THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

Leading congregations to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ Steeled Back Growing l Bishop is welcomed 024000 Volume 159 Group from CMU’s enroll- Number 20 l September 14, 2012 Trinidad pays MO back as he begins ment is up again a visit. 4A 9th year. 5A this year. 5A Two Sections, Section A

New Safe Sanctuaries process gives churches access to better training, tools

Churches in the Missouri Conference now have a way to certify people who work with youth and vulnerable adults through a new online process developed by the Missouri Conference Safe Sanctuaries staff. “We believe this will ultimately keep our churches more safe,” said Nancy Cady, Safe Sanctuaries coordinator. There has been an online Above: Children come together following breakfast. Below: process for Conference Safe Adult volunteers pack sack lunches for children. Sanctuaries Certification for sev- eral years, but local churches were left to develop their own process Breakfast program fills for local certification. By offering the online process to local church- church with children es, they will now have access to Churches are finding that church. online training and background some of the most meaningful The church started offering checks. mission projects are right outside breakfast the Sunday after Easter, Churches can no longer use the of their front doors. Elsberry and sent the children home with Conference certification process UMC wanted to do a better job of a sack lunch. About a dozen chil- to fulfill local church certification engaging its local community in dren were present the first Sunday, needs. A church may choose to mission. In considering the needs and it continued to grow to about use the new online local church of the community, they learned 30. Volunteers go out in groups of certification process. If they from members of the mission two and visit with parents about choose not to, they can continue committee who are employed at their children attending the pro- to use their own local church cer- the local school that about 60 per- gram, and then come and pick tification with live training, but cent of the students receive free the children up each week if they they cannot use the Conference stance abuse or stealing, could Safe Sanctuaries process. The indi- or reduced price lunches. Some want to participate. The commu- certification in lieu of local church also cause an applicant to be vidual fee for certification is $30. of the children were getting most nity has appreciated the service, certification. denied. This fee helps cover the cost of the of their food through school, and and it’s grown by word of mouth. Anyone who is working Sometimes people may need to background checks. It would be were hungry when not in school. So far more than 80 individual with children or youth should be denied certification even if they cost-prohibitive for one church to “We felt we had an opportunity children have participated. be certified. All local churches don’t have a criminal history. For implement it own online process. to do something meaningful for “One of our volunteers was are required to designate a Conference Certification, people “Our online certification pro- children’s nutrition, and have a taking a couple kids home one Local Church Associate for Safe need to be able to supervise a cess is possible because we have all chance to teach them about Jesus day, and a neighbor came out Sanctuaries in order to initiate the large group of youth, maintaining of our churches working together and what goes on in church,” said process of Conference and local control and discipline. on the same process,” Cady said. Tom Seeger, a volunteer at the See Breakfast, pg. 6A church certification. “It may be recommended that Having a cloud-based (software The new online process offers an individual’s gifts aren’t suited and data on remote servers) sys- guarantees of confidentiality, to for that type of role,” Cady said. tem has allowed the Conference both the applicant and to the Local church needs may be dif- to open the process up to local people providing references. By ferent regarding supervision, and churches. guaranteeing the privacy of a the same person may be certified In the near future, individu- reference, people are expected to by the local church. als will no longer be able to self- be more forthright about any mis- The development cost of the initiate the certification process. givings they may have about an online process was paid for in Certification must be started applicant. part by a grant from the Missouri through the local church. The Sex offenders are not the only United Methodist Foundation. local church can apply for an people who are denied certifica- Local churches do not have to pay See Safe Sanctuaries, pg. 2A tion. Other crimes, such as sub- an additional fee to use the new

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profi t, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275. 2A Opinions and Insights September 14, 2012

Safe Sanctuaries from page 1A Church initiates lunch box ministry individual to be Safe Sanctuaries certified who started the process, certified for their local church, for but have not yet completed all the Susan Hoyle, pastor sure where their next meal would fruits and vegetables and mon- Conference activities, or for both. steps for certification. How does a church with an come from. We had a partner- etary donations. And of course, If someone is certified for their Susan McCollegan finds the average attendance of 103 offer a ship with SEMO Food Bank and we were showered with prayers. local church, and the local church training to be more thorough than new ministry that provides 6,000 through their emergency food Offerings included the Lunch Box later needs to have the person par- live presentations, because she meals in 3 months for a cost of pantry we served nearly 200 fami- ministry as designated memori- ticipate in a Conference activity, has time to re-read sections and $1900? This story won’t really lies each month with no criteria als from two people who died to the church can apply to have that move through it at her own pace. make much sense at all…too few and no income guidelines. a community business man who individual Conference certified, As the Local Church Associate for people, too little money, too much Later that first week at First also had a fresh fruit and veg- and none of the original training Missouri UMC in Columbia, she work. Yet, all we have to do is say UMC, two parishioners, Jeff and etable business who gave us free completed or information submit- has found the new process to be yes to God and to hold on for the Renee Wagner, shared how that produce each day to a bread man ted will have to be repeated. There easy to use. ride… 30% statistic about hungry kids who asked if we could use the left- will not be an additional fee to “I do this from home, when It was the beginning of a new troubled them so much and Jeff over bread. add Conference certification as I have had a question I just click year and the beginning of a new had not slept much that Sunday We began this ministry with long as it is within the four year the help button, and have always appointment. January 8 was night. What were the stats for $448, spent $1900 on 6000 meals certification period. received a quick and thorough my first Sunday at First UMC Harrison County, they wondered. (average price 24 cents) and we “It’s difficult to describe what response,” she said. Bethany. I shared my journey and We did research and found it was have $2000 for our Fall Lunch Box a huge benefit it is for us to move The Conference conducted how I knew that God wanted me about the same as in Southeast ministry. We will prepare meals away from paper files,” Cady said. district trainings in October, to be there. I had been discern- Missouri. What could we do? Jeff two days a week and offer a box “We’ve been processing more than February and March and at ing if God wanted me to become had culinary training and a pas- of groceries each week, too. There 2,000 volunteers a year.” Annual Conference Session. A a church and community mis- sion for feeding people. From this was no big campaign for funds, Churches without children final training was held on July 14 sionary. I gathered a clearance conversation, the Lunch Box min- just a radio interview and a story still need to have a Local Church at Community UMC in Columbia committee from the Quaker tradi- istry was born. in the local newspaper. And of Associate, and are encouraged to that was attended by 150 people. tion, which is a group of trusted Through prayer, conversa- course, stories during the message have Safe Sanctuaries certified In early September the process friends, and through their ques- tion and extravagant generosity, on Sunday morning about God’s people within their congregation. was being opened up to clergy and tions and my answers I knew that First UMC Bethany has served grace and how we are blessed to “If someone shows up at a Local Church Associates so they God wanted me to continue in 6000 meals from May 24 through be a part of the Lunch Box min- church one Sunday morning with could begin registering for the the pastoral ministry. Two weeks August 21, the day school ended istry. children, the church needs to be new online process. later I received a call from my D.S. for the summer until the day So, what is God whispering to ready to minister to them,” said A workshop for Local Church and an opportunity to serve a new school began. We prepared and you and your congregation? Are Christa Daro, Safe Sanctuaries Associates and local church cer- church. It wasn’t an easy decision delivered meals five days a week there hungry people? Does the assistant. tification authorities will be con- to leave my congregation mid-year to 7 sites in town with no strings Department of Family Services Visitors recognize the impor- ducted in Columbia on September but as I told them it’s all about attached. Our only questions were need items for foster kids? Are tance of keeping their children 29. saying yes to the opportunities how many meals and where do there folks who could use some safe, and need reassurance that the “We’ll be going over techni- God offers us. you want them delivered. We part- help with minor home repair? Do church shares that concern. cal aspects for the Local Church So on that first Sunday, I ner with Second Harvest, a food kids need some after school help “In today’s society, our need to Associates, and will be working shared my journey which included bank in St. Joe. We receive free with homework? When God whis- protect our children is increasing, with the certification authori- a passion for food ministries with food and food at a reduced cost pers to us, all we have to do is say not decreasing,” Cady said. “We ties to provide them informa- “no strings attached,” no income since the meals we serve are free. yes and God will show us the way don’t hear people saying this isn’t tion and resources for better guidelines, no criteria. This, to We had over 50 folks from our whether it’s 6000 meals or offer- necessary, or isn’t important.” discernment of people’s gifts and me, is God’s grace fully realized on church and the community offer ing a food box or a backpack or a Stephanie Shields is the strengths. This provides informa- earth. I had served Trinity UMC their hands on labor preparing smile and a handshake. The first Local Church Associate for Safe tion that helps the church put in Southeast Missouri where there and delivering meals. Ages for step on this journey is to say yes… Sanctuaries at First UMC in people in places to serve that is a 30% food insecurity rate for those offering their labor were Maryville, one of the pilot church- match their gifts,” said Director of kids, which means that kids aren’t from 5 to 85. Others gave fresh es that has been doing online cer- Connectional Ministries Sherry tification through the new system Habben. “Having an improved this year. About 30 people from discernment process helps know Clergy Deaths her church have already been cer- a person’s gifts, skills and issues, Rev. Ed Saferite, retired clergy Rev. George Burgin, retired Louis. Memorial Services were tified through the system. and allows for churches to discern from the Mid-State District, died pastor, died on August 29. He held on Saturday, September 8 “The program is fabulous,” she before putting someone up for August 27. A memorial service served appointments, including at George’s home church, West said. “It’s been great to be able to certification the best place for that was held on Saturday, September 1 Director of Metro Ministry, for Park UMC in Moberly. Rev. Bendi check-in on people and see where person to serve, and not having at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in more than 55 years in Missouri. Burgin, George’s daughter, is pas- they are in the process.” to deny certification to someone Fairview Heights, Illinois. George and his spouse, Carolyn, tor of the Albany and Stanberry One thing to be wary of is after they have gone through the made their home in Lake St. United Methodist Churches. making sure people are fully com- process.” mitted before you start the pro- For more information on Safe cess, Shields said. She has several Sanctuaries, go to www.mou- THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW people who she has paid to get methodist.org/safesanctuaries. Robert Schnase Columbia: (573) 441-1770 Bishop, Missouri Area Fax: (573) 441-1780 Sherry Habben Subscription rate is available upon request. Email Vision: Growing, fruitful, Director of Connectional Ministries Lorraine Sanders, Circulation, at Contact information [email protected] vibrant congregations 3601 Amron Court Subscribe for the free e-mail version of the changing lives through Columbia, Missouri 65202 Missouri Conference Review at E-mail for news submission: www.moumethodist.org/stayconnected Jesus Christ. fk [email protected] Next Deadline: Sept. 14 Next Issue: Sept. 28 Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 September 14, 2012 Missouri Conference News 3A

High-Tech Chat

Tips for a user friendly website

A cardinal rule in developing a same point size can look larger or well onto websites? For one good website is to remember that smaller depending on the type- thing, hypertext links are seldom it is for the user, not the creator. face. Have potential users check embedded in PDFs. This makes it Sometimes you must sacrifice out the readability of your text. difficult for web users to find the graphic elements, backgrounds, Other design tips include: desired information within the Front (l to r): Anita Ellis, Barbie Todd, Joan Neill, Leanna Lewis, colors and layouts that strike your Use standard fonts like PDF and requires them to do a Bridget Caddell. Middle (l/r): Barbara Webb, Miele Sutter, Tracy Lichliter, Barb Robertson, Dawn Masten, Jean Weiner, Pat fancy in order to achieve a user- Helvetica, Verdana, etc. Using an great deal of scrolling. In addition, Nelson, Barbara Eisenhour, T J Guese. Back (l/r): Bev Rhodes, centered website. Here are three obscure font will affect how the users tend to close the window Susana Wheeler, Barbara Buck, Betty Tracewell, Susie Mason, ways to make your website more web page displays and prints out. when they are finished reading Dora Thackery, Carol St. Myers usable and, perhaps, draw a bigger Do not reverse type. Neon the PDF instead of just hitting audience. yellow text against a black back- the back button. This means they ground may look great in a bro- leave your website unintentionally. MO PAUMCS gets Consider how it will chure, but it does not translate They may not return. well on computer screens. Should you use PDFs on your print Keep line widths between 60 website? Indeed. However, build connected at state Your website might be the and 70 characters. With more the content as a well-designed web greatest thing since sliced bread, characters than that, the type page and then link to a PDF of chapter conference graphically speaking. However, will likely be cut off in printing. that same content. Do not forget it is not enough only to con- Conversely, fewer than 40 char- to include a link to the Adobe site By Barbara Webb the official PAUMCS business sider how it looks on a computer acters can create eye fatigue and where your users can download Twenty-one local church sec- meeting was held during which screen. You also need to consider decrease readability. Acrobat Reader. retaries and district administra- new officers were also elected: how it will print. Very few web- Do not break up the left mar- Here’s an example of how to tive assistants “got connected” President Bev Rhodes, Vice- sites print out well. A common gin with graphics. They are hur- use web pages and a PDF in con- and earned continuing education President/Membership Secretary problem is that the right side cuts dles in your reader’s path. cert. Take your church’s weekly credit at the 2012 PAUMCS state Betty Tracewell, Secretary/ off, as paper and screen dimen- In blogs, drop caps (on the first newsletter and build each section chapter conference at Woods Chapter Communicator Barbara sions are not the same. This does letter of the first word) actually as a page. Because you undoubt- Chapel UMC on August 24 & 25. Webb, Treasurer Dawn Masten, not mean you cannot use the enhance readability. Some stud- edly have the same types of con- First on the agenda was a sweet Chaplain Susie Mason, Historian left and right margins; it simply ies have shown that drop caps in tent (calendar items, pastor’s let- performance by the Della Lamb Terry Jepson, and Nominations means the meat of your content blogs increase readership. ter, prayer requests and announce- Children’s Choir followed by an Committee Judy Sneathen, should be in the middle column, ments) in each newsletter, you overview of Della Lamb services Barbara Buck, and Tracy Lichliter. with the webpage title clearly dis- Know the proper use of can easily build a navigation that presented by Director Judy Akers. Sounds of “Ho-Ho-Ho, played there. In addition, recog- will enable your website users to Keynote speaker for the afternoon Ha-Ha-Ha” filled the room dur- nize that background colors and PDFs. find what they need quickly. Then was Ms. Sue Thompson who ing the next presentation by images do not print by default. PDF stands for Portable include a link to the PDF of the spoke of how she and Rev. Adam Certified Laughter Leader Jan Document File, and the name printed newsletter for users who Hamilton developed their min- Brothers. Following an hour Think about the design. says it all. Use PDFs primarily to want to print the newsletter. istry of administration together of laughter exercises and good distribute documents that will be These ideas will help you over the past 16 years. Sue spoke mental health information, the A common problem with many printed. Too many website man- develop and maintain a website about being good stewards of all group settled down to hear from websites is that the font size is agers think they should populate that is user friendly. If you under- our resources, including time. Conference Director of Financial too small. Remember that some their website by loading huge stand and anticipate what your Look, listen, ask were her key & Administrative Ministries people have a hard time reading amounts of print documents onto site visitors want and need, you words for developing a success- Rev. Kendall Waller as he spoke smaller text. It is advisable to use the site: entire manuals, newslet- will have a site that is well used ful staff/clergy partnership. After about the importance of statistical at least 16-point font on screen, ters and brochures. However, print and engaging. a Gates BBQ catered meal, the reporting and good stewardship which is comparable to a 12-point is print and web is web. learning opportunity continued practices. font in print. Realize, too, that the Why do PDFs not translate as Rev. Gina Kennedy, an associ- The day ended with a banquet ate at Woods Chapel, gave her at Rumors Steakhouse in Lee’s perspective on the teachings of Summit. On Sunday morning John Ortberg in his book The Me many of the group worshiped I Want to Be. together at Woods Chapel before Saturday morning began departing. Advertising space is available in the with devotion by Heartland For more information about North and Pony Express District this organization, go to www. Missouri Conference Review. Rates start Superintendent Rev. Steve Cox. moumethodist.org under the Then Rev. Jenn Kline, senior Resources menu, then PAUMCS at $150. For more information e-mail pastor at Country Club UMC in to find links to the national, state, Kansas City, filled the morning and district chapters or contact [email protected]. with great information on com- any of the officers. PAUMCS is a munication and ethics as she great way to “get connected” with led the group in several interac- other staff members throughout tive activities. At lunch time, the conference. 4A Missouri Conference News September 14, 2012

From left: Rabbi Andy Kastner, Tom Schlafly, Fr. Gary Braun and Rev. Matt Miofsky. No joke: Faith leaders Eastwood Memorial hosts offer blessing at bar Stop me if you’ve heard this “My grandmother always said music group from Trinidad one: A rabbi, a priest and a that Jews never drink, because United Methodist pastor walk we don’t want to dull the pain,” What do steel drums and a and a youth camp in Chillicothe. During the week, several church into a bar… he said. He then quoted another usually very traditional church They were heading back to South members provided radical hos- It sounds suspect, but it wasn’t rabbi as saying, “When you drink service have in common? “Not Carolina, so Pastor Coffer invited pitality to the group in the form a joke, but a community event. too much, out come the secrets.” much,” you might say. But that them to stop in Caruthersville. of meals, fellowship, sharing Rev. Matt Miofsky of the The Fr. Gary Braun prayed for was definitely not the case on While in Caruthersville, the electronic “toys”, swimming at the Gathering UMC accompanied the patio to be a place of eternal August 19 when the “Pans of Pans of Praise played at the begin- local recreation center, and other Fr. Gary Braun and Rabbi Andy hospitality and for all who work Praise,” a steel drum band from ning of the “Blocking on the acts of kindness. Paul Carmean, Kastner and joined Tom Schafly there, and all their hard work, be the island of Trinidad led a lively River” fishing tournament at the owner of Carmean’s Barbeque in the “Blessing of the Bar” when a place of blessing. worship service at Eastwood riverfront on Friday night, and which is next door to the church, Schlafly Brewery opened its new Miofsky explained how the Memorial UMC in Caruthersville. they played outdoors in front of was quite taken with the Pans of pavilion in St. Louis earlier this church he serves, The Gathering, Even staunch traditionalists were a local business on Saturday. The Praise and provided several meals summer. actually came to fruition at tapping their toes and thoroughly community loved their music of southern barbeque. The Schlafly Tap Room first Schlafly’s when he was a student enjoying the Caribbean flavor of and a lot of “buzz” was generated The Pans of Praise will be opened its doors in 1991 and at Washington University. the blend of traditional hymns by these impromptu concerts. A back in the Missouri area from holds the distinction of being the “When I started this church and praise music. larger than normal crowd gath- September 7 to the end of first new brewpub in Missouri six years ago as a student at Wash The Pans of Praise are in ered at Eastwood Memorial on October. Any church desiring to since Prohibition. Housed in a U, I was missing a key ingredi- the U.S. playing in churches for Sunday morning, with several contact the Pans of Praise may restored wood and brick building ent: people,” Miofsky said. “This love offerings to raise money visitors from the community and email Rev. Jim Coffer at eastwood- on the National Historic Register, became a staging ground. This for mission work. Beyond their other churches in attendance. [email protected]. Excerpts of The Schlafly Tap Room enjoys was sort of a birth place of my expenses, they hope to raise Pastor Coffer says, “These their concert can be seen on the a reputation as a casual, earthy church. A bar can be a place enough money to help some of young people were an absolute church’s website: eastwoodmemo- place to drink, dine, listen to live where people go to escape life, or their poverty stricken neighbors joy to work with. In the short rialumc.org. Eastwood Memorial music or host a special event. where they go to find life. This and eventually to build a church. time they were here they left an as well as other Caruthersville Rabbi Kastner mentioned it is a place where I found life. It’s Eastwood Memorial’s Pastor, indelible imprint on our hearts. churches has invited them to play was fitting that the celebration a place where relationships were Rev. Jim Coffer, heard about the We were blessed by their warm a Christmas concert before they was on Saturday, the Sabbath. But born. That shaped my life. Bless group from his son who lives in Christian spirit and the positive go back to Trinidad in November. he said some people of his faith this place to be a place where Richmond, MO. They had played witness for Christ they shared have misgivings about consuming people don’t come to escape life, in several churches in that area in our church and community.” alcohol. but to find it.” September 14, 2012 Local Church News 5A Enrollment up at CMU Preliminary numbers are in for fall term enrollment at Central Methodist University, and the news is good – very good. The challenge may be deciding which part of it is the best news, according to CMU President Marianne E. Inman. After the first week of class, 3,382 students were enrolled at CMU either on campus, off cam- pus, or online. A year ago at this same time, officials were excited to report the University had eclipsed the 3,000 student mark for the first Northwest Missouri time ever; this year’s count reflects a 10.9 percent increase. still needs help “Central Methodist University is pleased to report significant During the summer of 2011 home. His home had been gut- enrollment growth once again a major flood occurred in ted inside and needing plumb- this year,” Inman said. “This Northwestern Missouri when ing, electrical work and drywall demonstration of student the Missouri river overflowed it installation. As we arrived we demand for CMU’s programs banks due to large amounts of found out that the most pressing surely reflects an appreciation for snow melt in the western moun- issue was his roof. Removing our outstanding academic quality tains. The Corps of Engineers the roof turned to be a three day as well as our focus on personal released more amounts of water job because in some places there attention for each student.” from reservoirs in the north were 6 layers of roofing. After The gains may be all the more resulting in flooding in the low- removing the roofing and replac- impressive considering this past lands around St. Joseph, Missouri. ing parts of rotten underlayment year CMU, for the first time in its The flood waters remained for we were able to put the felt on the 158-year history, awarded more 3 months before home owners roof and it was time to go home. Welcome back Bishop than a thousand diplomas. That could return to see the damage Our inside crew was able to move accomplishment is a double- done to their homes, farmlands the basement steps, install new Bishop Robert Schnase was asked to speak in the Mark Twain edged sword: after all, just to and highways. supports and put down underlay- District so they could officially welcome him back to Missouri. On maintain enrollment levels, each Over a year later the first VIM ment for the floor to give Fred Sunday morning, August 26, he preached at Zion UMC in rural of those graduates had to be group went to that area to start more room for a larger bathroom. Brunswick, a growing and mission-minded open country church. In replaced with a new student. repairs on a home in Lewis and He still needs assistance to com- the afternoon he spoke at Shelbina UMC on “It Takes What It Takes” to On-campus enrollment Clark Village. A Fall 2011 con- plete the inside of his home. laity and clergy, which was followed by a reception the district offered clocked in at 1,173, second-most versation with Max Marble direct- The recently formed Disaster to show appreciation of his reassignment to Missouri. He is shown in CMU history and just three ed the attention of Maplewood Relief Committee has begun here at Shelbina UMC. students shy of matching the all- UMC to folks struggling to recov- coordinating the repairs to time mark set two years ago. A er from the spring 2011 flood. homes. They have received some total of 681 are living in CMU In answer to Max’s concern, funding from our church ($3,000) residence halls, 4.3 percent more the 2011 Christmas offering from and the local Salvation Army. than last year. Maplewood UMC (St. Louis) was They have 15 homes on the list As has been the case in directed to NW MO recovery in need of repair with 15 more recent years at CMU, the great- efforts. August 12-18, some folks to check .Yes, more VIM teams est growth came by way of from Maplewood UMC headed are needed; check with office of the College of Graduate and to St. Joseph to work on Fred’s Creative Ministries. Extended Studies (CGES). Incorporating off-campus pro- grams, graduate programs, and online students, CGES enrolled 2,209 – an big 17.7 percent gain from the same time a year ago. Impressive though those sta- tistics may be, some are point- ing to a lesser-known but vitally important category as equally significant: CMU’s freshman retention rate. That figure calcu- lates how many CMU freshmen from Fall 2011 returned this fall. President Inman reports a retention rate of 71.5 percent, nearly 10 percentage points above the Fall 2011 rate, and nearly seven points higher than CMU’s three-year average. 6A Missouri Conference News September 14, 2012 Church uses VBS as time of outreach By Rev. Sharon Colbért favorite was a Lazarus mummy enclosed. Mr. Garretson wrapping contest with teams of Johnson gave two persons wrapping a third a “Grow Your Willow Springs United child with toilet paper. After 90 Church” semi- Methodist Church went OUT minutes under a pavilion with a nar in March of the building with Rainbow gentle breeze (Thank you, God. which planted Express, an outreach inspired by It was 100 degrees), the children the seed for get- Miss Tillie, founder of Mission returned home with a lovingly ting outside the Arlington, TX (www.missionarl- packed sack lunch, bottle of water, church walls. ington.org). An enthusiastic team and a note: God Loves You & We 3. October of volunteers held a 4-day “VBS- Love You. Our friend, Dino the 21st, we will like” event for children--a fast and Dinosaur, a seven foot tall, very invite the fun-paced 90 minutes--each day green, dinosaur pictured here with parents and at Booster Park, Monday through some of our children appeared children to worship with us on Thursday, July 23-26, from 10 to when least expected. Special the deck, sing their songs which 11:30 AM. Team members passed thanks go to Mark Gossard and most of us know because they out fliers and participation forms Andrew Skinner for wearing a are old camp songs. Pastor Mike on Saturday, July 21 around 10 very hot costume. One of the Lawton will give a homily. This AM and each day of the event. coolest surprises of the week was will be followed by a carnival The church van passed through a visit to Smiley’s Place, a nearby with simple games, such as ring three focus areas in the com- frozen custard parlor where each toss over cans of soda pop, dart munity, with bells jingling (think child chose their favorite frozen boards with balloons, (a dunk ice cream truck), and children custard cone! tank for Pastor Mike? just kid- boarded with smiles and participa- Our goal was and is to build ding), while hamburgers and hot tion forms in hand. Immediately, relationships with the families. We dogs are prepared along with side their name was listed and they decided we needed more follow dishes and desserts. We will all sit were given their personal name up. Here was and is our plan: down, eat together and continue Bible, God’s gift to us. Each We learned “Your Word is a badge. Every child had to have 1. Thursday evening, July to form relationships. Prizes will child was given their very own lamp to our feet and a light to our a completed form with paren- 26th, from 6 to 7:30 parents and be awarded. We plan to decorate Bible. We stepped out of our path” Psalm 119:105. tal information, allergies, and children were invited to a Family the church for Fall in honor of our comfort zone outside the walls We learned: SIN = anything concerns. Children under age Night at Booster Park, complete guests. of the church. Strangers became we do that God does not want us four were accompanied by a par- with grilled hot dogs and refresh- 4. Another possibility is friends. Children accepted Christ to do. ent. We are committed to Safe ments to celebrate Rainbow hosting a parent’s night out or into their hearts. Each member We learned: Jesus longs to Sanctuaries which makes every Express with members of the mother’s day out this Fall. After a of the Rainbow Express team was dwell in our hearts to love, forgive, effort to keep children safe from congregation. The children wore survey of young parents, we real- to prepare a two to three minute and guide us. harm. Those are the necessities. their tie dyed t-shirts. Good fel- ized there is a need to have some testimony on why they believed in We could not have had such a Here is the fun! Our team lowship! time to gather their thoughts Jesus or how Jesus has made a dif- great time without all the volun- was enthusiastic as we reached 2. Larry Johnson, who inspired and nurture their relationship ference in their life. Simple tips for teers, the donations, the tasty sack out to children and parents, invit- us with Miss Tillie’s concept, in order to be better parents. the testimony: Be Brief; Be Simple lunches, the children and the sup- ing them to the puppet show gave us beautiful cards that we Meanwhile, the children will (no churchese); Be Animated; Be portive parents. with Foxy-Loxy and Skylar the addressed to each child’s par- participate in a three hour mini- Excited; Be Prayerful; and Give Submitted by retired pastor, Squirrel, inviting them to sing ents, thanking them for allowing VBS, maybe a movie, games, Bible God the Glory. This made a huge Rev. Dr. Sharon Colbért Garretson action songs, to hear the Gospel, the children to attend. Thank story, and simple crafts. This difference as team members were Questions, contact 417-469- to create a tie-dyed t-shirt, and you notes will be hand delivered could be done on a monthly basis. inspired as well as the children. 9984 [email protected] to play Bible related games. The with church invitation cards Our focus was and is on the We need to do more of this.

Breakfast continued from page 1A and said she saw the kids getting at the church on Sunday morning, “I then received about $3,000 the community in other ways. It widow’s offering in the Bible. It picked up each week, and won- arriving at about 8 a.m. and turn- in donations, more than enough recently purchased the former just blew me away.” dered if her children could come ing on the heat or air conditioning to finish the year,” he said. “That’s lumberyard that is next door to Seeger sees children from to,” said Rev. Paul Garven. and preparing for worship. from a church with a total annual turn it into a park with an outdoor broken homes who are lacking The children get breakfast as “Now when I get to church budget of $120,000.” pavilion, and is rehabilitating a in direction and attention from soon as they arrive at the church, there are already five people in Attendance at the church in the 100-year old building on the prop- adults. than have time for children’s the kitchen making breakfast, and past six weeks has been more than erty to be used as a community “It’s difficult to watch,” he said. church, and get sent home with a another two packing lunches,” he 100. The church used to average center for things like GED classes Volunteers went to homes in sack lunch. said. 75. The increase comes from peo- and Alcoholics Anonymous pro- groups of two, and made sure par- Early in the program, Garven The program began with $600 ple who are more excited about grams. ents and guardians were comfort- asked the mission committee what set aside from the mission fund. the church due to the good work Seeger said the breakfast pro- able with what they were doing. the stop date should be for them It costs the church about $300 per it’s doing, and people who have gram is a great benefit for the Most of the food preparation was to take a break from the program month. When the money started benefitted from the work. children, and for the volunteers done by Sunday school teachers. and re-evaluate it. to run out, Garven announced “We’ve had a couple families who served. “It has been a unifying, joyful “They just looked at me, and that they could feed a child for $3, who have started walking with “One child came up to me and thing for the church,” Seeger said. then said, ‘I don’t think we need a support the program for a week their kids to come to church on said, ‘I have a present for you’,” “As long as we have one kid, we’ll stop date,’” he said. for $75, or support it for a month Sunday morning,” Garven said. Seeger said. “He gave me two do it every Sunday.” Garven used to be the first one for $300. The church is also engaging mints. It was like the story of the September 14, 2012 Opportunities 7A Conference Calendar Job Date Event Location Phone/E-Mail Contact 9/8/2012 Mid-State Basic Lay Speaking Course Community UMC [email protected] Mike Sykuta Postings Director of 9/8/2012 SERVE 2012 State-wide [email protected] Audrey Phelps Children’s Ministry Wood's Chapel - karen.hayden@ First United Methodist 9/11/2012 CONVERGE Karen Hayden Lee's Summit moumethodist.org Church of Webster Groves (St. Louis) is seeking a dynamic, 9/28/2012 MO UMW Annual Meeting Arlington UMC (417) 437-9628 Paula Ackerson inspiring, community-oriented individual to fill our newly-cre- ated 10-hour position of Director Safe Sanctuaries LCA/LCC Certification Authority 9/29/2012 Community UMC (573) 441-1770 Nancy Cady of Children’s Ministry. The direc- Training tor of Children’s Ministry shall seek to foster a caring Christian community within the church 10/4/2012 Show Me the Way Walk to Emmaus - Men's Walk #62 TBD (417) 850-4608 Sue Holzrichter and build the faith of our chil- dren through creative experience and learning. This person should 10/5/2012 Fun Foundation Young Adult/Family Mission Trip Joplin, Missouri (402) 669-3848 Shannon Meister be an organized, self-motivated person who cares deeply about the welfare and spiritual develop- 10/6/2012 Gateway Central Lay Speaking Class, Part 1 Kingdom House [email protected] Jeff Fothergill ment of children. The primary focus will be in working with 10/6/2012 Lay Learning Class Camp Jo-Ota [email protected] Tom Bannon children age 3 through 6th grade. To view the full job description, go to www.websterfirstumc.org. 10/11/2012 Show Me the Way Walk to Emmaus - Women's Walk #63 TBD (417) 850-4608 Sue Holzrichter To apply, send your resume and cover letter to secretary@firstum- cwg.org. 10/12/2012 Women's Weekend Retreat & Bible Study Camp Jo-Ota (573) 441-1770 Francesca Burton Director of 10/13/2012 Gateway Central Lay Speaking Class, Part 2 Kingdom House [email protected] Jeff Fothergill Youth Ministries

Lake Doniphan First United Methodist 10/15/2012 Residency in Ministry Retreat Conference (573) 441-1770 Jenny Gragg Church of Webster Groves (St. Center Louis) is seeking a dynamic, inspiring, community-oriented Missouri State 10/20/2012 Festival of Sharing (573) 474-3332 Terri Williams individual to fill our newly- Fairgrounds created 10-hour position of Director of Youth Ministries. The 11/2/2012 District Treasurer's Training for 2013 Fairview UMC (816) 820-6015 Carolyn Celestine Director of Youth Ministries shall seek to foster a caring Christian 11/16/2012 Missouri Exploration Camp Wilderness (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden community within the church and build the faith of our youth through creative experience and 1/19/2013 Make-Up Quadrennial Boundaries Training Conference Office (816)356-2400 Paula O'Hara learning. This person should be an organized, self-motivated Springfield Expo person who cares deeply about 1/26/2013 WOW (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Center the welfare and spiritual devel- opment of youth. The primary 3/1/2013 Bishop Confirmation Saint Louis (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer focus will be in working with youth in grades 7 through 12. 4/5/2013 CCYM Meeting Conference Office (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer The Director of Youth Ministries must be committed to the theol- ogy and practice of the United Methodist Church, must have earned a High School diploma, The Missouri Conference Review accepts postings for paid though some college is preferred, and have prior experience and/ positions from churches in the Missouri Conference at no charge or training in working in youth on a space available basis. Postings may be published in two ministries or working with youth. To view the full job description, issues, space permitting, and should be limited to 75 words. go to www.websterfirstumc.org. To apply, send your resume and E-mail [email protected], call (573) 777-1205 or cover letter to secretary@firstum- mail Fred Koenig, MO Conference Editor, 3601 Amron Court, cwg.org. For more jobs go to www. Columbia, MO 65202. moumethodist.org/classifieds. 8AA Office of Creative Ministries News September 14, 2012

Festival of Sharing shows off quilts to be auctioned on October 20

Since last October hands have you can see many of the quilts. been busy sewing pieces of fabric You can even place a pre-bid on and prayerfully hand stitching your favorite quilts. Most of the designs into beautiful quilts. The quilt shows request a donation annual Festival of Sharing quilt to view the quilt but admission Auction is a highlight of the includes a light meal. The quilt Festival weekend. Each Quilt is show at St. James UMC in Kansas a work of art and requires many City has a ‘high tea’ with a short hours of labor to stitch the pieces program. This quilt tea is spon- into blankets of warmth. The sored by Church Women United generous donations received by of Kansas City. You can view quilters from across the state will more quilts online at festivalof- be auctioned to the highest bid- sharing.org. The quilt auction der starting at noon on Saturday begins at noon on October 20. October 20th. The funds raised from the auction will go to Sept. 26, 2 - 4 p.m. Church World Service Blankets+. $5.00 to attend the tea and The Blankets+ program pro- view the quilts. St. James UMC, vides blankets to refugees as 5540 Wayne Ave., Kansas City well as tents and foods in times of crisis around the world. The Sept. 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. plus part of the program pro- Lunch included for $5.00 vides development resources served till 1:30 pm, Wentzville such as micro loans to widows UMC, 725 Wall St., Wentzville that now need to provide income for her and her children as part Sept. 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. of “Improved Livelihoods” in Sept. 30, noon - 2 p.m. Nairobi. It may help to dig a well St. Pauls UCC, 5508 Telegraph for drought stricken communities. Rd, Oakville Or even give hope by provid- ing support for children head of households raising their younger October 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. siblings. These programs help Lunch Served from 11:00 to to empower the person and the 1:00 pm, Stover Community community they live. Center, 600 North Legion Drive, There are 4 quilt shows sched- Stover uled prior to the Auction where

Family Food Boxes, Flood Buckets needed at FOS

The most asked question September 23, Sunday October 6, Saturday Kansas City Area, 10 a.m. that the Festival of Sharing has Eastern Area, 1 - 3 p.m. Springfield Area, 1- 3 p.m., to 2 p.m. Visit the is mission leaders asking which St. Johns UCC, 1944 Bem Wesley UMC, 922 W Republic Woods Chapel UMC, 4725 NE Office of kit is needed most this year. In Church Rd, Owensville Rd, Springfield Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit Missouri it is the Family Food Creative Box. Emergency Clean Up September 29, Saturday October 13, Saturday October 17, Wednesday Buckets will be needed to aid in Southeast Area, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Northeast Area, 11a.m. - 2 Kansas City Area, 5 - 8 p.m., Ministries Web the response to persons effected 1st UMC, 501 S. Walnut St, p.m., Macon UMC, 208 Pearl St., Woods Chapel UMC, 4725 NE by Hurricane Isaac. Please bring Dexter Macon Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit site at www. to Sedalia or to a drop off sight listed below. Bring your packs September 30, Sunday Northwest Area, 9:30 a.m. - umocm.com. and kits to one of the drop off St. Louis Area, 12:30 - 2:30 noon, Cameron UMC, 201 N. sites. p.m., Webster Hills UMC, 1333 W Pine Street, Cameron Lockwood, Webster Groves Time for Isaac relief A legacy Transition under way of strength

Connectional Table leader Responders waste no time Columnist recalls friendship announces resignation | 2B helping hurricane victims | 3B with Lucimarian Roberts | 6B

September 14, 2012 Section B

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER The independent source for news, features and commentary about the United Methodist Church Communities of Shalom turns 20 amid challenges

Shalom, the network of which the Gal- B Y S AM HODGES latin Shalom Zone is part, prepares to Managing Editor observe its 20th anniversary with PJ Davis runs the Gallatin Shalom Shalom Summit 2012. Zone, in Gallatin, Tenn., which last Participants and supporters will year served nearly 7,000 clients with a gather Oct. 3-6, in Los Angeles. That’s range of programs and social services, where rioting after the acquittal of po- on a shoestring budget, with lots of lice officers caught on tape beating volunteer help. Rodney King prompted the creation of Gallatin Shalom Zone has been Communities of Shalom by United around since 1996, but Ms. Davis still Methodists. finds herself answering why a United The summit offers a full schedule Methodist-sponsored effort would of workshops and worship. Speakers have “shalom” in its name. will include the Rev. James Lawson, a “There’s people every day I meet longtime UM pastor and civil rights who still go, ‘Are you Jewish?’” she movement hero, and Rudy Rasmus, a said. “We explain to them that it’s a well-known, missionally-focused UM Hebrew word and that it means clergyman in Houston. ‘peace.’” The Rev. Joe Hyun-Seung Yang—a The name is enough of an issue United Methodist pastor dubbed “the that Ms. Davis and her board recently original Shalomer” for his heroic work discussed rebranding. responding to the Los Angeles riots— PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITIES OF SHALOM “We’ve decided not to do that,” she also will be on hand. Catherine Jordan, a master of divinity student at Drew Theological Seminary, stands beside a mural at said. “We have such a strong identity But while the summit is an occa- Spokane Shalom Ministries in Spokane, Wash. The downtown ministry—started by Spokane Central with ‘shalom.’” sion for celebration, it’s occurring as UMC in the 1990s and supported by volunteers from several area churches and organizations—is part Persistence and identity are defi- Communities of Shalom undergoes of the Communities of Shalom network based at Drew. nitely key themes as Communities of  See ‘Shalom’ page 4B The enduring influence of Clarence Jordan Americus, Ga. the Rev. James Howell of Myers Park B Y S AM HODGES The Englands would soon move United Methodist Church in Char- Managing Editor on to other civil rights work, but the lotte, N.C., one of the many United What were the odds that a white Jordans stuck it out for more than Methodists today who consider Jor- Southern Baptist preacher would two decades, enduring frequent gun- dan a hero of contemporary Christi- start an interracial Christian commu- shots and a near-crushing economic anity. nity in the rural South in 1942, long boycott from local people who The 70th anniversary of the before federal court decisions and wanted them gone. founding of Koinonia—which con- legislation began to dismantle legal Clarence Jordan, who died of a tinues as a Christian community and segregation? heart attack at the farm in 1969, pecan farm—will be observed Throw in that this preacher would would become known for his ser- through the fall, beginning with a be openly pacifist, right in the middle mons, his colloquial “Cotton Patch” Clarence Jordan Symposium on Sept. of World War II, and the prospect translations of the New Testament 28-29, in Americus. seems even more far-fetched. and especially for an uncompromis- Speakers will include former Pres- But this happened. The Rev. ing faith, encompassing not only a ident Jimmy Carter and Shane Clai- Clarence Jordan and his wife, Flo- life-threatening commitment to borne, author of the The Irresistible rence, and a Baptist missionary cou- racial equality but also to pacifism Revolution: Living as an Ordinary ple, Martin and Mabel England, and living simply in community, Radical, and one of the founders of PHOTO COURTESY FULLER CENTER FOR HOUSING established Koinonia Farm—named sharing meals and meager material The Simple Way, a Christian commu- The Rev. Clarence Jordan (r) influenced many, including Millard for a Greek word for “fellowship”— goods. nity in Philadelphia. Fuller, co-founder of Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center on eroded, red-dirt acreage near “He took the Bible seriously,” said  See ‘Koinonia’ page 2B for Housing. They’re seen at Koinonia Farm in 1968. 2B FAITH focus

 KOINONIA Continued from page 1B

Jordan grew up in Talbotton, Ga., put him in the company of the after his death, become a footnote in where even as a boy he began to ques- Galilean Disturber, whom you wor- Southern religious history. tion how church-going folks could ship,” Jordan acidly wrote. “It is re- But among those who came to square the gospel with segregation. He ported that he went into the Temple in Koinonia in Jordan’s last years was would go on to study agriculture at the capital city, over-turned some Millard Fuller. Fuller—a wunderkind the University of Georgia. Then, feel- church furniture and drove out those businessman who gave away his ing a call to ministry, he enrolled at members who thought they had the wealth in committing to a life of Southern Baptist Theological Semi- right to worship Mammon in the Christian service—joined Jordan in nary, where he earned a Ph.D. in New house of God. Ashton Jones wasn’t establishing a housing ministry in Testament Greek. quite that rude, but of course he got a their area. Fuller kept going with the The chance to live out his deepen- lighter sentence.” idea after Jordan’s death. In 1976, he ing commitment to racial reconcilia- Jordan himself joined interracial and his wife, Linda, founded Habitat tion—and to try his hand at groups trying to gain admission to for Humanity, and later would start farming—led to the Koinonia Farm local white churches. And on one oc- the Fuller Center for Housing. experiment. It was never large, and fi- casion Methodists were the ones Habitat alone has built more than nancial problems were chronic after a blocking the way. 500,000 houses, serving 2.5 million local boycott made selling their prod- “He had accompanied an inte- people. ucts and buying supplies a serious grated group from Koinonia to the The Jordan/Koinonia influence UMR PHOTO BY SAM HODGES challenge. First Methodist Church of Americus also has persisted through his writ- Bren Dubay, director of Koinonia Farm, stands in front of the shack As tensions in the region intensi- in August (1969), wrote Dallas Lee in ings (the Cotton Patch translations in- where Clarence Jordan wrote and translated. fied during the civil rights movement, his book The Cotton Patch Evidence. spired a popular musical) and can be Koinonia became subject to random “They were blocked from entering the seen in the growth of intentional munity. stance of Faith.” “I think the weakness shootings that authorities did little to service, and for once Clarence was vir- Christian communities, based on a That led Lenny Jordan, who grew of liberalism today is that it accepts the investigate or even discourage. The tually mute with anger and disap- commitment to simple living and up at Koinonia as one of the children life of Jesus, but shuns the inevitable boycott, too, owed to the community’s pointment.” community service. of Clarence and Florence Jordan, to consequences of the Jesus Life, which is commitment to integration. But Jor- In a tiny frame shack at Koinonia, “I regularly have students read agree to chair the anniversary celebra- crucifixion, and is thereby denied the dan, who argued that fear was the Clarence Jordan wrote sermons and Clarence Jordan’s work,” said Elaine tion. power of the resurrection. great obstacle to authentic Christian did his Cotton Patch translations. He Heath, a professor at Perkins School of “Koinonia is back on a course that “When we are given assurance that faith, persisted with Koinonia and died there on Oct. 29, 1969, at age 57, a Theology and director of its Center for would make Daddy feel right at this Jesus and the kind of life that he with broader efforts to promote racial couple of months after the refusal at Missional Wisdom. “He is part of our home,” he wrote in the Koinonia Farm lived cannot be put out, that the light justice. the Methodist church. inspiration for New Day and the Ep- Chronicle newsletter. is still shining in the darkness and the Among his Methodist friends in worth Project, the two networks of Both Clarence and Florence Jordan darkness cannot overcome it, then we the cause was the Rev. Ashton Jones, Message and example new monastic communities that I would be 100 this year. There will no are freed from our fear. Then we can who was jailed after attempting to in- Clarence Jordan was a sought-after started in Dallas/Fort Worth.” doubt be plenty of praise for them at give ourselves to this God and say ‘Let tegrate the First Baptist Church of At- speaker for churches and other audi- Though Koinonia itself has oper- the anniversary observance, but also all that we have go, even this mortal lanta with an interracial group. Jordan ences with a social-justice focus, and ated uninterrupted since Jordan’s era, some grappling with the challenge of life also.’” drafted an open letter to the church, his friends included King and Dorothy it eventually wandered from his vi- Clarence Jordan’s message and exam- which is in the archives of the Martin Day, co-founder of the Catholic sion, becoming a more typical non- ple. For information on Koinonia’s Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Worker Movement. But Jordan was profit. In recent years, though, under “The life, the crucifixion, and the anniversary observance, see www.koinonia2012celebration.org. Social Change in Atlanta. hardly a household name, and it was director Bren Dubay, it has again be- resurrection of Jesus is one package,” he “By so convicting him, you have reasonable to assume that he would, come an intentional Christian com- wrote in a sermon titled “The Sub- [email protected]

Casad leaving Connectional Table PREPARE FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS sioning a future with hope that comes Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas, B Y S AM HODGES from a deep faith in Jesus Christ,” said which is led by her husband, the Rev. Published by Managing Editor Bishop John L. Hopkins, Connectional Vic Casad. ® Mary Brooke Casad is stepping Table chair. With the Connectional Table, Ms. down as executive secretary of the Ms. Casad tried to work herself out Casad has traveled the world, visiting store, web, phone UMC’s Connectional Table, a position of a job. Under her, the Connectional UM churches, ministries and schools, Preparing When God Advent: Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789 she’s held since 2007. Table backed restructuring legislation and meeting with church leaders. the Way Comes Down A Calendar The Connectional Table consists of that would have replaced the Connec- “That’s been an incredibly rich ex- of Devotions UMR135500301 PACP01264904-01 of UM bishops, heads of general tional Table with a stronger organiza- perience,” she said. “It’s obvious that boards and agencies, and laity and tion, empowered to oversee most God is at work through our church and clergy from across agencies and keep them focused on making a difference in people’s lives.” THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER (USPS954-500) is published the denomination, the goal of supporting congregations. Bishop Bruce Ough, incoming CT weekly by UMR Communications Inc., 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional and coordinates That legislation passed at General Chair, said Ms. Casad has agreed to mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE UNITED missions, ministries Conference 2012, but in the waning stay on as executive secretary until a METHODIST REPORTER. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275. THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided denominational and resources. hours of that gathering in Tampa, Fla., replacement is chosen. She’ll also help www.unitedmethodistreporter.org news coverage since its beginning as the Texas Methodist newspaper in Under Ms. Casad, the Judicial Council struck it down as with the January 2013 organizational 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to the United Methodist General [email protected] Conference or to any of the denomination’s general boards or agencies. the Connectional violating the church constitution. meeting. This newspaper aims to provide readers with a broad spectrum of Table took a major “I still think it was an important Details about the search for a new Alan Heath, CEO information and viewpoints consistent with the diversity of Christians. role in pushing Call step,” Ms. Casad said in a phone inter- executive secretary are to be an- All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted by UMR Mary Communications Inc. unless otherwise noted. Reprint of material from to Action initiatives view. “I think the Connectional Table nounced later this month. Sam Hodges, Managing Editor this newspaper must be authorized in advance by the Editor, and fees and other reforms Brooke has been helpful in this process of Along with supporting ministry at are assessed in some cases. To request reprints, e-mail [email protected], Bill Fentum, Associate Editor or fax a request to (214) 630-0079. Telephone requests are not accepted. aimed at reversing Casad moving the conversation along.” her husband’s church, Ms. Casad plans Send Correspondence and Address Changes declines of the UMC Ms. Casad said that the restructur- to spend more time writing. She’s the Mary Jacobs, Staff Writer (include mailing label) To: P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX in the United States. ing legislation had her anticipating life author of children’s books featuring 75266-0275 Telephone: (214) 630-6495. Subscriptions are Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager $26 for 52 issues per year. Click on “subscriptions” at Please recycle. “Her leadership . . . has enabled after the Connectional Table. Another “Bluebonnet,” a Texas-born armadillo. www.umportal.org, e-mail [email protected] or send We do! our church to take giant steps in deal- factor, she said, was her desire to be a check to UMR Communications, Attn: Circulation, 1221 Dale Bryant, Senior Designer Profit Dr., Dallas, TX 75247. ing with current realities while envi- more involved in Stonebridge United [email protected]

S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 3B UM CONNECTIONS UMC starts response to Hurricane Isaac Wesleyan Leadership Louisiana Bishop Cynthia Fierro Har- U NITED M ETHODIST N EWS event set for Nov. 1-3 vey commended residents of the state SERVICE The third annual Wesleyan for their resiliency and determination. Leadership Conference will In the days after Hurricane Isaac “The folks in Louisiana were as pre- be held Nov. 1-3 in hit the U.S. Gulf Coast in late August, pared as anybody could ever be be- Nashville, on the theme United Methodists in the region de- cause of their experience. They took “Sharing Pastoral Power: ployed trained responders, cared for care of people in their congregations Wesleyan Foundations for storm survivors and used church-to- and in their communities,” she said. Leadership in the Congrega- church connections to assess ever- Bishop Harvey, formerly the head tion.” “Sharing pastoral of UMCOR, agreed with other re- power is about recognizing changing needs. and preparing lay leadership Checking on neighbors and muck- sponse leaders who said that cash do- to work as partners with the ing out homes were the first priorities nations are the best way to help. “Our pastor,” said the Rev. in Mississippi, where Wayne Napier, experience with Katrina, Isaac, and Stephen W. Manskar, director disaster response coordinator for the every other disaster is that the incred- of Wesleyan leadership at Mississippi Conference, observed in- ible generosity of the churches has the UMC’s General Board of land flooding that reached further seen us through,” she said. Discipleship. The Rev. David north than originally expected. Lowes Watson, a retired UM “We experienced more upland Journey for relief PHOTO BY PATSY LYNCH/FEMA elder, former faculty member flooding because the rivers couldn’t At the request of Mr. Napier, Bill A resident of Pointe a la Hache, La., sits on the stairs of his home at UM seminaries and au- empty into the gulf,” he said. “The Carr, disaster relief coordinator for the which was flooded when Hurricane Isaac passed through the area thor of books about shared scope of our work grew geographically Memphis Conference, braved lashing on Aug. 29. leadership between clergy with every hour that went by. We are rain and winds on Aug. 29 to deliver a and laity, will lead plenary seeing flood damage more than 100 truckload of relief supplies to people fall, Mr. Carr was in contact with Mr. Guest House fared well during the presentations. For registra- miles north of the Gulf.” in Mississippi—while the hurricane Napier, a longtime friend, to see what storm, which tracked further south tion and information, go to In addition, the loss of soybean was still pummeling the state. he required. and west than expected. “We experi- www.gbod.org/wesleyan- and rice crops will leave many in that It was an example of the United “I told him to call me with what he enced gusts of wind . . . and periods of leadership. The individual state under economic hardship. Methodist Church’s connection in ac- registration fee is $159. needed, and he did,” Mr. Carr said. “He heavy rain, but nothing like they were UMCOR has sent $10,000 emer- tion. Both Mr. Carr and Mr. Napier had cleaned out his supplies, and his predicting,” said Tom Vencuss, project Garrett names Wilson gency grants to both the Mississippi were acting in their official capacity as shelves were bare.” director of the Haiti Response Plan for new dean of students and Louisiana conferences, and re- trained disaster relief coordinators. Mr. Napier asked Mr. Carr to de- United Methodist Volunteers in Mis- Garrett-Evangelical Theolog- sponse leaders reported that cash do- “While this was a pre-arranged liver bottled water, hand sanitizer and sion. ical Seminary in Evanston, nations, rather than material goods, trip, we would never encourage any of meals ready to eat—some of which The plan is part of the denomina- Ill., has named the Rev. Cyn- are the best way to help those affected our disaster responders to drive into Mr. Carr picked up from the United tion’s long-term recovery work in thia Wilson as dean of stu- by the hurricane. the storm,” said the Rev. Tom Hazel- Methodist Neighborhood Centers in Haiti, led through a partnership of the dents. She served as interim UMCOR’s Sager Brown Depot in wood, the executive in charge of U.S. Memphis, some of which he bought. United Methodist Committee on Re- dean of stu- Baldwin, La., was distributing cleanup disaster response for the United Mr. Carr also loaned four generators lief and Methodist Church in Haiti. dents last buckets and other supplies to flood Methodist Committee on Relief, the of his own. Not everyone in Haiti escaped the school year. survivors, and the depot had a total of denomination’s relief agency. Mr. Carr said he left his home in storm’s path. By Aug. 28, the death toll President 9,000 cleanup buckets available when “This was a pre-arranged delivery Kentucky at about 3 a.m. on Aug. 29 from Isaac in Haiti had risen to 24 as Phillip Amer- Isaac made its U.S. landfall. In addi- of specified supplies that were and did not make it back until about the Haitian government and humani- son said, “She tion to cash donations, people who needed,” he added. “That’s very differ- 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 30. The Memphis tarian officials continued to assess the demonstrated want to help were being encouraged to ent from someone saying, ‘Let’s get in Conference encompasses western Ten- damage, reported the Miami Herald. her wisdom, assemble more cleanup buckets to re- a car and go.’” nessee and western Kentucky. Mr. Vencuss said he would be imagination plenish the depot’s stock. Mr. Napier said the Memphis sup- meeting with the Rev. Gesner Paul, and care for Cynthia Though the depot was undam- plies filled a desperate need with the In Haiti president of the Methodist Church in students.” Ms. Wilson aged, other areas of Louisiana are fac- failure of the Tangipahoa River dam Several days earlier a U.S. volun- Haiti, and expected to receive a report Wilson is an ing long-term flood recovery. in Mississippi’s Percy Quin State Park. teer team visiting Haiti had to shift on damage in the church circuits. ordained dea- Plaquemines Parish, southeast of New Residents along the river around con of the UMC and a mem- their attention from a work assign- Orleans, sustained some of the worst Kentwood, La., near the Mississippi ment in the island nation to concern Susan Kim, a freelance journalist ber of the Kansas West flood damage, along with St. John the border, were evacuated as state offi- in Laurel, Md., and Heather Hahn Conference. She’s also an for family members back home. Baptist Parish and the town of Slidell. cials expected waters to rise to 17 feet. and Linda Bloom of UMNS award-winning singer. With their return delayed because contributed to this report. Even in the face of grave damage, Long before the storm made land- of canceled flights, the seven-member Emory & Henry team from the UMC’s Louisiana Con- president to retire ference had to scramble for an alter- How to help Rosalind Reichard will retire native plan, said the Rev. Tim Smith, United Methodists can sup- as president of UM-affiliated team leader and pastor of Gretna (La.) port UMCOR’s response to Emory & Henry College, in United Methodist Church. Hurricane Isaac by giving to Emory, Va., in 2013, at the Issac brought an unexpected end- U.S. Disaster Response, end of the academic year. ing to a mission trip that had begun UMCOR Advance #901670. Dr. Reichard, a mathemati- Aug. 20 and involved several days of Contributions can be desig- cian, was the first woman to hard labor at LaTrembaly, a Haitian nated for “Hurricanes 2012” serve as the school’s presi- Methodist church and school. A deci- in the memo line of a check dent, and under her Emory & sion was made Aug. 23 to return to the or online at www.umcor.org. Henry saw its largest con- Methodist Guest House in Petionville, Text RESPONSE to 80888 to struction program in on the Port-au-Prince border, as the give a $10 donation to pro- decades. She’s 68, and ac- storm approached; on Aug. 28 a bene- vide immediate relief to cording to an article in Trici- factor paid for a charter flight to take those affected by Hurricane ties.com looks forward to Isaac. Churchgoers also can spending more time with her the team to Miami, where they UNITED NATIONS PHOTO BY LOGAN ABASSI planned to rent a van and drive to assemble cleaning buckets grandchildren. for those affected by the A woman near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, wades through flood waters as Louisiana. storm. —Compiled by Sam Hodges she tries to save possessions from her flooded home. Those staying in the Methodist

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 4B FAITH focus

PHOTO COURTESY GALLATIN SHALOM ZONE

ABOVE: Children at the Gallatin Shalom Zone, in Gallatin, Tenn., take a play break from a summer enrichment program focused on literacy and physical fitness. RIGHT: The Center for Transforming Communities in Memphis has helped to establish Shalom Zones, including one that led to a community garden. It expanded into

Green Leaf Learning Farm, big enough to require a tractor. PHOTO COURTESY CENTER FOR TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

 SHALOM Continued from page 1B budget cuts, staff reductions and a prophetic admonition in Scripture to community groups received training, several applicants. He notes that Communities of scramble for new revenue. ‘seek the Shalom of the city’ leapt off and sometimes help in finding fund- “Drew seemed the best solution,” Shalom doesn’t fund sites. It offers Communities of Shalom is in the the page from the Letter of Jeremiah. ing, by joining the network. said Thomas Kemper, top executive of training and support, and its impri- community trans- “What about United Methodist- The aim was and remains ambi- GBGM. “It was a good environment, matur can sometimes help a local formation business. initiated Shalom Zones to be organ- tious, going beyond charity, according but it also had $1 million to support group get funding from United These days, it’s hav- ized in myriad urban communities to Patricia Morton, longtime member the program for the quadrennium.” Methodist sources and other sources, ing to transform it- through which vast networks of reli- of the National Shalom Committee Governance shifted to the Drew he said. self. gious bodies and called servant lead- which helps guide the network. board of trustees and theological But using the funds from GBGM, “We’ve taken ers, along with private and public “The church has always been school dean. The National Shalom as well as UMC “Advance” offerings for hard measures to sectors, would work together to trans- known for its social outreach, its Committee, chaired by Bishop Schol, Communities of Shalom, the network make [Communities form urban America one broken health clinics and food pantries,” Dr. has continued offering support and was able in its first Drew years to offer of] Shalom sustain- Michael neighborhood at a time?” Morton, a Rutgers University profes- guidance. seed grants for training to sites that able,” said the Rev. Christensen Bishop Sprague drafted a proposal sor, said. “The question is, how do you produced a “Shalom plan.” Michael Christensen, and took it to General Conference, make them part of systemic change Bouncing back Communities of Shalom began a national director winning overwhelming approval. That that revitalizes the community and is Drew assigned Dr. Christensen, comeback, Dr. Christensen said, and and an affiliate professor at Drew Uni- was the dramatic beginning of Com- no longer a handout, but something who had been running its doctor of now has 150 active sites. He added versity. munities of Shalom. that causes empowerment of people?” ministry program, to be full-time di- that Drew has encouraged depth and Already at work, offering help to Bishop Felton May was an impor- rector. collaboration through clusters of sites, Dramatic beginning those affected by the riots, was Mr. tant organizing force in Communities The proposal for Communities of Yang. The early leaders of Communi- of Shalom, according to Dr. Chris- Shalom came from the Rev. C. Joseph ties of Shalom, including the Rev. John tensen, who also credited Lynda Byrd, Sprague, later Bishop Sprague. In Schol—now Bishop Schol— would an early director who will be honored 1992, he was a West Ohio pastor and a soon ask Mr. Yang to affiliate his min- at the summit, with building the num- delegate to the General Conference in istry with the effort, and rename it ber of Shalom Zones to an all-time St. Louis. “Shalom Community Center.” high of 360, in about 2002. That General Conference was un- “I called the California Secretary of “It floundered a little after she left,” derway when the rioting in Los Ange- State,” Mr. Yang said, laughing at the Dr. Christensen said. “There was not a les occurred. Rev. Lawson, who was memory. “I was wondering—maybe full-time national director, for one from the city, reported to delegates on the Jewish community is already thing. For whatever reasons, including the civil unrest, fires and other de- using that name. But I got a good an- leadership change and evolution of struction. swer.” sites, it had gone down to 78 active Bishop Sprague couldn’t sleep that The Shalom Community Center is Shalom sites.” night, and finally rose and began still going—with Mr. Yang recently re- That was in 2008, when the Na- reading the Bible for some word about tiring as director but continuing as a tional Shalom Committee and GBGM how United Methodists might re- volunteer—and remains a part of decided to offer Communities of spond. Communities of Shalom. Shalom to other UM-related institu- “I searched the Scriptures for a tions, and invited proposals, with the theologically sound addition to the far Beyond charity understanding that GBGM would pro- PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITIES OF SHALOM too narrow governmental program of Early on, Communities of Shalom vide $800,000 in carryover funds. Annie Allen of Communities of Shalom leads a training session in enterprise zones in vogue at the time,” came under the UMC’s General Board UM-affiliated Drew Theological Haiti. Drew Theological School students have served Communities he wrote in a recent essay. “The of Global Ministries. Churches and School in New Jersey prevailed among of Shalom internships there as well.

S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 5B

PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITIES OF SHALOM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY MELISSA HINNEN LEFT: Mayor Robert Reichert (r) of Macon, Ga., has championed the creation of Shalom Zones in his city, hoping to improve public safety and expand economic opportunity. RIGHT: UM Bishop Jeremiah Park (second from left) preached at an interfaith service for Occupy Wall Street, accompanied by representatives of Communities of Shalom and Drew Theological School. and points to what’s happened in Under Drew and Dr. Christensen, Communities of Shalom, since it oper- Mr. Kemper said GBGM remains lots of things need to fall in place, but Memphis. Communities of Shalom has offered ates with a small staff and a limited supportive of Communities of remains optimistic that Communities There the Center for Transforming summits that allow for focused train- budget, and doesn’t provide direct, on- Shalom, and provided a grant for the of Shalom can have long-term sus- Communities, a local organization ing and networking. It also has added going funding or oversight. anniversary summit. Other grant re- tainability. with UM roots, worked with congre- sites internationally, in Africa and in Dr. Christensen acknowledges that quests will be considered, but he said Even as he was working toward a gations in 2010 to create six neighbor- Haiti, and used a $250,000 grant from there’s a good bit of turnover among annual funding is not in the cards. business plan to help guarantee that, hood Shalom Zones. The center has the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to create sites, and that their level of identifica- “We are cutting programs at this Dr. Christensen joined others from helped them with training and fund- an internship program for Drew mas- tion with Communities of Shalom moment, and we cannot take on addi- Communities of Shalom and Drew in raising. ter of divinity students. varies. tional kinds of core program funding helping lead an interfaith service at One group started a community The Rev. Joshua Clough—pastor of Indeed, it’s not hard to find out-of- for an organization we let go,” he said. Occupy Wall Street in New York, in De- garden on two vacant lots in its neigh- West Kauai UMC in Hawaii—used an date information about sites on the Meanwhile, Communities of cember 2011. borhood. The group gradually added internship while at Drew to go to Communities of Shalom Web page, Shalom is building an endowment, Dr. Christensen considers it crucial lots with the help of a local govern- Haiti, to do community organizing and some sites don’t seem much in- with a six-year goal of $3 million. Dr. to recapture the original vision of ment land bank. with a focus on education about volved with the network. Christensen said he’s also about to community transformation and chal- “They patched together a full city HIV/AIDS and other health issues. He “I read all the stuff that comes debut a revamped, technologically-en- lenging the status quo that excited block,” said Amy Moritz, director of followed up by organizing trips of across my desk from them, but we’ve hanced training curriculum that he United Methodists and many others. the center and a national trainer for Drew students to bring supplies and not done training with them,” said the hopes can be marketed well enough to “We’re really trying to present Communities of Shalom. “It’s an work with local arts groups. Rev. Will Reed of Servant of Christ generate a healthy revenue stream. Shalom as a movement, not a pro- urban farm, and it requires a tractor “Communities of Shalom, and UM Parish in Houston. He added that “It rolls out at the summit,” he gram,” he said. now.” other justice ministries within the one of its longtime partners, Shalom said. Green Leaf Learning Farm, as it’s UMC, remind us of our call to min- Health Ministry, was created out of Dr. Christensen acknowledges that [email protected] known, has been the subject of several istries of justice with the marginalized the Shalom Zone concept. feature articles. as we continue to make disciples of The biggest challenge facing Com- Macon, Ga., is another city where Jesus Christ for the transformation of munities of Shalom is financial. In Expand or build your church the cluster approach has taken hold, the world,” he said. this year’s annual report for the net- and Mayor Robert Reichert has be- work, Dr. Christensen notes that Drew with a loan from UMDF. come a champion of Shalom Zones in Ongoing challenges itself is in a period of cost-cutting. >LWYV]PKLÄYZ[TVY[NHNLSVHUZMVYI\PSKPUN helping neighborhoods attack specific But community work is rarely He’s having to cut Communities of L_WHUKPUNHUKYLUV]H[PUN

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 6B FAITH forum Remembering a friend who lived out her faith

but like many older adults, on some of how life might unfold in her last coming bone marrow transplant and B Y M ISSY BUCHANAN days she struggled to find purpose as days. said that she had to be strong for her UMR Columnist physical decline took its toll. I also remember the afternoon daughter. When I received word that The first time I spoke with Luci- I was surprised when a Good that I suggested My Story, My Song for Lucimarian had passed away in her marian Roberts, I knew we were going Morning America producer contacted the book title. She looked up at me home with her family at her bedside, I to be friends. She called from her me in 2010 to ask if I could come to and broke into a huge smile. That’s it, thought of our conversations. home in Pass Chris- New York to tape a segment about she said. That’s it. I knew that Lucimarian had not tian, Miss., to ask a aging and faith with Lucimarian and In April of this year, Upper Room been afraid of death. She wanted no question about my her daughter, Robin Roberts, a host of Books hosted a wonderful celebration part of a dreary, sad funeral. As she book, Living with the show. It seems that Robin had dis- tea in Pass Christian to launch My described it to me, her memorial serv- Purpose in a Worn- covered our friendship and wanted Story, My Song. Just days before, Luci- ice was to be a celebration, a real Out Body, and we her mother to meet me while Luci- marian had been hospitalized. My “homegoing.” I think she felt assured, talked for over a marian was visiting her in N.Y. prayer had been that she would re- too, that Robin would be strong in her half-hour. It was an I remember watching Robin’s eyes cover and be able to enjoy the festivi- own struggles, largely because of the easy conversation, as Missy brim with tears as she interviewed her ties of the weekend. legacy of faith she was leaving behind. if we had known mother about what it is like to grow She did. As Robin described it, Lu- This morning, I am going to Luci- Buchanan each other for old. At that moment, Robin was more Lucimarian Roberts cimarian was a rock star that day. marian’s church to celebrate her 88 decades instead of a daughter than a celebrity to me. Friends and family gathered to cele- years of life. We will laugh. We will minutes. We quickly discovered that It was Robin, along with her sib- and difficult to hear. All were woven brate her life stories. Laughter and joy shed a few tears. But at the end of the each of us had a church pew in our lings, who later convinced Lucimarian together with threads of faith, Scrip- filled the ballroom. The following day, service, we will stand and joyfully home. Mine was purchased at an an- that her life stories could inspire oth- ture and the music of the church. more than 500 people lined up at a proclaim, When we all get to heaven, tique store. Hers was salvaged from ers. In the summer of 2011, I had the Lucimarian told me that even local book store to meet Lucimarian what a day of rejoicing that will be. her church which was ravaged during privilege of spending a stretch of days though sifting through her life stories and to have their books signed. I re- Hurricane Katrina. with Lucimarian in Mississippi as we was painful at times, it had been a member thinking what a blessing that Ms. Buchanan, a member of FUMC Over the last five years, we had worked on her memoir. She would blessing because it reminded her how she was alive to hear people tell her Rockwall, Texas, is the author of many other phone conversations often close her eyes and lean her head God had worked in her life throughout how her life had impacted them. several books, including Aging about all kinds of things, including back as if she was watching a film on a The last time I spoke with Luci- Faithfully: 28 Days of Prayer the years. It was in looking back and (Upper Room Books). She the challenges of growing old. Luci- wall in her mind. Some stories were recognizing God’s faithfulness that marian, she was back in the hospital. submitted this column on Sept. 5, marian was a woman of deep faith, joyful and uplifting; others were sad she could embrace the uncertainties She was concerned about Robin’s up- the day of Mrs. Roberts’ service. North Texas bishop’s removal is not about race all too well how it feels to have over- This is not the career path of a a gracious way out when the commit- best of intentions, seeking justice for B Y C HRISTY T HOMAS seers say ‘we know what is good for man being held back by race. It is the tee, after evaluating him negatively, one who has been a friend, and who Special Contributor you.’” career path of very few clergy in our asked him to retire on his own. brought him back to this conference Are we a racist Conference (North In a later paragraph, we read: “One connection. It is a path of privilege Had he accepted—as he initially and to one of the most prestigious Texas) and Jurisdiction (South Cen- more black man has been made and of increasing prestige, responsi- did, then reversed course—he and his pulpits in the nation. He writes what tral)? An extraordinarily incendiary ‘homeless.’ This action has turned bility and financial security. If race family would have been spared the he sees. That’s what we all do. commentary written by the Rev. back the clock on race relations far- was a factor, it was in his favor, not stress and embarrassing revelation of Our positions often determine our Henry L. Masters Sr., the newly ap- ther than any of us ever imagined it against it. his negative evaluation. truths. There is no one “objective” pointed senior pastor of St. Luke could go. It will take a long time to get But things went bad during his truth here any more than there is an “Community” UMC past this hurt—if we ever do.” four years as bishop of the North Our own truths objective standard for clergy or epis- in Dallas, and pub- So, is Dr. Masters correct? Texas Conference. Morale plummeted; Dr. Masters, the committee’s ap- copal effectiveness. All we can do is sit lished in the Re- I researched Bishop Bledsoe’s complaints mounted. proach is called “Christian,” not racist. around the table, seeking holy dis- porter, makes that background, using the bio he prepared Dr. Masters mentions “objective This is called living out of the spirit of cernment, knowing that all of us have accusation. He refers when a candidate for bishop. He grad- evidence” of increased worship atten- the law—the higher calling to which been betrayed by just about everyone to the involuntary uated from SMU Perkins School of dance, apportionment payments and we are all subject. else and say, “Father, forgive them— retirement of Bishop Theology in 1985. The bio doesn’t say, church starts to support his con- Dr. Masters speaks of healing for and forgive me—because we really Earl Bledsoe of the but let’s assume he achieved full elder tention that the decision to remove this conference. So have many others. don’t know what we are doing.” North Texas Confer- status three years later. Bishop Bledsoe from active episcopal But what will healing look like? Until we can all say, “Lord, have Christy ence, which oc- After a few years as associate in a leadership was based on race. Must a conference acknowledge mercy on me, a sinner” and quit curred through a Thomas large church, and a three-year term The vast majority, if not all, of the racism that didn’t exist for our broth- standing in the prominent spot in the vote by the jurisdic- overseeing the teaching ministries of church plants had been in the plan- ers and sisters with different skin col- temple proclaiming our innocence, we tional episcopacy committee, ap- the Texas Conference (he did not ap- ning before Bishop Bledsoe took of- ors to be able to find peace? That have no hope. proved by the full body of delegates. pear to be appointed to a particular fice. The use of those statistics as would be stating a lie, and healing But I agree with one person who Dr. Masters wrote: “Under the charge during that time), he was ap- proof of effectiveness both by Bishop needs truth. posted a comment about Dr. Master’s guise of ‘increasing accountability’ pointed senior pastor of the large Cy- Bledsoe and others indicates a huge Will Bishop Bledsoe have to be re- essay to the Reporter website: No lurks a ‘plantation politics’ riddled press UMC. gap in their understanding of basic stored to his episcopal position, with white pastor could, or should, get away with paternalism, white male chau- administrative principles. It also indi- an area to supervise, for some to find with writing something like this. vinistic elitism and protectionism. Upward mobility cates character problems. The credit healing? What about those who find So, is racism alive and well in this The minds of SCJ members seemed So, not so many years after ordina- for those increases does not belong to such an option anathema? Will they conference? Yes, it very well may be, made up regardless of what was pre- tion, the Rev. Bledsoe took a giant leap Bishop Bledsoe. then be denied healing? but not in the way described by Dr. sented. The SCJ Episcopacy Commit- up the clergy career ladder. Another The episcopacy committee evalu- Dr. Masters has brought harm Masters. tee Chair led the delegates through a promotion seven years later took him ated every bishop in this jurisdiction. upon us with his rhetoric. His words Yes, Lord, have mercy upon us, sin- litany of self-serving innuendos and to an even larger, more prestigious Bishop Bledsoe was, however, singled bring greater racial division—surely ners all. ‘possible charges and complaints.’ I church. Two years after that, he was out in this respect: He was treated as deeply grievous in the sight of our The Rev. Thomas is pastor of Krum was so offended by his implication named district superintendent, and fi- committee members themselves Holy God who has called us to one- First UMC in Krum, Texas. Her blog that they were doing this for the nally elected bishop in 2008—around would have like to be treated under ness and unity. I assume, however, is at www.thoughtfulpastor. bishop’s own good. Black people know 20 years after his ordination. similar circumstances. He was offered that Dr. Masters wrote this with the wordpress.com.

S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH forum 7B WESLEYAN WISDOM Word from Willimon: Don’t give in to despair

forces of self-protection are very dress clergy ineffectiveness. In his B Y D ONALD W. H AYNES strong.” two four-year terms as a bishop, he UMR Columnist The bishop—whose ministry in- stressed John Wesley’s demand for ac- In one of Bishop Will Willimon’s cluded years as campus minister and countability, a hallmark of early last letters to his constituents in the then dean of the chapel at Duke Uni- Methodism. Bishop Willimon said he North Alabama Conference before re- versity—indicated that his most per- is “proud that North Alabama showed tiring last month, he wrote, “Our num- sistent, severe critics were clergy over that we could honor the mission bers indicate that we have been under 50 years of age who have rationalized Christ gives the church more than the led, or led in the wrong sorts of ways. that it is normal for the UMC to limit protection that the church gives inept Our indicators of institutional health its effective ministry to laity over 50. clergy.” say that we need to do some things Asked about the future of local differently.” Beyond Alabama churches with 50 or less in worship He continued, “I am frequently re- Bishop Willimon noted his con- on Sunday morning, he said: “We minded by the Holy Spirit that Jesus cern over recent actions by annual have more small membership was crucified through the leadership conferences and jurisdictional confer- churches than any other denomina- of people like me, persons in positions ences in the West and Northeast re- tion mainly because we have so many of spiritual authority over others. As garding affirmation for and potential ways to subsidize them so that they bishop, I’m closer to Caiaphas than to ordination and appointment of openly can maintain the illusion of being vi- Saint Paul. gay and lesbian persons. Those ac- able congregations. After a church’s He closed with tions, he said, can pose a “real chal- ‘season of ministry’ has passed, the words, “The only lenge in maintaining the unity of the should we force well-trained clergy to hope we have for ac- church in doctrine and practice.” serve it? Is that not the place for part- PHOTO COURTESY DUKE UNIVERSITY complishing any- While he empathizes with gays time local pastors and retired pastors Bishop Will Willimon preaching at Duke Chapel, where he served thing in our church and lesbians who feel excluded from who wish to serve part time? Since a 15 years as dean before his election to the episcopacy in 2004. leadership is our the church, he is even more con- church can cease to render effective faith that Jesus cerned about the “precipitous de- missional ministry in a community, train another generation of clergy, “see ourselves as others see us,” the Christ really rose Donald cline” in the Western and Northeast should we not be as willing to close it says he feels like Moses on Mount bishop admits to his own sin and be- bodily from the dead jurisdictions. “I wish that churches in as we are to terminate a clergyperson Nebo with nothing more than a vision lieves such confession is an asset for Haynes and is on the move these areas would also become con- who is ineffective?” of the Promised Land. any leader and essential for a bishop utilizing the same cerned about their exclusion of three Yet he ended by affirming, “The of the church. Bishop Willimon urges sorts of knuckleheads whom he first generations. If their present practices Looking ahead Holy Spirit is active. Where there are all to conduct lives of missional serv- called and commissioned.” continue, in just a decade these Juris- Bishop Willimon is one of the most just a few people willing to follow His ice, “playing a part, however small, in In response to some questions I dictions will disappear.” prolific writers in United Methodism, lead, there is always hope for us. The God’s incarnation in the world.” sent to him, Bishop Willimon wrote I asked what he thought might and he plans to continue this min- new crop of bishops in the Southeast- After all, he notes, one does not de- regarding United Methodism’s institu- happen if the Judicial Council strikes istry. He even has a novel coming from ern Jurisdiction indicates to me that cide to go into ministry; one is called, tional future: “My inclination is to- down the General Conference action Cascade Press, titled Incorporation. He more people are really yearning for a and when called, one responds, “Here ward pessimism. However, to end guaranteed appointment for calls it “a loving embrace of and a brighter future for our church. God I am, Lord.” post-resurrection, we Christians are United Methodist clergy. “Either way satirical smack at the church.” just might be doing what Isaiah called not permitted despair. There is hope the Judicial Council rules,” he said, I asked whether he sees a “pro-ac- ‘a new thing’ among us!” He envisions Dr. Haynes is a retired member for all things, including institutional “we will still need bishops and DS’s tive shift” in the near future for the a church, long after his passing, that of the Western North Carolina Conference. He is the author Methodism!” who have the courage to protect the United Methodist Church. Bishop will “enjoy the reality of a fully recov- of On the Threshold of Grace: He was disappointed that the 2012 church from incompetent clergy and Willimon, who is joining the faculty of ered and robust Wesleyanism.” Methodist Fundamentals. Email: General Conference rejected the pro- do the hard but necessary work to ad- Duke Divinity School this fall to help Just as Robert Burns advised us to [email protected]. posed Call to Action: “I feel the bish- ops offered the church an opportunity and the church, at least the politicos at CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • General Conference, rejected that EMPLOYMENT and academic programs. The Dean is expected to Wesley Theological Seminary is an Equal MISCELLANEOUS offer. I hope that now the bishops will provide vision and leadership in strategic planning Opportunity Employer. To learn more about feel free to lead in their annual confer- ACADEMIC DEAN FOR WESLEY and promote excellence in teaching and Wesley, please visit our website: http://www. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ences and not spend so much time at- THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY scholarship. wesleyseminary.edu. Readership is approximately 200,000 readers each Wesley Theological Seminary invites applications week Rates are per word or group of figures or tempting to make the agencies and The best candidates for the position will possess and nominations for the position of Academic Dean. an earned doctorate in a field of theological FUNDRAISERS initials (20 word minimum) Newspaper Only— mechanism of the church be produc- Wesley Theological Seminary is a graduate education and have a distinguished record of MYSTERY DINNER FUNDRAISERS $3.00 per word, two consecutive weeks. tive.” theological school of The United Methodist Church graduate teaching, scholarship, and active Raise FUNDS, have FUN, share FELLOWSHIP! Newspaper/Internet Bundle—$4.00 per word In reflection on his eight years located in Washington, DC. It is one of the largest participation in the life of the church. In addition, Wesleyan Thespians Mystery Dinner Kits. Contact includes two consecutive weeks in print and one leading United Methodists in North and most diverse seminaries in the world. During candidates should have a demonstrated record of 781-837-6457, or [email protected] for month on Internet. Internet Only—$1.25 per word the academic year, more than 1,500 students administrative competence and enthusiasm for the more information. for one month on UnitedMethodistReporter.org. Alabama, Bishop Willimon said he attend classes at Wesley. Degree programs include seminary’s global perspective and programs. While E-mail your classified ad to: [email protected] or wished he “had done a better job of Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of qualified United Methodists will receive preference, TRAVEL enter it online at: www.umportal.org/classified.asp. Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry. Almost enlisting the laity in the renovation of we welcome applications from all qualified TRAVEL SPECIALS the church. I did a good job with cabi- 60 percent of the students are Methodist; the individuals regardless of denominational affiliation. CHURCH GROUPS: 15-day Heart of Europe NOW DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING net and younger clergy, but did not remaining 40 percent represent more than 25 Applications and nominations will be accepted RESERVING for 2013. FREE brochure. Book by The United Methodist Reporter offers advertisers the different denominations. Forty-four percent of the until a Dean is selected, but to ensure optimal 10/31/12 for best rates. Von Bears Travel ability to target unique messages regarding find a way of really communicating students are African American, Hispanic, Asian or consideration, interested parties should submit their products, services and employment to church and empowering the laity to move us (www.vonbears.com) 918-583-4141 or 888-416- other ethnic minority. Wesley’s faculty includes 30 materials by November 1, 2012. Please send 4141 (toll-free). leaders and clergy, as well as individuals in the from maintenance to mission.” His full-time faculty members and 25 adjunct faculty materials to: pews. Reach thousands of Christian households, greatest surprise in those years, he members. President David McAllister-Wilson See even more classified ads! agencies and organizations by advertising in print said, was the pushback he received The Dean is the Chief Academic Officer and Wesley Theological Seminary and on the web. Variety of display ad sizes and responsible directly to the President. 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U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 8B FAITH focus Religious labels matter less in 2012 campaign “If you had told Jerry Falwell back nominational labels. Mr. French, for B Y B OB SMIETANA in 1980 that by 2012 that there would example, grew up attending a Church USA Today not be a white Protestant on the of Christ and now attends a conserva- There aren’t any white Protestants ticket—he would have died right tive Presbyterian church. A Pew on the presidential ballot this year—a there,” said Shaun Casey, professor of Forum study in 2008 found that 44 first in American history. Christian ethics at UM-affiliated Wes- percent of Americans have changed Instead, the race features two ley Theological Seminary in Washing- faiths at least once. Catholic candidates for vice president, ton. “We are moving well past being and a Mormon Republican and obsessed with religious affiliation or African-American mainline Protes- Values, not theology denominational labels,” he said. tant for president. But the same dynamic doesn’t Dr. Casey, however, said having a Perhaps lucky for all of them, vot- bother David French of Columbia, Mormon and Catholic on the ticket ers care more about issues such as so- Tenn., a blogger at Evangelicalsfor- could be risky for Republicans be- cial justice or gay marriage than they Mitt.org. He wants a candidate who cause both groups have been seen as do about denominational brands. shares his values, not his theology. suspect in the past by evangelicals. That’s particularly true for Repub- “The real questions are: Is this Dr. Casey, who worked on religious lican Mitt Romney and running mate person pro-life? Are they pro-mar- outreach for President Obama’s 2008 Paul Ryan, who hope to woo evangeli- riage? Is this person really conserva- campaign, said the prospect of voting Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and President Obama cal voters that share their values tive?” Mr. French said. for a Mormon candidate may keep rather than their theology. The answer to all three of those some evangelicals at home. Mr. Obama again. His main concern is Catholic Studies at the Catholic Uni- It’s a situation that probably would questions is yes for Mr. Romney, he “I am not looking for a record immigration reform. versity of America, looked at roll call have baffled famous evangelicals such said, and that’s more important than evangelical turnout this time,” said Dr. “I am dismayed at the lack of con- votes on abortion from 1977 to 2010. as the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, who used the fact that some evangelicals see Mr. Casey, who wrote a book about the cern for the poor and for disenfran- Before 1980, the votes followed de- the issue of abortion in the 1970s and Romney’s Mormon beliefs as hereti- anti-Catholicism in 1960 that nearly chised immigrants in this country,” he nominational lines. Mainline Protes- 1980s to turn evangelicals into a pow- cal. kept John F. Kennedy out of the White said. tants from both parties voted for erhouse voting bloc among Republi- He also said that Americans in House. Mr. Lamb doubts that denomina- abortion rights. cans. general no longer worry about de- According to CNN exit polls in tional labels make much difference to More than half of Catholics from 2008, about three-quarters of evangel- voters. He points out that former pres- both parties voted against, according icals voted for Arizona Sen. John Mc- idents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton to the study. LETTERS Cain, the Republican nominee for were Southern Baptists, and evangeli- After 1980, the pattern changed. president. During the election, Mr. cals opposed them both. Most Democrats became supportive McCain touted the fact that he at- But it’s not just the voters who of abortion rights, and most Republi- tended a Baptist church. downplay denominational identity. cans became anti-abortion. Are we slowly dropping A quarter voted for Mr. Obama, A recent study of voting patterns “Party now trumps religion,” Dr. who joined a United Church of Christ in Congress found that legislators fol- D’Antonio said. in his 20s. Among the evangelicals low ideology and party affiliation, no the UMC cross & flame? Mr. Smietana writes for USA Today who voted for Mr. Obama was John matter what their religion. and The (Nashville) Tennessean. Is it just me . . . or is something ice? In either case, I’m disappointed Lamb, a Southern Baptist from Bill D’Antonio, a senior fellow at This story was distributed by missing? I see less and less of our that we don’t have more outward signs Nashville, Tenn. He plans to support the Institute for Policy Research and Religion News Service. beloved United Methodist cross and of our denomination and internal dis- flame symbol. It apparently is being cussions of Wesleyan heritage and the hidden under the proverbial bushel. It Holy Spirit. Personally, I’d like to be a is becoming less predominant on walking billboard for the UMC (on church buildings, websites and even coffee mugs, satchels, phone cases, denominational publications. etc.) for nothing else than to spark Most of us know the origins of our conversations about my faith and my insignia (brand) . . . having been cre- church. Every fire starts with a spark! ated in 1968 at the merger of two Now I’m the first to agree we great denominations, but have you shouldn’t try and market a church by taken a hard look at it lately? The offi- corporate standards, but in light of cial version depicts the dual flame the studies of the past few years that (representing the Holy Spirit) slightly rank the United Methodist Church as taller than the slender cross. No mis- one of the most respected denomina- take that the predominant feature is tions, we should do a better job of let- the flame and has a direct association ting people know who we are. The with John Wesley, whose “heart was 1968 hymn “They Will Know We Are strangely warmed.” Christians by Our Love,” by Peter R. Are we subconsciously hiding our Scholtes, is a true statement and a connection to the Holy Spirit? We be- noble aspiration. We should proclaim lieve in a Triune God, but maybe we our love for Jesus Christ (simply by simply are embarrassed about pro- our actions) and proclaim our claiming that we are “filled with the Methodism by our brand; neither of Holy Spirit.” That phrase alone has which should be hidden under a gotten a bad rap in the past several bushel. decades. Maybe it is because the Holy David M. Vaughan Spirit is the least understood of the University UMC three and harder to explain? Maybe Fort Worth, Texas we are trying to distance ourselves from a perceived “old style” denomi- We welcome letters but reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. nation and offer a generic worship ex- Send to [email protected] or The perience that can’t be discerned from United Methodist Reporter, 1221 any other “non-denominational” serv- Profit Dr., Dallas, TX, 75247.

S EPTEMBER 14, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER