a Riggle Huie and Thomas Kemper, the God be with his family and the Methodist missionary serving in L’viv access, a clean bathroom and a place member of the United Methodist min- mission board’s top executive, ex- Nevotti family to surround them with as a student ministry director, was se- for students to hang out, do home- istry’s leadership team. He helped co- pressed “deep sorrow” over the acci- love. riously injured and plans were being work and take part in Bible studies. ordinate the Thursday night worship dent. “We also pray for healing for our made to move him to a hospital in But, more space was needed, says service and played in the worship “We, of course, mourn this loss of missionary, Rev. Goran, and for all Kiev. Jan Snider, a United Methodist News band. The Gorans appreciated “his one member of our church family, but those who are suffering as a result of The mission work in the Ukraine, Service producer who visited the gentle spirit, his humble attitude and also the loss of the young man from this tragedy.” Holton Evangel UMC lives up to ‘good news’ name around is one of 15 similarly amazing and redirecting itself, Evangel is living sion, mission and purpose. Engaging “We’re a younger church now and B Y BARBARA N ISSEN stories featured in a newly released up to its name, known as a church of the community ranked high. But the very missional,” Mr. Rogers said. “Peo- Special Contributor book, We Refused to Lead a Dying good news where members choose to question was how to do it? As provi- ple know us as a church into mission.” Evangel United Methodist Church Church (Pilgrim Press), by Paul Nixon. engage in life-giving ministry in the dence would have it, a horrific ice They have fun being together and in Holton, Kan., had been in decline “I don’t think it’s biblical to decline church and in the community. storm hit Holton that December, shut- celebrate every success. Sometimes for 25 years, until five years ago when and allow a church to die,” said the One of the first steps the congrega- ting down the town for two weeks. they fail but move on. “There isn’t the congregation decided to choose Rev. Kent Rogers, who has led Evan- tion took after Mr. Rogers challenged Evangel, however, was on a line where much we haven’t been willing to try,” life over death. gel’s revolution for the past five years. them to get healthy was to honestly electricity was restored within two Mr. Rogers said. The church’s remarkable turn- Instead of dying, the congregation look at themselves, as well as find out days. “What can we do for this com- Evangel has become the ex-officio chose to be bold. Mr. Rogers said his how the church was known and being munity?” became a question for the community center of Holton. More- Celebrate the Wesleyan Heritage leadership has been radical, and, described by others. The view was church. over, a choir that started with 12 chil- with the musical Sweet Singer while he may be the first one to step pretty dismal, and it unsettled the The congregation listened to the dren last year now has 120 children out, he said the laity are really the congregation. Holy Spirit. They set up rooms and enrolled for next year, not just from ones to take the bold steps. With Mr. Rogers’ leadership, mem- meals and invited community mem- Evangel but also from other congrega- When Mr. Rogers came to Evangel bers invested themselves in develop- bers to come and stay or to have a tions and the community. in 2007, the church was considered a ing a stronger, deeper relationship warm meal. Evangel became a com- Mr. Rogers said that while he “country club church” and known in with Christ. To be a healthy and vital munity within the community. champions the vision and mission, the community of 3,300 residents as a church meant becoming Christians Other churches pitched in during great lay leaders have developed. church in conflict. The word “evangel” who were a positive force in the com- those cold days. Members of Evangel “I give them the ‘why’ but they do means good news, but five years ago munity. worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the ‘what’ and ‘how,’” Mr. Rogers said. S T Kimbrough as Charles Wesley the church appeared to be “bad news.” Starting in summer 2007, the con- members of other congregations and Although Mr. Rogers moves to Wi- “S T Kimbrough’s musical drama Now, after making hard choices gregation began looking at their vi- people from across Holton, fixing chita First UMC this year, he said the Sweet Singer is the finest dramatic three meals a day and serving the congregation is excited about what presentation of the Wesleys that we have today.” Certification in Spiritual Direction needs of the town. God has ready for them next. The Rev. Richard P. Heitzenrater, Moving beyond country-club sta- Dennis Paschke, winner of the 2012 Duke University Divinity School Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University tus where members had “privileges,” Denman Clergy Award for evangelism, “Sweet Singer is a wonderful presenta- Hands-on training in spiritual direction, with an experienced, the congregation realized they could began as the congregation’s pastor on tion of worship, entertainment, humor, be the church by serving others, and July 1. and theology by a master of the Wes- competent faculty and recognized name in theological studies leyan tradition--a grand experience in they blossomed. Average attendance word and music.” Accepting applications for the August cohort. . . Apply now! in 2007 was 187. Last year, it was 353 Ms. Nissen is a freelance writer in Prague, Neb., and former Bishop William Willimon, Office of Spiritual Formation: and continues to increase. The con- No. Ala. Conference gregation adopted evangelism and communications director for the Available on DVD at www.ecufilm.org plus 214-768-3664 or [email protected] Nebraska Conference. This article a free leader’s guide. See video clips at www.smu.edu/perkins/spiritualdirection made a commitment to be a church originally appeared on the Kansas www.stkimbrough.com. For engagements: making disciples for Christ and to East Conference website, stk812.aol.com Southern Methodist University will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. change lives, one life at a time. www.kansaseast.org.

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | J ULY 20, 2012 4B FAITH focus WESLEYAN WISDOM Reflections on visiting Wesley’s Chapel in London

ing worship to the rear. Wesley agreed B Y D ONALD W. H AYNES UMR Columnist that if the church could be set back 120 yards with nothing dividing its Editor’s Note: Wesleyan Wisdom view from the street, he would require columnist Donald Haynes recently that only ordained Anglican clergy traveled to England, and reports here would occupy its pulpit on Sundays. on a visit to Wesley’s Chapel. He agreed that Holy Communion would be celebrated each Sunday by LONDON—No pilgrimage is quite established church clergy. He also so meaningful to anyone influenced agreed to a lease rather than a deed. by John Wesley as to walk along the The “new chapel” was not a plain concrete and glass jungle of commer- meeting house, nor a gothic church. It cial buildings which line City Road in was a basilica in architecture, with a the Moorfields section of East London dominating pulpit, a communion rail and suddenly see green trees on both from the old Foundery, clear glass sides of the arterial urban street. windows, a nave that seated several On one’s left is Bunhill Fields, the hundred, and a huge balcony sup- burying ground for Dissenters who ported by ship mast timbers donated PHOTO COURTESY JOSH BLACK PHOTO BY WILL GRADY could not, in the 18th century, be by King George III (even as we were LEFT: Wesley’s Chapel, built in 1777, was remodeled a century later with new marble pillars to support buried in parish churchyards of the burning the monarch in effigy all over the balcony and stained glass to replace the original, clear windows. RIGHT: Foundery Chapel, Church of England. Susanna Wesley the colonies). Wesley’s first “connex- adjacent to the sanctuary, contains Charles Wesley’s pipe organ which is still in use today. had left the good graces of the Church ional appeal” for the construction of England. Among other Dissenters, project was £6,000. The day the foun- message of Methodist sermons: “Let House of Lords reserved for a young Asian man, a young African her grave is there, not beside her hus- dation was laid, April 21, 1777, was a our whole soul pant after a general re- Methodist—Lord Leslie Griffiths. man and an older English woman. band, Samuel, who was buried in day of rain—which Wesley wel- vival of pure religion and undefiled, There is no confirmation as in the The preacher was the associate min- “holy ground.” comed—because it “befriended us the restoration of the image of God, United Methodist Church. The mem- ister, Jennifer Potter. Communion On one’s right the trees shade the much, by keeping away thousands pure love, in every child of man! Then bership at Wesley’s Chapel is 460, was served at two rails, including one huge statue of a small man with his who purposed to be there. But there let us endeavour to promote, in our which is 80 percent African. With given by former Prime Minister Mar- hands extended in a global reach, were still such multitudes that it was several stations, this scriptural, primi- more than 200 in worship on a recent garet Thatcher, a Methodist, who was pointing not to the church behind him with great difficulty I got through tive religion; let us, with all diligence, Sunday, we found the chapel to be a married there. The other comes from but to the world beyond Britannia. them to lay the first stone.” diffuse the religion of love . . . always vibrant, warm, cosmopolitan but the Old Foundery, dating to 1739. One hundred and twenty yards from Methodist scholar Frank Baker remembering those deep words, . . . local congregation—a place of wor- The four stewards served us from the curb stands the “mother church of noted that “Wesley’s New Chapel was ‘God is love; and he that dwelleth in ship, fellowship and mission, not a four “common cups” as we kneeled; it Methodism,” which Wesley called the not simply another preaching house. It love dwelleth in God, and God in museum or a repository of history. was explained that the fruit of the “New Chapel on City Road” and we was separatist even in its architecture, him.’” (I John 4:16) Following British Methodist cus- vine was non-alcoholic, an important call “Wesley’s Chapel.” and from the outset a centre for sacra- tom, an usher gives you a hymnal distinction from the Church of Eng- It was in March mental worship as well as for preach- Wesley’s Chapel today with an inserted bulletin and a warm land. 1776 that he recog- ing and fellowship and social service. Today, the Superintendent Minis- personal greeting as you enter. The The last to take communion were nized the impending These premises, in fact, functioned ter of Wesley’s Chapel holds the sin- lector on this Sunday was Lord Grif- the children from the balcony. They closure of the cav- very much like an active Anglican gle chair in the United Kingdom fiths. Scripture readers included a filled the communion rails and stood ernous old Foundery Church, though without recognizing which had been the any allegiance to diocesan or institutional center parochial authorities.” of London Method- Wesley’s Chapel was what Albert ism since 1739. In Donald Outler called “the symbiosis of a con- his words, “As we nexion of religious societies within a Haynes cannot depend on national church.” This careful lan- having the Foundery guage reflects the paradox of building long, we met to consult about building a “Methodist Chapel” that Wesley in- a new chapel. Our petition to the City sisted was not a church! Upon laying for a piece of ground lies before their the foundation, Wesley insisted in his Committee. . . .” By October in the year sermon “that we do not, will not, form Jefferson penned the Declaration of any separate sect, but from principle Independence, Wesley reported ap- remain, what we always have been, proval to move ahead with a lease and true members of the Church of Eng- construction. He acquired the services land.” (It was the American Revolution of a brilliant architect and contracted and Independence that forced him to with “an affluent Methodist builder,” reconsider this in 1784 by ordaining Samuel Tooth. Thomas Vasey and Richard Whatcoat, As a demonstration of his influ- “setting aside” the ordained Dr. ence in the secular politics of London Thomas Coke, and authorizing them during our American Revolution, to ordain Francis Asbury once they ar- Wesley negotiated with the city fathers rived in America. British Methodists to waive a city ordinance against a remained in the Church of England non-Anglican church facing the street! until 1832.) The law required a row of houses on However, Wesley closed his sermon PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS street-side with the house of Dissent- with a long recounting of the essential The house next to the chapel served as Wesley’s “home base” for the last 11 years of his life.

J ULY 20, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 5B

IMAGE COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Wesley’s Chapel on City Road in East London remains a place of worship as well as a visitor attraction. three deep awaiting their turn. There tains “preachers’ bedrooms” (they chapel that held 300 people; a day must have been 40 of them, and they were required to be in the Chapel at school for young scholars; and Lon- are part of the regular congregation, 5:00 a.m. for morning prayers!). don’s first free dispensary for food not tourists! After worship, refresh- This was my sixth visit, but enter- and milk. ments and fellowship lasted another ing Wesley’s bedroom and knowing The Foundery was the location of hour as everyone was warmly wel- that he died in this little space is still Susanna Wesley’s apartment, where comed. very emotional for me. The quill is she spent her final years as a host Following a tour of the entire still there that he used to sign his last and servant. It was really like a Fran- ABOVE: Wesley’s tomb is in complex, Peter Mavunga, a Londoner letter, to William Wilberforce, en- ciscan monastery until the lease ex- the garden to the rear of the from Zimbabwe who reads this Re- couraging the young member of Par- pired, forcing Wesley to relocate the chapel. He is buried with six porter column regularly, told me that liament to keep up the fight to diverse ministries. of his preachers, his sister he decided that day to move his fam- abolish slavery. In this room, Wesley Martha Hall and his doctor ily’s membership to Wesley’s Chapel, uttered to the lay preachers who sur- Wesley’s tomb and biographer, John though it would mean riding three rounded his bed the words on which Behind Wesley’s Chapel is John Whitehead. LEFT: Wesley’s different underground trains to get my mother reared me as a child: Wesley’s monument, and underneath mother, Susanna Wesley, is there! This 18th century church has “Best of all, God is with us.” are his remains, encased in lead. On buried in Bunhill Fields, a adapted to a radically changing Lon- Adjacent to the bedroom is a 6×6- one side these words are inscribed: cemetery that was used for don and is vitally alive and thriving. foot room that served as Wesley’s per- “The Venerable John Wesley, late Fel- Protestants who dissented In 1881, the old shipmast timbers sonal prayer room. On the prae dieu is low of Lincoln College, Oxford. This from the Church of England were rotting and new marble pillars a Bible. In the two months Wesley great light arose by the singular prov- between the late 17th century were installed to hold up the balcony. stayed here each year, we were told he idence of God to enlighten these na- and the mid-1800s. BELOW: These were given by Methodist came to prayer at 4:00 a.m., and tions, and to revive, enforce, and A small room in the Wesley churches around the world. In the “from this room Mr. Wesley kept in defend the pure apostolic doctrines House served as John style of the Victorian era, the clear touch with the universe.” and practices of the primitive Church, Wesley’s person prayer windows were replaced with stained . . . gloriously triumphing over Death space. glass. The ornate ceiling of white and Foundery Chapel March 2nd, An. Dom. 1791 in the PHOTOS BY BOB JOHNSON gold was restored, just as Wesley or- Adjacent to the sanctuary is the eighty-eighth year of his age.” dered its design—to glorify the smaller Foundery Chapel, with At Wesley’s Chapel, “we are stand- “Church triumphant.” At that time Charles Wesley’s organ, one original ing on holy ground.” During our visit, also, pews with backs were added, pew from the Old Foundery and we sang from the 2011 edition of the each with a pull-out extension into other furnishings brought from that British Methodist hymnal a hymn the aisle, on which people can sit building. The Foundery had been a written by Peter Relf in the dark days when the church is packed. munitions factory that Wesley leased of World War II (1944): from the crown for £115, and then In my life, in my heart, Christ comes Wesley’s House spent £800 remodeling and parti- with the Spirit’s fire! Dorothy Scott is a lay volunteer tioning in 1739. This is God’s brand new start, giv- who gave two hours of her Sunday to From 1739-1777, the Foundery ing me my heart’s desire. lead a tour of the Wesley House, adja- was the heartbeat of London In this place, at this time, in my life, cent to the chapel. From Wesley’s Methodism. It had provided living Immanuel.” study window, one can still be moved quarters for itinerating preachers; a by the scene on which Mr. Wesley halfway house for the homeless; a Dr. Haynes is a retired member looked—across the street to his book room where the writings of of the Western North Carolina Conference. He is the author mother’s gravesite. His original Wesley, Adam Clarke, John Fletcher of On the Threshold of Grace: books with his notations are still in and James Arminius were sold; space Methodist Fundamentals. the glass case. The house also con- for 66 weekly class meetings; a Email: [email protected].

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | J ULY 20, 2012 6B FAITH forum Considering seminary? Ask yourself these questions

leave you alone until you do. school prepare people like me for or- cross the school off your list. run away. B Y K ENDA C REASY DEAN Special Contributor dination? Does my denomination rec- • Talk to students who are already • How easy is the “academic game” Preliminary Questions: What to ask ognize this school as “legit”? Does the there. Faculty members won’t hide in- for me? Hint: If you struggle with Right about now, my inbox starts before you hunt for schools school have the academic program I formation from you, but students courses that involve lots of reading to fill up with inquiries about semi- • Is God calling me to a ministry need? Are there additional require- know more. What is the program like and writing, don’t sign up for the dual nary. that seminary will help prepare me for? ments if I go to a school outside my that you want to be in? What do they degree program or other extended Here’s what I usually tell people • Do I want to be ordained? What denomination? Does this school have wish they had known when they were courses of study. who are in the seminary discernment are the ordination requirements spe- a good reputation with the people who applying? Who are their faculty men- • Do I need a structured program process. It’s true what they say: What cific to my tradition? Whose approval might want to hire me? tors? What does campus life look like of spiritual growth? Some schools you get out of semi- do I need to go to seminary or start for students like you (married, single, provide lots of support in spiritual as nary depends mostly the ordination process? How to Search for a School that second career, straight out of college, well as academic formation; others on what you put into • What faith tradition do I repre- “Fits”: etc.)? What churches in the area might leave spiritual formation up to the it. There are superb sent? (Hint: Almost no one is theologi- • Go to the people you most admire you consider for worship or work? Do student. Hint: If you’re looking for a faculty—and superb cally non-denominational; we all have in ministry. How did they get to be the most students want to be pastors or setting where people sit around and students—in every a perspective through which we see kind of ministers they are? Where did something else? talk about their feelings, go to camp, seminary in the Scripture, the church, how God acts in they go to seminary? not seminary. country. the world, etc. The sooner you own up • Get your degree in a person, not a Deal-Breaker Questions to Ask • Will I have support systems in Discernment has to an “orienting theological tradi- program. This is the single best advice You rs e l f : place while I’m in seminary? Hint: If more to do with Kenda tion”—even if you want to move away anyone gave me about graduate • Is the school’s theological vision not, wait to come to seminary until fit. Don’t narrow the Dean from it—the easier seminary will be. school—and the further you go in compatible, but not identical, with you do. Seminary is designed to chal- field too quickly; You can always change your mind graduate school, the more important mine? Will it stretch me—and am I lenge you more than support you. there are practical issues, such as GPA once you get there.) it becomes. Find someone whose way willing to be stretched—beyond • If I am married or in a serious re- and finances, which must be consid- • Do I want to be formed with oth- of being in the world and looking at where I already am? lationship: Does my spouse/signifi- ered midway through the process, but ers from the same faith tradition (for ministry resonate deeply with your • How will I be prepared for “the cant other think this school will be start by casting a wide net. You never instance, by going to a denomina- soul—and then go study with them. Church of 10 Years from Now”? good for us? Will s/he be happy here? know when God might show up and tional seminary)? Or do I want to be Become a disciple of a disciple you • Can I imagine myself among the Is there a community for him/her to part the waters. formed alongside people from a vari- want to emulate. students I have met here? Do I want to plug into? Can s/he pursue some of his Still discerning the next faithful ety of traditions? • Visit the campus. You get more be one of them? Do I want to take a or her own dreams while I’m in semi- step? Here are questions and tips to • With whom do I need/want cred- information out of one visit than a long trip with them? Or do I feel like nary? help you see if seminary is in your fu- ibility? Pastors? Academics? Youth lifetime on the Internet. If the school the odd relative at a family reunion? Because if your spouse isn’t happy, ture. Vaya con Dios! ministers? Mainlines? Evangelicals? has “prospective student weekends,” • How much debt will I incur? Will nobody’s happy. People inside or outside the U.S.? All take advantage; the school will be on my family be able to breathe finan- The Big Question: of the above? Different schools tend to its best behavior, and you’ll learn a lot cially once I’m in ministry? Dr. Dean is a UM ordained elder Most ministry doesn’t require a have different “audiences.” Which “au- in a condensed period. • How much do I like school? What and professor of youth, church and theological degree, so ask yourself why diences” do I want to serve? • Imagine yourself living in the happens to my stomach when I think culture at Princeton Theological you want to get one. In the end, there is • Are there certain schools I should school’s community. You have a life to about being a student again? Do I get Seminary. She’s the author of Almost Christian: What the Faith of one—and only one—good reason to rule out for vocational or theological live, and not just a degree to get. If you excited or am I bracing myself for Our Teenagers Is Telling the go to seminary: because God won’t reasons? For instance: Does this can’t envision your life in this place, “more school”? Hint: If the latter . . . American Church. Avoid snare of partisan politics LETTERS ica will find that Christians have been When we don’t understand an issue, B Y SHANNON B LOSSER too willing to align the message of the we are more susceptible to being in- Special Contributor UMC not as advertised cross with the message of one’s fa- fluenced by outside voices who seek The United States is a polarized vorite political view. Pastors during to define what we say and how we in- Just wanted to write that, after fork in the road for Methodists in country. Everything is clouded by the the Revolutionary War period fluence our communities. growing up in the UMC and being particular and Christendom in gen- win-loss arguments of politics. For claimed America was the joyous ex- We end up making disciples of an active member in my current UM eral. instance, the recent ample of freedom. During the Civil partisan politics instead of Jesus church, I’m leaving the denomina- Do we believe the Bible or do we Supreme Court rul- War, pastors from North and South Christ. When we in the church are tion because “Open Hearts. Open not? Scripture is very plain and un- ing regarding the Af- preached that God was fighting for too focused on our favorite political Minds. Open Doors” doesn’t apply to ambiguous. Homosexuality is con- fordable Healthcare their side. party, we fail in our call to make dis- gay Christians in a committed rela- demned in both testaments. Act was seen not as Several things happen when we ciples of Jesus Christ. The disciples tionship. In refusing to affirm my Why are Christians even debat- a constitutional ex- are more defined by politics than the we end up making are representatives partner and me, the denomination ing this issue? If we are serious ercise of judgment, cross, especially as leaders in the of whatever party we adhere to. This is basically saying: “You’re welcome . about growing the Methodist but a game of poli- church. is dangerous, because the gospel chal- . . but not really.” Church and the cause of Christ, we tics of who won and We limit our influence. We may lenges the practices and thoughts of I don’t care to belong to a “club” must teach the scripture and not ad who lost. Shannon believe people see us as a messenger both the left and the right. Blosser that won’t offer me full membership. anything to it such as “social jus- Sadly, too many of the gospel, but we lose that voice As we move further into this elec- Artie Van Why tice,” whatever that is. Christians are will- when we are too defined by conserva- tion cycle, let us be careful about Lancaster, Pa. Chuck Block ing participants in this culture. We tive or liberal views. Instead, we be- our witness and ask ourselves: Am I *** Milton UMC want to be defined by being a liberal come seen as a representative of the more defined by being a liberal or or conservative. This is so much the political parties wrapped in Christian- conservative than I am by being a fol- I was saddened, but not sur- Woolford, MD case that we will only attend a church ity. This hinders the message of the lower of Christ? prised, to see the letter from Mr. if it is a “proper” reflection of our po- gospel and makes us, as Paul says in Gregory Wise (Reporter, June 29) re- The Reporter welcomes brief, litical leanings. The moment we be- Philippians 3:18, enemies of the cross. Mr. Blosser is pastor of Mackville garding the surrender some years civil letters, and reserves the lieve a church is too liberal or too We end up speaking on things UMC and Antioch UMC in ago of his ministerial credentials right to edit for space and clarity. Washington and Boyle counties in and his lamenting that the UMC has Send to [email protected] or conservative, we are out the door. we do not understand. Pastors Kentucky. He is a candidate for The United Methodist Reporter, This isn’t new. A quick look should speak on social issues, but we ordained ministry in the Kentucky not liberalized its position on homo- 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX, through the church’s history in Amer- must be educated about them first. Conference. sexuality. I think this issue is the 75247.

J ULY 20, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH forum 7B BOOK REVIEW Much to savor, and debate about, in American Bible

pretation from a North American John Ruskin once remarked, “All The American Bible is predictable Carter (law professor) and Jimmy B Y DAV I D N. MOSSER hermeneutic or something of that na- books are divisible into two classes, in content. We would expect to see the Carter (former President) comment- Special Contributor ture. Instead, what the book turns out the books of the hour, and the books U.S. Constitution and Lincoln’s Second ing on Thomas Jefferson’s “Letter to The American Bible: to be is a collection of what Dr. of all time.” What Dr. Prothero strives Inaugural Speech. Yet Dr. Prothero also the Danbury Baptists”—written in How Our Words Unite, Prothero sees as the most important to do in The American Bible is bring to includes some surprises: Irving 1802. The strength of this book is that Divide, and Define a documents in the history of the our collective consciousness those Berlin’s “God Bless America,” Ayn it is a tour of great Nation United States. The subtitle offers a clue ideals and concepts that made us what Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, Sojourner American ideas to the book’s aim: How our Words we are as a nation. In so doing he cre- Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” address, from multiple per- Stephen Prothero Unite, Divide, and ates a book that Ronald Reagan’s “evil empire” speech spectives over the HarperOne, 2012 Define a Nation. highlights “books and The Autobiography of Malcolm X. last 250-plus years. Hardcover, 544 pages Dr. of all time.” Of What Dr. Prothero is after are works Perhaps more May we quickly disabuse ourselves Prothero—pro- course, as Dr. that, as the subtitle suggests, “unite, than any other coun- of two notions pertaining to the title fessor of religion Prothero himself divide, and define” us as a nation. try since the Greece of Stephen Prothero’s new book The at Boston Univer- admits, what he Dr. Prothero allows a wide assort- of Socrates, Plato Stephen American Bible? First, some readers sity and author of calls “books” may ment of critics to weigh in on what- and Aristotle, the Prothero may be irked because they’ll assume the bestseller Re- include poems or ever the selection puts forth. For United States of that Dr. Prothero’s perspective presup- ligious Literacy— songs or narra- example, in the chapter titled “Roe v. America is a nation poses that “American” is purely a uses “bible” as a tives—but he col- Wade,” critiques come from, among of ideas, notions and concepts—and, Christian ideal. Why religious lapses all these others, U.S. Supreme Court Justice at times, ideals we all thought worthy not The American metaphor to sug- literary forms Byron White, Mother Teresa, and Pres- of passionate debate. Today, sadly, too Koran or The Ameri- gest that, although into the generic ident Obama. Many of the commen- many citizens are only interested in can Torah? this is not a reli- term “book.” taries on the primary sources are “feathering their own nests” or “get- This is not what gious book, it is Dr. Prothero’s fascinating and run the whole gamut ting what is mine,” and the rest of the the title implies. nonetheless full of table of contents of American history—from very early American experiment hardly stirs Rather, Dr. Prothero religious ideas. Dr. may be seen as to quite recent. their notice. uses “Bible” in his Prothero writes: “The conversation fanciful or brilliant, depending on Although there are many antholo- I heartily recommend Dr. title in a sense of David [about America] is spirited because one’s point of view. He divides the gies that collect American documents, Prothero’s The American Bible: How “collection of books” the United States isn’t just a country; it documents or books he selects for this I am familiar with none that offers Our Words Unite, Divide, and Define a Mosser or “library” of docu- is also a religion of sorts.” volume and places them under actual this one’s range of authors with re- Nation. For although it is not a book ments. This is our The religion of which he speaks is biblical categories. Under Genesis he spect to gender, time and political about biblical interpretation or a collective history that has authority not that of Yahweh, Moses and Jesus, places seminal American writings perspective. The American Bible truly North American hermeneutical for how Americans think and behave. although in some American quarters such as Thomas Paine’s Common allows many voices into the conversa- methodology, it can, like the original The second inaccurate notion this may be true. Rather, Dr. Prothero Sense and the Declaration of Inde- tion that are uniquely American. In Bible, offer one a glimpse of the best probably accounts for why this book writes of a religion in the more pendence. In the section called addition, the commentary as well as humanity can muster. came into my possession to review. generic sense of a set of high-minded Lamentations he places the Gettys- the introductions to each entry help- When seeing the title The American concepts that have a “religious feel” burg Address and architect Maya Lin’s fully set the historical context. But Dr. Mosser is pastor of First UMC in Arlington, Texas. He’s the author of Bible, I jumped to the conclusion that about them: freedom, courage, re- Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Dr. more than that, it is fascinating in one A Stewardship Companion (2007) this book had to do with biblical inter- spect, equality. Prothero has 10 such categories. book to have access to both Stephen and edited Transitions (2011). Youth pastor shook things up, and stuck around to lead church organization places a premium teers would wear themselves out try- me about his early days at our church. most of our students, young people B Y JASON B YASSEE on one-on-one relationships for disci- ing to outdo themselves week after He started inviting students to come to and others most disaffected with the Special Contributor pleship with students and on small week. church for breakfast and Bible study at church, gather. One early preaching Vern Collins appeared at Boone groups dedicated to the pursuit of ho- Why not scrap the format alto- our old church building in downtown series included interviews with those United Methodist Church as a be-san- liness. Vern had no idea that the early gether? Have little or no programming Boone. The only room big enough for who dislike or even hate the church, dled, multiple-earringed recent grad- Methodists invented the small group on Sunday nights but meet in small the students to come was an old-fash- explaining why. The point is to wel- uate from our town’s college, as a means of pursuing radical disci- groups week after week? That’s what ioned “parlor”—the sort of room, as come questions, agitations, uncertain- Appalachian State, pleship, pushing one’s fellow believers Vern has done. He trained small group Marilynne Robinson says, that seems ties and general unchurchiness in the where, Vern admits, deeper in holiness, “watching over one leaders and then began gathering stu- to exist only to contain objects that hopes of fostering earnest faithful- he was far more in- another in love,” as we Methodists dents into small groups Sunday after children will be forbidden to touch. It ness. Our church’s missions coordina- terested in fly-fish- often put it back in the 18th century. Sunday. Students now enter for dinner had white carpet. Don’t you know it tor came out of that service. ing than in studying. He was just instituting what had and games before breaking up into wasn’t long before there were orange What started as an experiment is Vern was a shock to worked to help him grow in Christ as small groups, with communal worship juice stains appearing on that carpet. now a leading edge for our whole the system for a a youngster. Our church’s courage to occasionally punctuating the time. “It So Vern and his volunteers moved fur- community. staid, high-steeple, hire someone who didn’t fit a but- especially helped us reach students on niture on top of the first stain. Another Those are just some of Vern’s gifts. university church toned-up profile reintroduced part of the fringes,” Vern says. appeared. Another furniture move. Not bad for a kid who set off every Jason like ours, where the the Methodist DNA that we had lost. Under the old programming sys- “Then eventually we had to build alarm bell we had when he first only music on Sun- Byassee Vern quickly realized he could put tem youth could come and go without another church,” Vern jokes. We moved turned up in 1998. That kid is now our days came through together a bang-up program for Sun- any face time with anyone from the into that new building in 2000. longest-serving staff member by far, organ pipes. But our youth group was day night. But the problem with enter- church. Now he can be sure anyone Most recently Vern has been the the source of communal memory and in a sorry state, and we were willing to tainment-based youth ministry is the who comes through the doors spends face behind our church’s newest wor- wisdom among our ministers. try something radical. pressure to top the previous week’s quality time with a leader trained, ship service—an “emerging style” Dr. Byassee is senior minister at Careful what you wish for. showing. “That was awesome. What equipped and set loose for ministry service in our church’s gym called Boone UMC in Boone, N.C. This Vern grew up in faith with Young are we doing next week?” students by Boone UMC. Crossroads. He preaches weekly and essay first appeared at Life in Greensboro, N.C. That para- would ask. And Vern and his volun- Vern tells a story that sticks with leads his own congregation, where www.faithandleadership.com.

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | J ULY 20, 2012 8B FAITH focus

 NEW ERA Continued from page 1B regional missionaries would continue “the results are now evident,” she said, ing forward to building on the contin- to be dispatched through the Board of pointing to the commissioning of 17 uing relationship between the two Global Ministries, and a joint collabo- deaconesses and home missioners in agencies. ration is planned on the annual Prayer April. “General Conference showed us Calendar. Representatives of the two The Board of Global Ministries that gender issues and issues of organizations will meet in September will continue to give priority to serv- racism, particularly in the United at the United Methodist-owned ing the needs of women and children. States but also internationally, are Church Center for the United Nations “It has to be mainstreamed in all areas with us in more sophisticated forms,” to discuss how UMW can represent of our work,” Mr. Kemper explained. she said. “We have to talk about what the mission agency for all U.N.-related But, he considers the separation a it means to be a more diverse church.” work, he added. positive move. “I think it’s a liberating Another change approved by Gen- act in a way,” he said. “It gives both or- More flexibility eral Conference transfers oversight of ganizations a chance to sharpen and In Central Texas, Ms. Rives be- the Office of Deaconess, a lay ministry focus their identities.” lieves the new structure will offer of service which dates from 1888, and Beyond their own organization, more flexibility for the conference’s the home missioner program, estab- Ms. Olson wants to engage UMW 200 local units and nearly 3,200 UMW lished in 2004 for lay men, from members in conversation about how members. Global Ministries to UMW. best to position the work of the United She also finds it “empowering” that Ms. Campbell, a deaconess herself, Methodist commissions on Religion & a new advisory group for UMW will UMNS PHOTO BY PAUL JEFFREY hailed the restoration of the historic Race and the Status & Role of Women, ensure that every conference has rep- On April 29, Sharon Hatchman was commissioned as a UM relationship between deaconesses and which, she said, have “significant syn- resentation in the decision-making deaconess by (from left) Bishop Bruce Ough; Thomas Kemper, top Methodist women in mission, noting ergy” with UMW goals and “real rele- process. “That’s something I don’t executive of the General Board of Global Ministries; Inelda that the program had suffered a de- vance for our work and our members.” think has ever happened,” she added. Gonzalez, president of United Methodist Women; and Harriett cline after General Conference legisla- M. Garlinda Burton, top executive With activities ranging from work- Olson, UMW’s deputy general secretary. The service occurred at tion in 1996 had trouble defining the of the women’s commission, agrees days at a community center to mis- Palma Ceia UMC in Tampa, Fla., during General Conference. role of deaconesses. With the estab- that mission cannot be separated sion trips to meal-packing events for lishment of a new recruitment plan, from advocacy for women and is look- the hungry around the world, Central Nov. 16-18 in St. Louis; Jan. 10-13 at 150 Methodist and ecumenical part- Texas women try to be “the action Lake Junaluska, N.C.; and Jan. 24-27 at ners in 80 countries, along with 50 part of love in action,” Ms. Rives said. a location to be determined in the projects for emergency and relief A look at the new UMW “We try to be fearless in our mis- Western Jurisdiction. funds. The programs funded assisted United Methodist Women Inc. encompasses its former ad- sion,” she added, describing the con- A focus on organizational skills with women’s economic empower- ministrative body, the Women’s Division, which was part of the nections made with local will be interspersed with “core ses- ment, health and HIV/AIDS, voca- United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. communities. “We’re seeing ourselves sions” on spiritual grounding in the tional training, advocacy and New members for the 25-member UMW board of directors as partners in mission and try to be theology of mission, connecting to so- counseling, spiritual and leadership were elected at UMW jurisdictional meetings in June, with addi- supportive of other agencies and ac- cial justice and an overview on training and rehabilitation projects for tional nominations to ensure diversity to be made in July and tivities that are going on.” women as leaders in the church, Ms. those affected by war. elected at an organizational meeting in August. The new structure will assist in Tulloch said. Although the economy and a de- Management of the organization’s staff will transfer from the those efforts. “It makes it clearer who cline in investment income helped Board of Global Ministries to UMW on Oct. 1. The staff will re- we are and what we have done and are Financial commitment contribute to a 3.7 percent reduction main at its headquarters in the Interchurch Center in New York. doing in our work,” she explained. The commitment of members to in giving in 2011, 47 percent of the The board of directors will meet annually in the fall, and a To assist conferences like Central the work of UMW is financial as well conference UMWs exceeded their program advisory group of 70 to 80 members, including the Texas, UMW is making leadership as spiritual. During the past four pledges, some by as much as 52 per- board, will meet each spring. training available for more of its years, the organization allocated more cent. UMW will have oversight of the denomination’s deaconess members. “We’ve always believed in than $9 million in grants to some of “It’s really gratifying; it’s humbling and home missioner programs. UMW members will continue to be organized at the jurisdictional, conference, district and local supporting our members and our its 97 national mission institutions. to see United Methodist Women con- church levels. leaders through training,” said Julia Those institutions—67 of which are tinuing their commitments even as Tulloch, UMW staff executive. “We community centers—employ about they are more aware of the need in want to open it up.” 6,300 people and serve 535,000 clients their local areas,” Ms. Olson said. “It’s a Three leadership-development each year. great testament to their commitment Expand or build your church events already have been scheduled: Another $9 million was directed to and identity with the organization.” with a loan from UMDF.

>LWYV]PKLÄYZ[TVY[NHNLSVHUZMVYI\PSKPUN CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING L_WHUKPUNHUKYLUV]H[PUN

‹ [V TPSSPVU GENERAL COMMISSION JOB OPENINGS complished organist and/or pianist interested in CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ‹(TVY[PaLK\W[V`LHYZ Small religious women’s advocacy non-profit playing for traditional worship services. Competitive Readership is approximately 200,000 readers Call us at 1-800-862-8633. seeking Director of Communications, Director pay based on experience. For more information, each week Rates are per word or group of figures of Monitoring and Research, Director of please visit our website at www.church-hsb.org. If or initials (20 word minimum) Newspaper Only— www.gbgm-umc.org/umdf Gender Justice and Education. Info at: interested, please send your resume to: $3.00 per word, two consecutive weeks. http://www.gcsrw.org/JobsandInternships.aspx. [email protected]. Newspaper/Internet Bundle—$4.00 per word Resumes to: [email protected]. includes two consecutive weeks in print and one FUNDRAISERS month on Internet. Internet Only—$1.25 per word DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP AND for one month on UnitedMethodistReporter.org. E- SPIRITUAL FORMATION MYSTERY DINNER FUNDRAISERS Raise FUNDS, have FUN, share FELLOWSHIP! Wes- mail your classified ad to: [email protected] or Full-time with benefits. WPA Conference of the enter it online at: www.umportal.org/classified.asp. United Methodist Church (Regional Body), leyan Thespians Mystery Dinner Kits. Contact 781- Cranberry Twp PA. Master’s Degree with 837-6457, or [email protected] for more DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING experience desired. Director would be responsible information. The United Methodist Reporter offers advertisers the for developing strategies for growth in worship, TRAVEL ability to target unique messages regarding prod- Christian education, small groups, and spiritual ucts, services and employment to church leaders formation. WPAUMC is an equal employment TRAVEL SPECIALS and clergy, as well as individuals in the pews. Reach opportunity employer and encourages women and CHRISTIAN SINGLES: 15-day Heart of Europe de- thousands of Christian households, agencies and persons of color to apply. To request full job parts September 14, from $3390 with air. FREE organizations by advertising in print and on the description or to send resume and cover letter, brochure. Book by 7/31/12. Von Bears Travel web. Variety of display ad sizes and rates to fit any email: [email protected]. Resume deadline July (www.vonbears.com), 918-583-4141 or 888-416- budget and objective. Contact: Cherrie Graham at 30, 2012. 4141 (toll-free). 214-630-6495, x 142 or [email protected].

J ULY 20, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER