THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

Leading congregations to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ Convoy Americans Over 101 Churches asked to support 024000 l Volume 157 Benson gets a new Methodists over Number 42 l February 18, 2011 role in responding Native American 101 aren’t as rare to crisis. 3A ministries. 3A as you think. 6A Two Sections, Section A Oakton launches a new church

Oakton South doesn’t look new. It does look very nice. The outside looks well maintained, and the inside is particularly fresh, with a recent application of nine gallons of paint. But clearly, the church has been there a while. Actually, Oakton South, which is located in the Southwest District near Carthage, is only about a month old. But the build- ing the new church start is breath- ing new life into has been in the Methodist family for 100 years. Union Chapel UMC had gotten down to about four people, and didn’t have worship services at all for a number of months in 2010. Oakton South and a new Hispanic ministry are getting At Annual Conference 2010 the established in the former Union Chapel building. church was officially closed. Later Southwest District Superintendent Foundation (campus ministry) in mid-week Bible studies because Sandra Nenadal learned that Joplin, and equipment from the of the distance. A house-based Oakton UMC was interested new church start Lifespring in Bible study was started in Joplin in starting a new church in the Jane, which was discontinued. that grew to averaging 30 – 40 Carthage area. “We’re glad this equipment is people, once peaking at 71. That “We were real excited to have being put to use in support of the number included about 10 college another United Methodist Church overall Conference vision of mak- students. interested in this property,” she ing disciples,” Nenadal said. The church’s mid-week Bible said. “Most of the time, when a Nenadal is very excited to see study is held at Oakton UMC on church closes we have to practi- a new church getting started by a Wednesday evenings and Oakton cally give the property away.” local church, rather than by the South on Thursday evenings. The Oakton South isn’t just benefit- Conference. mid-week service has a meal, fel- ting from real estate. The church Members of Oakton who live lowship, Bible study and message, The lead singer of Family Force Five entertains the crowd is also using audio-visual equip- near Joplin and Carthage were but the key to the service is the at WOW. Photo by Eric Mattson. ment from the former Wesley having a hard time making it to prayer time, Kent Garfield said. “We really spend some time on prayer,” he said. “It’s not just WOW sets a new record a ‘God bless this meeting…’ kind WOW, the Missouri ent, and he fit in well in Missouri. of prayer.” The Sunday morn- Conference winter youth event, Most of Claiborne’s ministries has ing services have more time for has been so consistently success- been in inner-city Philadelphia, a sermon, but there is also a lot ful, when it grows each year it is and many of the stories he shared of personal prayer time, during now only living up to its expecta- came from there. Claiborne told which people come down to the tions. The event didn’t disappoint the story about him and his altar and pray with the pastor or in 2011, with another couple hun- roommate taking a homeless someone else. dred people added to the previous prostitute into their home one “People need to have that time attendance record, for a total of cold night. She recognized them to pray to the Lord,” Kent said. approximately 2,400. as Christians by their act of com- When Oakton UMC acquired The event was held at the passion, and she was reminded Union Chapel from the district, it Springfield Expo center January of her own faith before her life was to be home for the mid-week 22-23, and featured Christian got off track. She said they had a Bible study/prayer meeting, the rock artists, comedy, motivational shine that she used to have, and launch of Oakton South as a new speakers and interactive games. she was going to get it back. church start, and the launch site The headliner of the event was Later she came back to visit, for a new Hispanic ministry. At a Shane Claiborne. His dreadlocks to thank them for showing her Rev. Larry Garfield preaches at Oakton South. See Oakton South, pg. 5A and dress may make you think compassion. In gratitude, she he’s from the West Coast, but as gave them what she had for a The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profi t, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals soon as he opens his mouth his gift: Marlboro Miles, box-tops Postage Paid at Dallas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275. Tennessee origins are appar- See WOW, pg. 4A 2A Opinions and Insights Februaryy 18, 2011 Call to Action, Part IV: Key Drivers of Vitality

he Call to Action Report elements of congregational life cor- vibrant, fruitful, growing congre- Tcalls for a ten-year sustained relate with vibrant, effective ministry gations of all sizes and in diverse focus on congregational vitality and to some degree. The four drivers are contexts have in common a heavy ministry as the primary place where highlighted because they correlate involvement of laity in ministry. the United Methodist Church ful- so directly and so completely with This does not mean they have lots fills its mission. In particular, Key congregational health and vitality of committees with lots of people Recommendation One asks us to that the connection becomes indis- serving on them! Engaged laity in use the drivers of vital congregations putable. leadership means people teaching as the initial areas of focus. What For instance, the second driver classes, leading service projects, everal colleagues contacted me them passive recipients rather than are the drivers, and why does the is “multiple small groups and pro- mentoring youth, serving the poor, Sas soon at the Call to Action prepare them to take responsibil- report focus on these? grams for children and youth.” This leading praise bands, chairing new report was released. Most said that ity for growing and nurturing their Four drivers are highlighted: 1. means that if we have a congrega- initiatives, providing worship lead- the report supports and confirms own faith in Christ. This literature Effective pastoral leadership includ- tion with an average attendance of ership, serving in other forms of the work I’ve been doing on the Five indicates that some groups do better ing aspects of management, vision- 100 in worship that has four small ministry, and yes, sometimes serv- Practices of Fruitful Congregations at forming disciples and encouraging ing, and inspiration; 2. Multiple group ministries and we compare ing on effective committees that do and with the new book, Five Practices courageous service in Christ’s name small groups and programs for chil- it to another congregation that has meaningful work. of Fruitful Living. The drivers place than other types of groups. I think dren and youth; 3. Mix of traditional 100 in worship that has seven small hope these examples clarify excellence and fruitfulness front and this is worth noting. Second, while and contemporary services; and, 4. group ministries, we discover with Ithe use of the word driver in center, and they call us to greater I agree that large churches which High percentage of engaged laity extraordinarily significant reliabil- the Call to Action. These represent intentionality in our worship life, have the capacity to offer worship who assume leadership roles. Once ity that the second congregation empirically reliable correlations that and small group ministries, and they services with excellence in various again, let me encourage you to read is more vital, offering more mis- are stronger than all other correla- highlight the absolute importance of styles should do so, I’m not sure if the entire report as you consider its sion and outreach, receiving more tions in the study. They highlight the lay ministry. On the other hand, a few this applies equally to all churches merits, limitations, and possibilities. new people, experiencing healthier connections that are predominant friends contacted me to express con- of all sizes and contexts. Should we You can find it at http://www.umc. financial support, including more and recurrent. Over and over again cern that the drivers may undermine expect a newly formed growing org/calltoaction. children, etc. What kind of small as one analyzes small, medium, and the focus on the Five Practices. If the congregation that offers only contem- he entire Call to Action group ministries contribute to this large congregations in rural, urban, UMC highlights these four, what hap- porary worship to add a traditional Treport began with an exten- outcome? Bible studies? Children’s and suburban settings, these cor- pens to the Five Practices? service? Not so fast. And for many sive in-depth statistical study of the ministries? Choirs? Prayer teams? relations remain true. (I’ve set aside The language of the four drivers small congregations, I’d almost rather United Methodist Church over the Service projects? Support groups? the first driver, “Effective pastoral and the Five Practices operate at they concentrate on offering one style last several decades. The statistical Social action ministries? Sunday leadership including aspects of man- different levels of church leader- (perhaps with blended elements) analysis was supplemented with school classes? The answer is Yes, agement, visioning, and inspiration,” ship. When looking down from high with excellence rather than initiate hundreds of interviews, inventories, Yes, Yes! We can describe this as a in order to deal with this more com- above, the drivers help conference multiple styles with mediocrity. So and questionnaires with pastors and sociological and organizational phe- pletely in a later column.) leaders, pastors, and lay leaders bet- much depends upon the context. If laity from across the denomination, nomenon, or we can reflect on how Are these the only elements that ter understand some of the technical the church is reaching an increasing conducted by an outside, indepen- the Spirit deepens a sense of belong- correlate to vitality in congrega- and strategic elements of church life number of young people and new dent company. The study attempted ing and sparks the call to caring and tions? Absolutely not. There are tons that should be fed, strengthened, people and diverse people with the to get as accurate a snapshot of the serving “wherever two or three are of statistics related to financial and and evaluated. They may guide ele- style they are using, I see no reason current realities as possible so we gathered in Jesus’ name.” Regardless giving trends, level of debt, rela- ments of training and preparation to invest huge amounts of time and can better understand the history, of how we account for it, churches tive amounts spent on staffing and for ministry. But the four drivers energy in initiating something differ- health, and future of our denomi- of all sizes with more small groups facility operations, percentage of will not preach. They do not moti- ent. However, if the single style the nation. As Neil Alexander has and more children and youth min- funds received that are given beyond vate. They do not capture anyone’s church is offering only attracts an said, “the purpose was not to find istries fare better and offer more the walls, size of staff in relation to imagination or draw anyone toward aging or declining part of the com- something new but to find what is life-changing ministry than those attendance, and so forth. Studying greater engagement. They are munity, it’s time to learn a new style. true.” The study has found many of the same size with fewer such these shows correlations of many expressed in technical, analytical hink about your own con- things that are true, but also many ministries. types. However, the four drivers form. In contrast, the Five Practices Tgregation in light of these things are true which are beyond he third driver is a “mix of show the strongest correlations of continue to provide an excellent, drivers. Honestly assess the number, what the study can find. In par- Ttraditional and contempo- all. What about those things that powerful, and provocative common strength, and effectiveness of small ticular, the statistical study can only rary services.” Again, what the data cannot be measured? I have a strong language for teaching and preaching groups and ministries that reach measure the correlations between shows is that vibrant, growing, fruit- belief, based on intuition and expe- and leading that help us focus on young people. Are there areas of the things we have counted and ful congregations are far more likely rience, that effective preaching and the most essential work for congre- outreach and focus that should be reported (which are many!) over than declining congregations to excellent worship leadership cor- gations in order to fulfill the mission added that would help strengthen the last forty years. The results offer a wider variation in approaches relate to vitality in congregations. I of Christ. I see no conflict between the spiritual life of existing members confirmed what many people have to worship. Are there exceptions to also believe that active outward- the two languages, but they do serve or serve as doorways for new peo- already discerned, highlighting this? I’m sure there are. Some con- focused service ministries correlate very different purposes. ple? What about the worship styles issues of decline, aging, failure to gregations thrive offering one single to congregational health. I’m prob- ome have asked me to cri- your congregation offers? How does reach young people, and a crisis of form and style of worship. But the ably right! But the quality of preach- Stique or analyze the four it match the community where you relevancy. However, the news was strongest correlation between wor- ing and mission involvement do not drivers. The purpose of this col- serve? How does it reach young not completely bleak. The study ship style and church vitality occurs appear among the drivers because umn is more to explain the Call people? And how many of your also confirmed what we already with congregations that “widen the there are not 40 years of end-of-the- to Action rather than to defend laity are actively engaged in some know, that we also have a significant bandwidth” of their message. year reports turned into GCFA that or criticize. However, I am aware form of meaningful ministry? How number of healthy, vibrant, growing The fourth driver is “a high per- record the quality of preaching and of some immediate risks with the many are growing in Christ through congregations in our connection centage of engaged laity who assume mission. Again, the study shows us drivers. First, much of the current actively developing their leadership despite the fact that the majority of leadership roles.” In the most vital things that are true; but many things literature about discipleship teaches skills in expression of service? churches have faced decline. Nearly congregations surveyed, 20-50 are true that cannot be evaluated by that it’s not just a matter of how Yours in Christ, 4,500 congregations among our tens percent of the laity described them- the Call to Action study. many small groups you have, but of thousands of United Methodist selves as actively engaged in leader- The Call to Action asks us to give which kind of ministries you offer. churches show strong empiri- ship. This percentage far exceeds the sustained attention and concentration Reveal, (click here) the study devel- cal indications of vitality. They number of laity who self-described to these drivers. We are asked to direct oped around the impact of a large are somehow managing to thrive themselves as engaged in leader- our attention and resources to build- church’s ministry, teaches us that despite the overall decline. ship in declining congregations. The ing effective practices in congregations merely providing more activities for Robert Schnase, Bishop Statistically, dozens of different statistical correlation is indisputable: that lead to high quality ministries. people in a congregation may make Mo. Conference of the UMC February 18, 2011 Missouri Conference News 3A Benson named disaster response director for High-Tech Chat Convoy of Hope 5 ways to satiate tech savvy Karen Benson, the Missouri United Methodist Conference Disaster Response Coordinator people in your church (a volunteer position), has Worshipping never has ers one chapter, twice a day. The leader, sharing their thoughts, and taken a position with Convoy of been limited to sitting in a pew. entire Bible (multiple Bibles if you reading them posted on the screen Hope. She will remain the disas- Connecting to God happens account for translations) can fit or a wall. Even the stay-at-home ter coordinator for the conference everywhere—kneeling before bed- into a pocket! worshippers could participate via and will continue to lead our con- time, sitting with those who are Twitter and if possible, a live web- ference in disaster response in her ill, asking quietly for help before a 2. Online prayer cast of the service. new position as Global Disaster big test. requests Response Director for Convoy Now, technology is exponen- Forget online shopping! 4. Sermons go video of Hope. Karen will continue to tially increasing ways to engage How about online prayer Videoteaching.com offers a chair the Governor’s Faith-based in worship outside the traditional requests? Wufoo offers an easy- plethora of online resources to Community Service Partnership service. Creating these for tech to-use online form service many share Christian-oriented mes- for Disaster Recovery working savvy adults and youth also may churches use to accept prayer sages. Visit its learning center first; with private sector organizations Karen Benson let you reach an audience com- requests. Churches can customize then explore the list of topics and to assist in disaster response. pletely new to your church. the form (make sure to include speakers separately. We found Americans ages 18 to 29 your church name and/or logo searching with a few keywords are considerably less active in as well as your location in the was not as effective as reviewing Support needed for Native organized religion than their introduction so people know the speaker lists and title options. older counterparts, according where you are.) Forms can ask if A free service, Videoteaching. American ministries Sunday to the most recent Pew Forum the request is for prayer or praise com, touts itself as a way to help The Rev. David Dunson knows Your gifts on Native American on Religious and Personal Life as well as to whom the request is churches bring in top speakers seminary education is crucial to Ministries Sunday fund ministries research. What may surprise intended (pastor or entire church) or guest preachers. In addition, it his hopes of growing his con- that pave the way for those who you is these Millennials consider and contact information. The pro- also suggests using the service to gregation’s evangelism and out- aspire to serve Christ’s church by themselves traditional in their gram is versatile. Some churches give pastors a break—to free them reach efforts. He also knows that making disciples of Jesus Christ religious beliefs. also allow anonymous prayer occasionally to focus on other without a scholarship, funded by for the transformation of the Combine that news with the requests.To learn more about church-related ministries or to let the Native American Ministries world. Because of your generos- fact that the Millennials are the Wufoo, go to www.wufoo.com. them take a vacation, knowing an Sunday offering, his education ity, seminarians prepare to serve, most enthusiastic generation inspirational minister (in video would not be possible. congregations become stronger embracing technological and 3. Twitter inside and form) will be there. A former medical supplies and communities are trans- communication advances, and out sales manager, the 50-something formed. you’ll see quickly why your church Share your Twitter account 5. Movie making Dunson now serves Okmulgee’s You can donate to Native should reach out to the tech savvy. info on your Web site, in your Create your own videos and mov- Newtown United Methodist American Ministries online at Consider these five ideas and get church bulletin and anywhere else ies to involve all facets of technol- Church, one of the oldest church- http://tinyurl.com/gcfana. To started. you post your Web address. Share ogy—sound, videography and es in Oklahoma. He will earn send donations by check - mail news and inspiration with your editing. Inexpensive, high-quality a master’s degree from Phillips to: GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, 1. Bible reading on followers throughout the week. video cameras, such as the Flip, Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Nashville, TN 37203. the go Ask the tech savvy to help create enable your church to create films. Okla., in 2011. YouVersion , a LifeChurch.tv a Twitter worship service. If you Perhaps a ministry wants to share offshoot, hosts an online Bible and have multiple types of services, its story or the church is host- community. It is free and allows this would work well at the one ing an event. Think about how Clergy deaths users to take the Bible on the go attended by those most interested video could tell those stories and Rev. Lloyd McKemey died peacefully in his home February 6. with multiple mobile applica- in nontraditional worship. Prior market the activity. Then grab McKemey served more than a dozen congregations throughout the tions, languages and translations. to the service, have the tech savvy the tech savvy and start filming. years, including 18 years as Visitation Minister with Avondale United YouVersion also offers more folks help others set up Twitter Apple’s iMovie and Windows Methodist Church. than 20 reading plans that differ accounts and sign up to follow Movie Maker are easy-to-use soft- in translation, Scripture length, your church. On Twitter Sunday, ware to edit and enhance video Reverend James “Jim” Travis Fleming, 84, of Raymore, died January frequency of delivery and topic ask everyone to bring their lap- for posting on YouTube and your 30 at the Rehabilitation Center of Raymore. He served churches focus. Readers choose a plan that tops or smart phones (ensure Web site, playing during a service in Arkansas in the 1950s, and then came to Missouri and served in fits their schedules and lifestyles. wireless access is available and can or an event, and sharing with Missouri West Conference churches nearly 30 years. For example, readers can pick a accommodate larger demand than friends and families. A picture (or translation they like, such as “The normal). Churchgoers can par- video) can make a much bigger Rev. Robert Arbaugh died February 1. He served several churches Message,” then choose a reading ticipate in the service—answering impact than words alone. in the former Missouri East and Missouri West Conferences, beginning plan from the Gospels that deliv- questions posted by the worship with Sedgewickville in 1940. Appointment Changes THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW Robert Schnase Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 Michael Dunlap, a lay minister previously assigned to Waverly/ Bishop, Missouri Area Columbia: (573) 441-1770 Norborne in the Heartland North District, is now serving only Sherry Habben Fax: (573) 441-1780 Director of Connectional Ministries Subscription rate is $15 per year. Make checks Norborne. Noel Chase, a retired elder in full connection, is now serving Contact information payable to the Missouri Conference. Waverly. 3601 Amron Court Fred Koenig, Editor Columbia, Missouri 65202 Lorraine Sanders, Circulation Stephanie Leonard, a part-time local pastor, is now serving the E-mail for news submission: Circulation e-mail: [email protected] Lafayette Park/Centenary Charge in the Gateway Central District as the fk [email protected] Next Deadline: February 18 Next Issue: March 4 congregational care pastor. 4A Missouri Conference News February 18, 2011

Director of the Center of Pastoral Excellence Karen Hayden leads WOW in a communion service. Photo by Eric Mattson. Youth from St. James UMC in Kansas City play a game of Ninja.

WOW continued from page 1A from cigarette cartons that can be ty… we’re cooking in the kitchen, WOW for his third year. He said with a lot of other people. But they they have gone on mission trips to redeemed for prizes. Claiborne painting on the walls and working the youth really like the music, told her to get over it, and she was Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, wasn’t too interested in getting a in the garden. You have to create and the big worship experience. glad she did. Colorado and Texas. It’s not by Marlboro tote bag, so he opted to a community where it’s easy to “This is a real eye-opener for a Harris liked seeing the youth chance that the small church has use the cigarette carton labels for be good. In your community you lot of them,” he said. breaking from their usual routines such an active youth group. Bible markers. should be surrounding yourself Robert Edwards, 16, from St. of constantly texting each other. “We chart our progress, and are “They’ve worked great, and with people who like what you James UMC in Kansas City, was at “There are no phones tonight. given incentives,” Raven said. “We every time I look at one I know we want to become.” WOW for his second time. You can make it. All things are get points by bringing a friend to have a God who is loving people Mark Angleton, youth director “I like meeting new people, and possible through Jesus,” she said. church, telling others about God, back to life again,” he said. at Lee’s Summit UMC, was famil- being at a place where you share One youth warned Harris that memorizing Bible verses… things Claiborne lives in a commune iar with Claiborne, and wanted the a faith in God with everyone,” he she might be cranky in the morn- like that. You accumulate points to called The Simple Way. In taking youth at his church to experience said. “And the ninja tournament is ing. Harris was encouraging. earn the privilege of going to things questions, he made references to what he had to say. pretty intense.” “Just set your mind on being like WOW and mission trips.” how living in community is help- “It may have been a little self- Tina Harris, interim youth prayerful in the morning, and Next year WOW will be ful. One young person asked him ish, because I wanted to see him minister from St. James, was being thankful for a new day,” she January 21-22 in Springfield. how he chooses who to help or too, but I also wanted our youth to enjoying herself at WOW as well. said. “We are looking forward to what ministry to support. see an example of someone living There were 26 youth from St. Lexi Wilfong, Raven Sturgeon 2012 with other new opportu- “ I don’t choose between issues, out his faith authentically,” he said. James at WOW. and Halle McCaffrey were three nities,” said Beverly Boehmer, but rather to support a group of “I also think it’s good for them “It’s good to be here and see all of 17 youth and adults attend- Missouri Conference youth direc- people and all of the issues that to see thousands of other United the kids loving God,” she said. ing from Doniphan UMC, an tor. “ I want to thank all who they face,” Claiborne said. “ You Methodist kids, and understand One of those youth was impressive number considering supported WOW. I have heard also have to say no to things. It’s that they are part of that com- Brianne Woods. She said her Doniphan averages about 80 from several about the impact hard to do compassionate min- munity.” friends had to drag her there, in attendance. The youth from this year has had on lives and new istries when the x-box is calling. Fred Nugent, an adult from because she doesn’t like close- the church go to camp at Blue ministries that local groups are There’s no TV in our communi- New Hope UMC at Arnold, was at quarters and sleeping in a room Mountain, and the past five years planning.”

Praiz, a band from St. Louis, performs at WOW. Photo Shane Claiborne speaks to a by Eric Mattson. Youth from St. James UMC enjoy dinner together. young person between sessions. February 18, 2011 Local Church News 5A Oakton keeps focus on Word and prayer

Oakton South is a branch of lowing their own goals. altar rail and pray with the pastor Oakton, a church which is a story “I put everything I had into a or other people who are assisting to itself. Oakton as a town barely farm, and lost it all. I had a vision him. This individual prayer time exists. You won’t find it on a map. of owning this large farm, and my takes several minutes. There are The closest large town is Lamar. three sons farming it with me,” four tissue boxes in handmade In 1995 Oakton UMC averaged he said. “God didn’t intend for us Cross and Flame cozies stationed about 100 in attendance. to be about that. We’re out on the behind the altar rail, because But the church started gaining farm, but it’s the Lord’s farm. All people open themselves up in this momentum in the late 1990s, with three boys and myself are minis- prayer time. Sometimes they cry. Larry Garfield as pastor. Garfield ters for God.” “We preach the word of God, had grown up in Oakton UMC. Kent’s oldest brother, Brian, is and we’re not shy about praying,” His son, Kent Garfield, has now an Assemblies of God pastor in Kent said. Every small group in the been on staff at Oakton for about a Chicago suburb, and his other church involves word and prayer. 10 years, coming to the church as Brother, Mark, has moved into Even a group established to do youth pastor. When he got there Brian’s house with his family, and service work alternates weeks: one the church was at about 200 in is working for his brother’s new week of service projects, the next attendance, and growing strong church for free as it gets estab- week word and prayer meeting. into its new addition. In 2009 lished. Every week there is a family of Kent moved into the senior pas- Because Oakton has experi- the week in church. During wor- tor position, and Larry became enced such phenomenal growth ship that family comes down to the associate pastor. Last year the in the past several years, the the front of the church and gives church averaged 448 in atten- Garfields are often asked what their personal testimony and feel- dance, up 62. their secret is. What makes ings about the church. The church draws from a wide Oakton different from all of The services at Oakton and Rev. Kent Garfield preaches at Oakton UMC. area, so launching a new church the other open-country United the new Oakton South are very comes naturally. Larry and Kent Methodist churches in Missouri similar. When Rev. Larry Garfield “Some people can’t worship averaging 448 per week. Take off are alternating sites on their that are getting smaller rather preaches at Oakton South, he with freedom and joy. We’ve got 100 for children, and it’s still 348 preaching schedule. than larger? doesn’t stand behind a podium. it good here, folks,” he said. “We per week. The federal minimum Like his father, Kent grew up “We really don’t know,” Kent He’s moving as he talks, and he need to thank God for that, and wage is $7.25 an hour, which in Oakton UMC. Some of his said. will move down the center aisle never take it for granted.” equals $15,000 a year. A tithe from extended family still farms in But if you visit Oakton, you’ll and be preaching from two to five That same morning Kent was that is $1,500. Multiply that times the area. Larry mentioned in a see that it is different. The worship rows deep. On the third Sunday preaching at Oakton in a similar the previous week’s attendance sermon that going into ministry has a prayer time. During this that the church met, he was personal style, and was encourag- (-100 for children), and you have wasn’t always the family plan, and time music plays, and individuals, encouraging everyone there to be ing people to emotionally connect $524,784. he cautioned people against fol- couples and families to down the more evangelical. with their religion. “That’s more than our budget, “How many of you are inviting “If we put ourselves at God’s and that is only a tithe, and only people to church every week?” feet nothing stands in our way,” on minimum wage. And we all Larry asked in the first part of his Kent said. “If we allow God to love know that a lot of us our doing a sermon on January 23. “ Let’s see us, we’ll love others. God wants to lot better than minimum wage,” your hands. I’m going to put you have an intimate relationship with Kent said. on the spot,” he said. About half us.” Both services closed with an the hands went up. He also reminded people of altar call, and an invitation hymn. “If you don’t invite people, it’s their commitment, and that mem- Larry reminded the congregation not going to happen,” Larry said. bers pledged to give God their the Word says you must be born “If we reach out, God will bless time, talents, offering and tithe. again, and he also invites those this church in such a way that we “If you tithe your time, you’re who are born again to rededicate won’t be able to keep up with it.” giving God 16 hours a week. Take their commitment to Christ. Kent That morning Oakton South out sleeping, and you should still closed with the same message. had a blended service featuring be giving 11 hours,” Kent said. ‘It’s “God is calling us to be inti- several contemporary songs, but hard to give when you’re doing mate. God wants us to love him when the offering was being col- it for man, it’s easy when you’re more than anything,” he said. lected the hymn “Trust and Obey” doing it for God.” “Though many are called, few was sung. With all the new endeavors, respond. The harvest is plentiful, In Garfield’s opening com- Oakton UMC now has an annual but the workers are few. If you ments, he noted that there are budget of $520,000. Kent told the would like to accept Jesus Christ many places in the world today congregation that may sound like as your personal savior, do that Children attend children’s church in the old Oakton sanctuary. were Christian worship is not per- a lot, but it isn’t too much. He today.” mitted. noted that the church has been

Oakton South continued from page 1A charge conference attended by 78 Chapel UMC. time. things like roofing, masonry, elec- for an outreach position, although people, there was not one negative “We had so many people there “We’re a blue-collar church, trical work, window repairs and they are bold enough to call it vote regarding these new endeavors. working, we kept Pastor Larry which is really a blessing, because lawn care. evangelism instead of outreach. But the Union Chapel build- busy just running for materials we have some very skilled people The sanctuary has an overflow The plans are for the church to ing was empty for some time, and parts,” Kent said. in our congregation who volun- room on the side, and the projector grow quickly. it needed some work. About 50 The repairs could have been teer to take care of a lot of main- screen is offset in case that room “God has called us to be there,” volunteers from Oakton UMC expensive, but costs were kept tenance and repairs,” Kent said. is needed. The church is currently Kent said. “We’re not going down went to work on the former Union down by members donating their Skilled labor donated has included seeking to hire someone fulltime there to be a little spot on the road.” 6A Missouri Conference News February 18, 2011

Many over 101 still fill the pews at Churches aim to change churches in the Mo. Conference the world in May

When Art Carlson was engaged, his wife to be, Vivian, May 14-15, 2011 promises to changetheworld. We hope that wife decided that since he was be a great connectional weekend you will work with us this year moving from Monroe City to her with congregations around the to collect and share inspirational town of Shelbina, they should world putting faith into action stories from your area. compromise by going to his outside sanctuary walls. We want A four-week sermon & study denomination’s church, which to supply you with the necessary series will be released by Rethink was the Methodist Church. That resources to promote the event. Church in mid-March. This free way they would be starting their Rethinkchurch.org/changeth- resource for adults, youth/young new life together at a church that eworld contains fliers and web adults and children will offer a was new too both of them. He has graphics – all free for download. companion multimedia bundle been there ever since. We hope that you will place for $25. Churches will receive Ever since has been a long time a banner on your conference a 50% discount coupon on the – about 78 years. Last November website(s) with a link to www. bundle following registration. The Carlson turned 102. He resides rethinkchurch.org/changeth- series is meant to begin on the in a care facility in Shelbina. He eworld. There, participants can weekend of Change the World, so gets out every morning for coffee, register their event and begin to congregations are inviting new- and still attends church, either at receive communications from comers to both a service event, the church or at the service that is UMCom. They will also be count- and a sermon/study series. conducted at the nursing home. ed in the global stats and appear Registered churches will also He greets people with a shock- on the map being generated for receive free shipping and postage ingly strong handshake. He still Rethinkchurch.org. Articles from orders placed on cokesbury. embodies a strength that was suitable for reproducing in your com (applicable to Change the there from the beginning. He can newsletter or site will be available World and non-CTW products). rattle off track times (1:36 for the Art Carlson, 102, is a member of the Shelbina United there as well. For more information, please ½ mi. relay, 51 seconds for the Methodist Church. Last year’s stories can still be contact rethinkchurch@umcom. 440 hurdles) and the last time he Shepherd in St. Charles, it was she didn’t want to give her age, so found online at www.umc.org/ org. checked, his school records still the power of pinochle. Graf is the she’ll remain anonymous. stand. He has stories of broken oldest United Methodist reported Frances Blazer, member of bones and teeth from rough foot- on the Net News survey, at 106. Huffman Memorial UMC in Saint ball games in high school and col- Bob Farr, director of the Center Joseph, is 103. lege. He has stories of adventures for Congregational Excellence, Nelson G. Morgan, age 101, from his 36 years with the high- was senior pastor at Church of still lives by himself and attends Call for your free design consultation and let way department. And he’s proud the Shepherd when Graf turned church at Waynesville UMC most CORE10 design the right space for you of his age. 100. He asked her how she came Sundays with his son and daugh- “I’m two years old; I’ve started to be a Methodist in church that ter-in-law. brightening your life at home, school or office on my second hundred. I’ve got to Sunday, and she told a story about Luther Stark is 101 and thank the Lord for that,” he said. how her Baptist preacher was continues to attend worship at Carlson has a spark about railing against card playing one Brunswick UMC when able. him, speaking about things that Sunday, and her mother got up Until just recently, he didn’t ever happened long ago or recently in the middle of church, gathered miss. with clarity. His pastor, Rev. Thad up her four children, and left. Everett Feaker is 101, and Carter, finds him to be one of the She went down the street to a faithfully attends both Sunday most remarkable people he has Methodist church, walked into the School and worship every Sunday ever met. He thought that some- middle of the service and asked at Blue Ridge Boulevard UMC. one who is 102 in Carlson’s condi- if card players were welcome Rev. Nora Jones has two people tion surely stands alone among there. When she was told yes, she in her congregation at Samaritan Missouri United Methodists. But responded that her children and UMC in St. Louis who top 100. it is no secret that there are many she would be Methodists. Josephine Dismuke is 103 and is churches with elderly congrega- Irene Johnson at Trinity UMC still sharp, but is no longer able to tions, and it is no longer rare to in Brookfield is 102 years old. attend church. Johnnie Rivere just find someone among them who is She not only attends church, but turned 100 last month. well over 100 years old. washes dishes at church functions, According to the National A recent informal survey on makes cookies for the Red Cross, Center for Health Statistics, cur- Net News asked churches if they and baby-sits. rent life expectancy in the United had any active members at age Ruby Gail Wilson at Eldorado States is 77.8 years. Although we 101 or older. Several churches Springs UMC lives at home, and are working to try to develop immediately had an affirmative goes to Branson frequently for younger congregations, we recog- response. fun. She is 101. nized that we are blessed to have Carlson came to be a member One pastor reported that he among us these amazing individu- of his church through a marital has a woman in his congregation als who are doing more than their A RCHI TECTURE compromise, but for Josephine who comes to church every week share to skew he average age. Graf, a member of Church of the who is 103, but was later told that 314.726.4858 core10architecture.com

residential. commercial. institutional. interiors. master planning. www.moumethodist.org February 18, 2011 Opportunities 7A Conference Calendar Date Event Location Phone/E-Mail Contact Job 2/11/2011 iLead First UMC - Jefferson City (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer 2/12/2011 Team Leader Training Woods Chapel UMC [email protected] Audrey Phelps Postings Youth Pastor – 2/17/2011 PAUMCS Workshop Conference Center [email protected] Dora Thackery Republic (Hood) 2/19/2011 Health Ministry Through Clustering & Collaboration Missouri UMC [email protected] Julie Taylor UMC 2/25/2011 Confirmation Days Salem in Ladue - St. Louis (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Weekly schedule is based on 2/25/2011 Confirmation Days Christ UMC - Independence (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer a 15-hour work week. This will include being present at ALL 3/1/2011 UMW Legislative Training Event Capital Plaza Hotel - Jeff City [email protected] Rachel Bachenberg worship services, Sunday School 3/4/2011 Graduating Senior Retreat Camp Windermere (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer hour, and Wednesday Eve activi- ties. Anytime the church is open 3/4/2011 Show Me the Way Emmaus Men’s Walk #58 Baptist Hill Camp (417) 886-9304 Carol Smith to the public, the youth director 3/5/2011 Spring Lay Speaking Classes - Mark Twain District Camp Jo-Ota [email protected] Tom Bannon will be there to meet and con- nect with youth. This person 3/6/2011 College Mission Trip Ship Rock, NM (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer must be a member of the United 3/11/2011 Show Me the Way Emmaus Women’s Walk #59 Baptist Hill Camp (417) 886-9304 Carol Smith Methodist Church. This person should have experience lead- 3/13/2011 College Mission Trip Ship Rock, NM (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer ing youth, and youth activities. This person must be comfortable 3/18/2011 Confirmation Retreat Blue Mountain (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer sharing the Christian faith and 3/18/2011 Confirmation Retreat Wilderness (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer the United Methodist under- standing with both Christian and 3/19/2011 Team Leader Training Campbell UMC [email protected] Audrey Phelps unchurched children and youth. 3/20/2011 College Mission Trip Ship Rock, NM (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Contact Rev. Monty Straton at 2011 Spring MO East Walk to Emmaus Men’s Walk [email protected]. 3/24/2011 #129 Pinecrest Camp TBD 3/25/2011 UMW Mission Team Conference Center [email protected] Carol Renfro Administrative 3/26/2011 Lay Speaker Courses: Basic & Advanced 1st UMC - Lebanon [email protected] Karla Lowe-Phelps Assistant – 3/27/2011 College Mission Trip Ship Rock, NM (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Missouri UMC, 2011 Spring MO East Walk to Emmaus Women’s Columbia 4/14/2011 Walk #130 Pinecrest Camp TBD Full time administrative assis- 4/15/2011 Confirmation Retreat Camp Jo-Ota (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer tant position available immediately. 4/15/2011 Confirmation Retreat Camp Galilee (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Contact Bob Elliott (573-443-3111 or [email protected]) for 5/13/2011 United Methodist Women Spiritual Growth Retreat Rickman Center 573-636-8149 Shari Scott more information. 6/3/2011 Annual Conference Springfield Expo Center (573) 441-1770 Mike Harrison 6/7/2011 Youth Mission Trip Springfield, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Youth Minister – Zion UMC 6/12/2011 Youth Mission Trip Nashville, TN (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Dynamic United Methodist 6/19/2011 Youth Mission Trip Cherokee Nation, OK (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Church in SE Missouri (Cape Girardeau/ Jackson area) seeks someone with a deep, personal 6/19/2011 Local Pastor’s Licensing School CMU (816) 628-5560 Fred Leist faith in Jesus Christ who is pas- 6/26/2011 Youth Mission Trip Colorado Springs, CO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer sionate about youth/discipleship. 7/5/2011 Youth Mission Trip St. Joseph, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer If God is calling you to youth ministry and you’d like more 7/18/2011 Youth Mission Trip Chicago, IL (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer information, please inquire at 7/24/2011 Youth Mission Trip Detroit, MI (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer 573-243-8025. 7/28/2011 2011 Cooperative School of Christian Mission Central Methodist University (314) 432-1091 Sally Holston The Missouri Conference 7/31/2011 Youth Mission Trip Sedalia, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Review accepts postings for paid positions from 8/11/2011 Global Leadership Summit Simulcast Living Word UMC [email protected] Kelly Vincent churches in the Missouri 8/13/2011 UMW Finanace & Program Committee Conference Center [email protected] Carol Renfro Conference at no charge. Postings may be 9/10/2011 Mission, Service & Justice Ministry Teams Conference Center (573) 474-7155 Max Marble published in two issues, 9/23/2011 UMW Annual Meeting Blue Springs UMC [email protected] Carol Renfro space permitting, and 10/15/2011 Festival of Sharing Missouri State Fairgrounds (573) 474-3332 Terri Williams should be limited to 75 words. E-mail 2/4/2012 Mission, Service & Justice Ministry Teams Conference Center (573) 474-7155 Max Marble [email protected] call (573) 777-1205 or 9/8/2012 Mission, Service & Justice Ministry Teams Conference Center (573) 474-7155 Max Marble mail Fred Koenig, MO 10/20/2012 Festival of Sharing Missouri State Fairgrounds (573) 474-3332 Terri Williams Conference Editor, 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202. 8A Office of Creative Ministries News February 18, 2011

FOS Heifer USA project to shift from livestock donations to dollars

For more than 66 years, seen in other parts of the world. sites are located in New York, Heifer International has helped Heifer will continue to support Minnesota, Georgia, Wisconsin, struggling families in the U.S. small-scale family farmers but will Arkansas and Kansas City, Kansas. and around the world by provid- increase their efforts to address While specifics of these proj- ing them with livestock and the the needs of those who live in the ects vary from site to site, educa- training required to care for the growing “food deserts” found in tion and training are key compo- animals. In developing countries towns and cities around the U.S. nents of each. Youth, beginning where most impoverished families Every year since the first farmers, immigrants and refugees live in rural areas, this strategy Festival of Sharing in 1982, con- are included in the student groups. is still effective in helping them gregations have supported a Heifer Areas of study include organic move from lives of poverty to lives project in the U.S. by shipping gardening, nutrition, cooking with of self-sufficiency. However in the livestock to that project site. But fresh foods, record keeping and United States where most impov- this year in response to the needs marketing. Some of the produce erished people now live in towns of our current culture, our focus from these gardens is being sold and cities, Heifer is making some at the Festival will change. Instead at farmer’s markets and to restau- changes in their approach. As a of shipping livestock, we will rants while others is being provid- result, the domestic project target- be raising money for the Heifer ed to underserved communities, ed for support at the 2011 Festival National MORE (More Organic food banks and food pantries. Our of Sharing will be different too. for Everyone) Project. goal is for every congregation to In 2009, less than 1% of the The MORE Project consists fund at least one gardening basket Joemi Regalado, a 13-year-old East New York Farms youth U.S. population of 285 million of a network of gardens specifi- of plants, seeds and equipment at member with lettuce at the project’s community garden. claimed farming as an occupation. cally focused on organic produc- $100 per basket. “I like to work at the market and sell stuff. That’s the best Families all across the country tion. Use of natural systems vs. For additional information part of the project,” she says. “Everything leftover from the have moved from the farm to synthetic chemical inputs have about the MORE Project or about market we give to the church but we are also allowed to towns and cities. With the shift demonstrated potential to provide the international project, “Rabbits take some food home to our families. Everyone likes to buy away from an agrarian based sustainable livelihoods for farm- for Guatemala,” please contact things from our garden because they see where it is grown society, the gifts of cattle, sheep ers and is in keeping with Heifer’s Carol Oliver at 573-474-7155 or at and know where it came from. This makes me proud.” and other livestock do not result mission which includes, “…car- [email protected]. Heifer Project photo. in the same kind of change as ing for the earth.” MORE project Two churches receive Fair Trade award Putting her prize money 100s of civic organizations and with several guiding bodies that ics, sanitation and clean drinking where her mouth, and passions, churches across many denomina- establish guidelines, review prac- water, while natural habitats have are, Kellee K. Sikes issued a fair tions develop annual fair trade tices, and audit producers and mar- a better chance of remaining intact trade market challenge to her markets. “When I was presented keters to ensure everyone is treated instead of being pillaged for sur- fellow Missouri Methodists. with the Missouri Conference with dignity and worth while mak- vival income. “To me it is a matter First United Methodist Church of the UMC Social Justice award ing a living wage in their regional of honest pay for honest work and (UMC) of Jefferson City and in April of 2010 for my work in context. preserving the biodiversity of our Schweitzer UMC of Springfield fair trade, I knew I had to use the It’s hard to believe a stocked, planet. When you boil it down, took up the challenge and won honorarium as leverage for more. church multipurpose room, group both are critical to human survival Volunteer Betty Jo the first and second place 2010 The way I see it, fair trade is so of volunteers, and shoppers make as well as an answer to our call as Massengale accepts the first Missouri United Methodist Fair critical to life, we have to keep at it a profound impact on the world, United Methodists to be socially place prize for First UMC Trade Prize. Volunteer Betty until we put ourselves out of busi- but they do. $3,500 in fair trade just,” says Sikes. Jefferson City presented by Jo Massengale accepted the ness because fair trade has become sales is equal to one developing- With five volunteers and some Kellee Sikes on February 6. first place prize for First UMC so common it is everywhere,” says world artisan or farmer making advertisement in the local paper, sales, or equivalent to nearly Jefferson City presented by Sikes Sikes. a living wage supporting a fam- the November 2010 fair trade two year’s worth of living wages on February 6. Schweitzer UMC Goods at a Fair Trade Market ily of four or more for a year. market at Jefferson City UMC for a developing world artisan market volunteers will receive are fair trade made, providing Artisans and farmers working resulted in $5,000 of fair trade family of four or more. Sikes’s their second place prize on March developing-world artisans and for fair wages are able to support sales during their first market. church, Manchester UMC, has 6, 2011. The Social Justice Team farmers with living wages. The their families and contribute to With 1,100 members at Jefferson sold $550,000 worth of fair trade of the Missouri Conference of Market is not a charity event or a building strong local economies City UMC, the church won the goods in eight years of annual the UMC and Sikes will offer the fundraiser, it’s a different way to do through fair trade not outside aid first place prize for a debut mar- markets having started from the prizes again in 2011 to encourage business. Whether it’s clothing and or charity. Self-sustaining work ket with the most gross fair trade same simple beginnings under- education and action around eco- accessories, coffee, chocolate and opportunities like those developed sales per membership capita. taken by Jefferson City UMC and nomic social justice through fair other foodstuffs, baskets and boxes, through fair trade are significant The $5,000 sold translates to just Schweitzer UMC and expanding it trade markets. games, holiday items, home décor, when considering the U.S. govern- shy of one and one half years to a regional, annual event in the By no means have United jewelry, musical instruments, rugs, ment alone spends more than 25 income equivalent for a develop- St. Louis, MO metro area. Methodists cornered the market stationery and books, tableware, billion annually in foreign aid. ing world artisan family of four 2011 Missouri United on holding fair trade markets. toys, sporting equipment… none With fair wages children go to or more. With a dozen volunteers Methodist Fair Trade Prize contest Sikes, the founder of one of the are produced in sweat shops, with school fostering more educated Schweitzer UMC, a 2,000 mem- information and forms are avail- largest markets in the U.S. held child labor, or known unsound communities, local economies ber church, also had a one-day able on the Missouri UMC Office annually at Manchester UMC environmental practices. Fair trade grow with the ability to build sale in November 2010 resulting of Creative Ministries homepage in Manchester, MO, has helped itself is a 60+ year-old movement infrastructure like roads, clin- in just over $6,600 in fair trade http://umocm.com/ . umportal org

Uprising in Egypt Confessions of a D.S. Counter Protest Section B Touring United Methodists It’s not about us, Meeting hate head-on evacuate safely | 3B it’s about our calling | 6B with love, poetry | 8B February 18, 2011 Q&A: Embracing spiritual gifts of aging “Gray hair is a glorious crown,” says the Bible, in sharp contrast with our youth-obsessed culture, which makes many of us hurry to hide our gray hair (and other signs of aging). But in her new book, Souls in Full Sail: A Christian Spirituality for the Later Years (InterVarsity Press), author Emi- lie Griffin says that aging can repre- sent a rich spiritual journey. Ms. Griffin spoke recently with staff writer Mary Jacobs.

We all know what happens to our bodies as we age. What happens to our souls? I think there is a yearning that comes as we get older—to be closer to God, to experience meaning in our lives, to understand what God is say- ing to us and is asking of us. We are also yearning for some of the prom- ises to become true for us: to be at peace, to experience love and friend- ship, all the things promised to us in Jesus’ teachings. But didn’t we want that from the beginning? We always wanted it, but we just want it even more as we age.  See ‘Matters’ page 2B services, and even cut hair. and director of research for Leader- B Y B OB W ELLS They—the volunteers—were mid- ship Network. It is a mostly working- Special Contributor Multi-site dle-aged women in tracksuits, tat- class, mainline, multi-site megachurch CAPE CORAL, Fla.—The line tooed bikers, retirees in Hawaiian with a passion for community service, megachurch began forming before 5:30 a.m., long shirts, recovering alcoholics, uni- a church that intentionally seeks “the before the sun rises in south Florida. formed Boy Scouts and at least one people nobody else wants or sees.” By 8:30, when the doors opened, it ponytailed former drug dealer. Caught And it is growing. thrives on stretched the length of the former in a bad economy, the people in line “None of those elements by them- Winn-Dixie, around the corner and weren’t much different. More than a selves are unique,” said Dr. Bird, who across the front. few were also Grace Church members. studied Grace in depth as part of a Wesleyan The 250 who were waiting—and At this event, which happens the third 2008 survey of megachurch attenders. the hundred or so who followed— Saturday of every month, Grace can be “But when you add all those pieces to- approach came to Grace Community Center in found on both sides of the table. gether, what’s happening at Grace is Cape Coral that Saturday for help, and “We’re a megachurch that doesn’t highly unusual.” ABOVE: The Rev. Jorge over the next few hours they got it. look like a megachurch,” said the Rev. Founded in 1978, as Cape Coral Acevedo (left), leads Grace After a brief worship service, 100 vol- Jorge Acevedo, lead pastor, as he was booming, Grace United Methodist Community, a multi-site United unteers from throughout Grace watched the morning’s work. “We’re Church thrived for a dozen years be- Methodist church in Florida’s Church gave out food and clothes, per- making a community out of rednecks fore declining in the early 1990s. By Cape Coral-Fort Myers area. formed blood pressure checks and and Latinos and African-Americans.” the time Mr. Acevedo was appointed other health screens, made referrals Grace is indeed a rare church, said in 1996, only about 400 people at- PHOTO COURTESY OF Emilie Griffin GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH for food stamps, housing and other Warren Bird, a sociologist of religion  See ‘Wesleyan’ page 4B 2B FAITH focus FAITH WATCH  MATTERS Continued from page 1B Online classes As I get older, there’s a feeling of stance, I’m in a Scripture study group, not. Any advice for the latter group “world-weariness” at times. Should with a group of women who are all “of about coping spiritually? approved for Pentagon says repeal we work to renew a sense of a certain age.” I’m learning about the I’m in that category myself. I have won’t affect chaplains youthful spirit? values of this particular time of life a fixed income but it’s not entirely ad- The pending repeal of the As we age, there is a sense of from them, even though the topic of equate. So I’m 74, way past retirement UM seminaries U.S. military’s ban on openly burnout—“been there, done that”— our study isn’t related to aging. I’m age, and essentially still not retired. gay members will not but I think we can always perceive gaining the wisdom from the bonding I’m actively working on a daily basis B Y V ICKI B ROWN Special Contributor change policies related to new challenges ahead, too. I think we and the sense of community. with a schedule fairly comparable to chaplains, according to a are more comfortable when we under- the one I followed when I was living in Jan. 28 statement from the Students pursuing ordination in stand that the path ahead is unpre- One of your questions for reflection New York City in my 30s. But my hus- Pentagon. It noted that chap- the United Methodist Church will be lains will continue to be re- dictable but is also strewn with roses. in the book is, “Are there times band and I have a lot of freedom, and able to complete up to two-thirds of quired to “care for all,” and There are glorious things to come in when you feel neglected or washed work that we love. We do feel the occa- their seminary classes online, as long their First Amendment free- this life and the next. up? How can you overcome these sional worry. But we also have mo- as those classes are offered by one of doms will remain un- I think the ‘youthful spirit’ you can feelings?” ments where we say, “This is the 13 United Methodist theological changed. “When chaplains have when you are old is a combina- As you get older, your patterns wonderful. Here we are in our 70s, ac- schools or Asbury Theological Semi- are engaged in the perform- tion of the wisdom of age and the joy change in terms of what is expected of tively pursuing our work.” So we re- nary. ance of religious services, of youth. It’s just an expression of de- you. For me, I’m physically limited. So gard work as a blessing. A statement issued on Jan. 27 by they may not be required to light. When you are young, do you not someone puts me That said, there the University Senate and the Com- engage in practices contrary have anxiety or burdens? We’re deal- in a chair and says, are moments in our mission on Theological Education said to their religious beliefs,” the ing with anxiety all the way along. But “Grandma should lives when we dis- that “online education is a growing op- Pentagon said. a youthful spirit is a spirit of laughter, sit over here.” If I cover limits, bound- portunity for innovative teaching that joy, playfulness and delight. didn’t ever expect to aries we hadn’t will likely reduce the role that geogra- Retired bishops sign be Grandma, who counted on, things phy plays in all of higher education, in- call to end gay ban Getting older involves making sits in a chair, I can that literally over- cluding theological education.” The Thirty-three United Methodist transitions and sometimes letting feel neglected or whelm us— University Senate, through the com- bishops on Jan. 31 released go. For example, in August, I washed up. But then whether it’s the mission, oversees approval of theologi- a statement urging the de- dropped off my youngest child at when my grand- death of a loved cal education programs and listing of nomination to remove the college. That left me with an empty daughter takes my one, or a difficult non-United Methodist seminaries as Book of Discipline’s ban on feeling, of “Now what?” How do you cane and turns it life situation—as practicing homosexuals serv- acceptable choices for candidates for begin to wrestle with that? into a hobby horse, I in, ‘My car was to- ing as clergy. “We believe ordained ministry in the UMC. the God we know in Jesus is The first thing to do is to recognize experience the play- taled, I need a new “Because the number of students leading us to issue this coun- it and to name it. Then to weigh it and fulness and grow in car, I don’t have pursuing an M.Div. for ordained min- sel,” the bishops said. Since say, “Is this a good or a bad thing?” Rec- appreciation of what enough money for istry has declined and the number of the ban was established in ognize that you probably have geared it is to be the it.’ Do we need God seminaries offering such degrees is 1972, the subject of homo- your whole life toward being a mother grandma who sits in more then that at growing, it becomes increasingly diffi- sexuality has surfaced every to your children. But letting go of your the chair in interaction with a won- other times? cult to maintain quality standards and four years at General Con- children is one of the big motifs of derful grandchild. She is honoring So you might feel trapped in a situ- educational excellence in any faith ference, the denomination’s aging, as is renegotiating your relation- who I am and sharing in my life ation like that. I can either dwell in the tradition—especially in the case of top lawmaking body. ship with them as adults. You have to somehow from her 8-year-old point of “trapped-ness,” or else I can give it to distance education. The commission continue to be a mother to those chil- view. What a blessing that is. So I’m the Lord. I can ask, “What next? Where extended the opportunity for online Western Jurisdiction dren but they are adults now. Now not washed up when I’m Grandma sit- am I to go, Lord? What do you have in education to the United Methodist to combine two areas what? You can renegotiate that, and if ting in a chair. mind?” schools and the closely affiliated As- Two United Methodist episco- you don’t, you’re in danger of losing the Meanwhile, her mother is going for The spiritual life is not just an add- bury Seminary with their proven pal areas in the Western Ju- relationship. Think about how you had a 6-mile run, and saying “I feel won- on; it’s at the center of everything. track record in their online program risdiction—Portland and to renegotiate your relationship with derful.” Instead of saying, “Why When the Lord sent Moses to so that quality and excellence in the Seattle—will be merged into your own parents. It’s a spiritual task. couldn’t I do that?” I have to rejoice in Pharaoh, Moses said, ‘Send somebody expanding area of distance education one in 2012, the jurisdic- It’s giving your children to the Lord. the situation I’m placed in. As the else. I can’t handle this.’ And the Lord could be better watched and exam- tion’s College of Bishops an- This is what we do out of love. Scripture says, “This is the day the replies, in so many words, ‘Who’s ined as we move to new and increas- nounced Jan. 25. The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be making the decisions here?’ That kind ing ways of education delivery,” said Oregon-Idaho, Pacific In general, does the church do a glad in it.” of active encounter with God is what Northwest and Alaska Mis- the Rev. Sharon Rubey, interim associ- good job of helping people address keeps us fresh and alive. sionary Conferences will be ate general secretary of the General supervised by one bishop. the spiritual aspects of aging? Some people have more leisure and If you feel trapped, or imprisoned, Board of Higher Education and Min- The bishops said a transition I think so, but people must take flexibility in their later years. But by your life situation, consider that istry’s Division of Ordained Ministry team is being formed to con- hold of it and make it our own. For in- with the recession, some people do there are lots of examples of impris- and staff liaison for the commission. sider details of the realign- onment in history—the apostle Paul Bishop William H. Willimon, chair THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER (USPS954-500) is published or Nelson Mandela. When in prison, of the Commission on Theological Ed- ment. weekly by UMR Communications Inc., 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional what did they do? When I feel ucation, said the commission is “mov- Vatican to launch mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE UNITED trapped, God may be asking some- ing with all deliberate speed to look at METHODIST REPORTER. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275. dialogue with atheists THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided thing of me. online education and embrace it as a The Vatican announced a www.umportal.org denominational news coverage since its beginning as the Texas way to make theological education new initiative aimed at pro- Methodist newspaper in 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to the What have you liked most about [email protected] United Methodist General Conference or to any of the denomination’s more accessible while making sure it moting dialogue between general boards or agencies. 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Telephone and Christian ideal of wisdom. Old age impressed by what Asbury has done, ries of seminars on the requests are not accepted. Mallory McCall, Staff Writer is a time of fruition. I really think that and they have worked with some of theme of “Religion, Light and Send Correspondence and Address Changes (in- P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX the biblical promise of old age, which the 13 UM theological schools. This is Common Reason,” at vari- Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager clude mailing label) To: 75266-0275 Telephone: (214) 630-6495. Subscriptions are says, “Your old age will be the crown of really an expansion of that,” he said. ous locations in the city, ac- $26 for 52 issues per year. Click on “subscriptions” at Please recycle. www.umportal.org, e-mail [email protected] or send We do! life,” can come true for us. cording to Religion News Dale Bryant, Senior Designer a check to UMR Communications, Attn: Circulation, 1221 Ms. Brown is associate editor and Service. 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F EBRUARY 18, 2011 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 3B UM CONNECTIONS UM tour group caught in Egypt protests ‘Facing the Future’ event set for May B Y L INDA B LOOM members who had signed on for the The United Methodist United Methodist News Service extension trip decided it was safe Church’s General Commis- enough to proceed. sion on Religion and Race The street demonstrations that But when they arrived in Cairo on (GCORR) and the General began in Egypt in late January pro- the afternoon of Jan. 28 and headed Board of Higher Education & vided some tense moments for New toward their hotel, some protests had Ministry will host Jersey United Methodists who, like turned violent. “As we came in, we “Facing the Future: Cross- many other foreign visitors, were kept getting turned back because of Racial/Cross-Cultural Ap- forced to evacuate. police lines,”Ms. Brendler said. pointments in a Global But with the help of Egyptian tour Church,” May 16-18 at the hosts, a U.S. travel planner and their Change of plans Westin Los Angeles Airport congregation back home, the 18- Someone from a crowd of young Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. member tour group from Bridgewater people tossed a bottle at the tour bus, The event is dedicated to United Methodist Church found seats shattering the window where David creating new ways of engag- on a Jan. 31 flight to Rome, and re- and Shirley Wu, retired staff of the ing race, gender and culture turned home on Feb. 3. Board of Global Ministries, were issues, moving the church to “We’re very thankful for all of the seated. Ms. Brendler said the Wus only greater relevance in address- prayers we felt surrounding us at the suffered minor cuts. ing these issues relating to time,”the Rev. Vicki Miller Brendler, The group was hustled into a CR/CC appointments. Early UMNS PHOTO BY CATHI RECKENBELI lead pastor, said in a telephone inter- nearby hotel, the Swiss Inn, where registration for $250 ends The Rev. Vicki Brendler, pastor of Bridgewater (N.J.) United view from her hotel in Rome. they spent the night in the banquet Feb. 28, and regular regis- room. One person had an interna- Methodist Church, and her husband, Larry, were traveling in Egypt tration ends April 15. Visit Protests calling for an end to the tional cell phone, which allowed them as part of a Holy Land tour when the country’s political crisis forced www.gcorr.org/crccevent. 30-year rule of Egyptian President them to leave. Hosni Mubarak continued in early to keep in touch with Educational Op- portunities, their U.S. tour operator. comforted by their tour guide, who Rome. Ms. Brendler credited the help Rekindling the Flame February with massive demonstra- “Through the curtains, we could see “watched over us like a mother hen,” of their tour guide and another Egypt- at Lake Junaluska tions in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The future of the Middle East na- the movement in the street,”Ms. Ms. Brendler said. At 5:30 a.m. the ian travel official. “If it weren’t for Adults, college students, tion is anything but certain at this Brendler said. “That was a little fright- next day, he got them back on the bus them, we would still be in the Cairo youth and children are in- ening and disconcerting. We really and over to the Pyramids Plaza Hotel, airport,”she said. vited to grow in the Christian point, and Christians around the didn’t know what was going on.” their original hotel. United Methodist college students faith at Rekindling the Flame world have expressed both hope and Still, the group felt God was with But there was no chance of catch- were also among the hundreds of U.S. of American Methodism June concern about the situation. 30-July 3, at Lake Junaluska The Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr., top them. “We prayed and had a devo- ing anything more than a glance of citizens who were evacuated from Conference and Retreat executive of the United Methodist tional time and talked together,”she the famous pyramids because the Egypt. American University in Wash- Center in Lake Junalaska, General Commission on Christian said. “We prayed for the Egyptian peo- Army had closed the tourist site down ington, D.C., removed all 11 of its un- N.C. The theme of this family Unity and Interreligious Concerns, ple at that point, too.” and surrounded it with tanks. Instead, dergraduate students studying in experience is: “Christ’s Mis- noted that it is difficult to conclude Back in central New Jersey, the Rev. they remained inside the hotel. “There Cairo. Duke University in Durham, sion is Ours,” with special whether the events in Egypt are part Christina Zito—associate pastor for were gunshots through the night and N.C., had one student in Egypt doing sessions for campus minis- of a political or Islamic revolution. “I Bridgewater, a congregation of about we could hear tanks moving through independent research, and she was ters, college students and don’t see telltale signs of Islamic ex- 950—had confidence the group the highway near the hotel,”she said. evacuated from Cairo on Feb. 1. Sairah youth. For information, visit tremism at work at this moment,”he would find a way home and that Ms. On Jan. 31, after delays caused by Siddique, an international relations www.lakejunaluska.com/ said. “It certainly warrants ongoing Brendler would keep their spirits up. two cancelled flights, the group and a student from Hendrix College in Con- rekindling-the-flame or watchfulness.” “I fully expect she had them sur- few others touring Egypt, including way, Ark., also returned safely. call (828) 454-6656. The situation in Egypt reminds rounded in prayer,” said Ms. Zito. “We the Rev. Bob and Alita Phelps of the Kathy L. Gilbert of United Thomas Kemper, who leads the were trying to do the same here.” Yellowstone Conference, were finally Methodist News Service SCJ women to United Methodist General Board of The New Jersey delegation also felt given seats on an Egyptair flight to contributed to this story. gather in Louisiana Global Ministries, of the revolution in The quadrennial South Cen- East Germany in 1989. Despite Egypt’s tral Jurisdiction Clergy- former position as a stable presence in women’s Consultation, the Middle East, “to have peace built “Wade in the Water,” is set on injustice is never a lasting peace,” for March 22-25 in New Or- he said. leans. Women will learn On its website, the World Council of about effective leadership Churches offered prayers for Egypt“for skills and justice issues and the safety of citizens, for wisdom and worship with jazz artist compassion on the part of the authori- Charmaine Neville, the Rev. ties and for a non-violent and just res- Ouida Lee and the Rev. Anita Phillips. Plenary speak- olution of conflicts and grievances.” ers include Katharine The council called “for peaceful di- Rhodes Henderson, author alogue and joint efforts at every level of God’s Troublemakers: of society” to secure a future that ben- How Women of Faith are efits all Egyptians. “We pray to God for Changing the World, the mercy and protection for the Egyptian Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith, people and for all religious communi- a DREAM Act advocate, and ties, and we are standing together Bishops Ann Sherer-Simp- with the churches in these challenging son, Janice Riggle Huie and times,” the council’s statement said. Sharon Brown Christopher. Political instability in Egypt was To register, visit not on the minds of the 36 Bridgewa- http://wadeinthewater.org. ter church members who arrived in the Middle East on Jan. 18 for a Holy —Compiled by Mallory McCall Land tour. Afterwards, the 18 group

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBRUARY 18, 2011 ABOVE: Sunday worship draws more than 300 people at Grace Community Center, launched by Grace Church in 2008 at a converted Winn Dixie store. LEFT: The Rev. Jorge Acevedo (with microphone) baptizes Brian Rankin at Grace Community Center.

 WESLEYAN Continued from page 1B tended Sunday worship, down from 1,000 a few with praise bands and altar calls. years before. A graduate of Asbury College and Asbury Today, Grace Church draws more than 2,800 Theological Seminary, Mr. Acevedo cites many people a week to nine Sunday services and other influences on his ministry, including orthodox worship gatherings across four campuses. Two of biblical Christianity, Bill Hybels of Willow Creek those campuses are adoptees—struggling Community Church in Chicago and Rick Warren United Methodist churches that Grace brought of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. But at into its family and turned around. its core, he said, Grace is arguably more • Grace Cape Coral is the original Grace Methodist than many UMC congregations, be- Church, with a weekly attendance of about 1,400 cause it is deeply Wesleyan, emphasizing both at three Sunday services and more than 400 at personal piety and social outreach. recovery meetings on Friday. Mr. Acevedo should know. His United • Grace Fort Myers Shores, formerly Olga-Fort Methodist credentials are impressive. He was the Myers Shores UMC, is located 17 miles away. denomination’s “distinguished evangelist” for Adopted in 2004, the church draws more than 2009 and a steering committee member of Call 300 people a week to three Sunday services, up to Action, an effort to reorder the life of the from about 50 before the merger. church for greater effectiveness and vitality. • Grace Community Center is six blocks from Grace’s vision, set out in a 24-page “play- Grace Cape Coral in a converted Winn-Dixie the book” that guides the four campuses, is “to part- church bought in 2007 and opened one year ner with God in transforming people from later. In addition to the Third Saturday event, the unbelievers to fully devoted disciples of Jesus to center houses numerous outreach ministries, in- the glory of God.” Like Wesley, Grace Church is cluding a thrift store, a food bank, parenting and passionate not only about evangelism but also GED classes, an afternoon program for at-risk about growing people into discipleship, Mr. youth and a Sunday worship service that draws Acevedo said. The church’s strategy is expressed more than 300 people. in four words that seek to summarize a Wesleyan ABOVE: Toni Dattolico (left) • Grace Central, formerly Central UMC, is six vision of sanctification—reach, connect, form, and Suzanne Humphries cut miles from the Cape Coral campus in a racially send. hair during Third Saturday, a mixed, low-income neighborhood near down- “We want to reach people, welcoming them monthly event at Grace town Fort Myers. Central joined with Grace in with the radical welcome of God,” Mr. Acevedo Community Center. Other August 2010 after a year’s discernment and has said. “We want to connect them to the family of services include health already seen Sunday attendance jump from God in relationships. We want to help form them screenings and free flu shots. about 30 to about 130. into Christ’s likeness, and we want to send them LEFT: The Rev. Arlene Jackson Booming numbers, however, aren’t the only out as missionaries.” (left) greets Grace Community thing that separates Grace from most United It is this profoundly Wesleyan approach, Center member Darline Methodist or other mainline congregations. reaching out to working-class folks and people in Pinheiro before Sunday To some, Grace may not look or act like a need, that is Grace’s greatest strength, said worship. During the week, Ms. United Methodist church. As Mr. Acevedo readily United Methodist Bishop Timothy Whitaker, who Pinheiro volunteers at the admits, the church is an amalgam of influences leads the Florida Conference. An enthusiastic center, where the range of and is decidedly evangelical and spirited in tone. supporter of Grace, Bishop Whitaker noted that ministries includes parenting Each of the three church campuses still has a tra- Methodism began as a powerful movement classes, recovery programs ditional worship service, but those mostly draw among poor working people but over time be- and a free medical clinic for older adults and have the lowest attendance. came part of the “respectable” middle class. low-income neighbors. Most services—six of the nine—are contem- “What’s positive about Grace Church is that FLORIDA E-REVIEW PHOTO BY SARAH ALSGAARD porary and are highly spirited and emotional, it’s effective at reaching the kind of people that

4 B | F EBRUARY 18, 2011 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER Methodists used to reach routinely but that we outside the door. do not reach very well anymore,” Bishop At the Community Center, it’s even easier to Whitaker said. “I’m talking about people who are “go to church.” Several feet from the worship in the working class or people who are strug- area, cafe tables and chairs are set up around the gling with financial and other issues.” perimeter of the room. It’s a space where people can observe, perhaps even experience, church No shortage of hurt without feeling like they’re “in church,” said Chris There is no shortage of hurt in the area. Jackson, the center’s director. Ground zero of the mortgage crisis, Cape Coral- “This is a lot less threatening,” Mr. Jackson Fort Myers in 2009 had one of the nation’s high- said. “The tables give people a good place to est foreclosure rates, with 11.9 percent of homes ‘watch’ church without taking a seat in the wor- in foreclosure. In October 2010, 1 in 97 homes in ship area.” Lee County received foreclosure filings. Unem- Over weeks and months, however, many ployment hovered around 13 percent for most of “watchers” move into the worship area and even- 2010, far above the national average of 9 percent. tually into the full life of the church. Kevin P. Sheahan is among those hurting. Once people are in, Grace expects a lot from Once the owner of his own construction firm, he them. Because service to others is an essential moved to Florida at the height of the construc- part of recovery, Celebrate Recovery participants tion boom to work in management for a roofing are among the church’s most dedicated volun- PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH company. When the mortgage crisis erupted, teers, Mr. Acevedo said. The Prime Time midweek youth ministry at the Fort Myers Shores campus includes construction—the area’s largest source of em- But if a third of Grace people came to the sports and Bible studies. ployment—stopped.“Everything crashed,” Mr. church through recovery, two-thirds did not. Yet Sheahan said. “I’ve been unemployed two years.” Grace has a rare ability to integrate them all into proached his bishop and district superintendent Council, led by Mr. Acevedo, with lay and staff In 2010, Mr. Sheahan took classes to become one community, Dr. Bird said. Mr. Acevedo—a about the possibility of adopting Fort Myers representatives from each campus. certified in animal massage and pet care (“I’ve self-described “alcoholic and drug addict in re- Shores, and a few months later, agreement was As lead pastor, Mr. Acevedo says his most im- massaged animals you didn’t even know existed,” covery”—champions the notion that everyone is reached to merge the congregations. portant function is to serve as a “cultural watch- he said). He’s started his own firm, KP Pet Kare. broken and needs recovery and that all are wel- As part of the transition, Grace sent about 25 dog,” holding everyone to account and “barking” Mr. Sheahan came to Grace through one of come. As a result, integration occurs naturally. members to Fort Myers Shores to attend for at when the church strays from its core mission. the church’s widest and most welcoming portals: “It’s reached such a critical mass at Grace that least two years. “I function more like what a presiding elder Celebrate Recovery. An explicitly Christian 12- it’s not an issue anymore,” Dr. Bird said. In 2008, Grace added its third campus with did in the Wesleyan movement, which is con- step program, Celebrate Recovery was founded in the opening of the Community Center. It was in- stantly learning, coaching, leading, admonishing 1991 at Saddleback Church and is now in use at Going multi-site tended as a place to house Grace’s growing out- and encouraging the campus pastors,” he said. more than 10,000 churches around the world. In its effort to reach “the people nobody else reach ministries and also serve as an annex for Sermons are written collaboratively, with The program provides support for people recov- wants or sees,” Grace in recent years has turned the main Cape Coral campus, providing worship broad themes and texts selected for a six-month ering from a variety of addictions, from alcohol to a new form of evangelism, one of the biggest space on Sundays and easing crowding at the period. The campus pastors and Mr. Acevedo and drug dependency to food and sex. trends in American Protestantism today: the main campus. meet weekly to discuss the upcoming sermon About 800 people participate in Celebrate Re- multi-site church movement. It was with the fourth addition, the Central and together devise an outline and contribute il- covery at Grace, attending weekly meetings that Multi-site churches—churches that hold campus in Fort Myers, that Grace made a more lustrations and anecdotes. From that, Mr. include dinner, worship, small-group sessions services in more than one location—are in- deliberate decision to pursue a multi-site strat- Acevedo writes a draft, which each pastor adapts and a coffeehouse. Mr. Acevedo estimates that a creasingly common, with about 3,000 multi-site egy, Mr. Acevedo said. to fit his or her own preaching style and campus. third of those who worship at Grace came into churches in 47 states, Dr. Bird said. A survey of “At Fort Myers Shores, we didn’t have a clear Church might look a little different at each the church through Celebrate Recovery. multi-site churches for Leadership Network understanding of leadership and what that campus, but the sites are united by a common Inevitably, Celebrate Recovery has had a huge found that churches became multi-site to reach would look like in a multi-site setting,” he said. vision, mission and strategy, Mr. Acevedo said. impact on life and ministry at Grace, said the people who were otherwise unreachable from “So we made a lot of mistakes that we didn’t “It’s like McDonald’s at SeaWorld has a Rev. Wes Olds, campus pastor at Cape Coral. their primary locations. make with campuses three and four, like having Shamu theme and McDonald’s at Disney World “It creates this honest authentic culture,” he Mr. Acevedo said Grace entered multi-site policies, understanding clear lines of relation- has a Mickey Mouse theme,” he said. “But the re- said. “People are drawn to real authentic commu- ministry not by any plan but “by the nudging of ship, and communication and accountability.” ality is that they all serve Big Macs, fries and nities where they can get well.” the Holy Spirit—or, in more earthly terms, by Mr. Acevedo said he and the campus pastors shakes. We’re real clear about our Big Macs, fries The program flavors everything from wor- accident.” In 2003, he was driving by Fort Myers strive to keep people connected to the broader and shakes. That’s what connects us.” ship to community outreach. At least some of Shores UMC when he “felt a nudge to do some- Grace Church. Each campus has its own guide thing.” He knew the church was headed for clo- Mr. Wells is a public relations specialist the informality at Grace is to accommodate the team of laity and staff that oversees the campus at Duke Divinity School. This article was needs of those still struggling with addictions. sure but thought the congregation and the and its ministries, while the overall direction of first published in Faith & Leadership, It’s OK to drink coffee. A smoking area is just surrounding area had great potential. He ap- Grace Church comes from the Grace Leadership www.faithandleadership.com.

Grace Community Church draws more than 2,800 worshippers each week to its four Grace Community Church in Cape Coral, Fla., is the original campus of a mult-site campuses. United Methodist congregation in South Florida.

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBRUARY 18, 2011 | 5B 6B FAITH forum GEN-X RISING Virtual church will never replace the body of Christ To think that people just 20 years B Y A NDREW C. THOMPSON ago were debating whether a techno- UMR Columnist dinosaur like the fax machine would John Markoff wrote an article in maintain supremacy in the electronic the Dec. 26, 1989, edition of the New world is, well, kind of funny. York Times with the headline, “Com- And the explosion of new media puter Mail Gaining a Market.” forms makes us all a little dizzy. Who Yes, the “computer mail” of the title doesn’t stop and wonder at times is e-mail. Mr. Markoff’s now 21-year- whether all the new technology threat- old story begins with a statement sure ens our basic sanity just a little bit? to bring a smile to those who find themselves captive to e-mail in the Sense of community present: For the church, such questions “Electronic mail, which has taken take on a particular importance. Be- a secondary position to the facsimile cause one of the overriding features of machine through the personal com- technology is the sense it gives that individual self-sufficiency is truly puter boom of the 1980s, is finally © 2011 DESIGN PICS coming into its own.” possible. Real, in-the-flesh human re- God doesn’t always call us to where we want to go, says the Rev. Sky McCracken. But it’s not about The article that follows that open- lationships are tough. People disagree. being ourselves—it’s about being faithful. ing line is prescient, given the years Love takes a lot of hard work. But the since its appearance in the Times. Mr. digital universe? That’s easy. Markoff quotes Steve Jobs—who was Me + a screen = no problems. But on the outs with Apple at the time and therein lies the rub. Because when our Confessions of a new D.S. is referred to as “Steven P. Jobs”—as interactions are defined by the disem- predicting that the combination of bodied texts and tweets issued from to do in life. They insisted, “We’ve As Bishop Wills shared, it is not about B Y SKY MC C RACKEN personal computing with new forms our techno-gadgets, any real sense of prayed about this.” us—it is about being faithful. Special Contributor of electronic communication would community begins to fracture. In discerning my call to ministry, I If any Methodist preacher is hon- completely transform the way people Holy Scripture describes the As I write this, I’m at the Emerging realized that it is less about what we est, asked which story in the Bible interact on a day-to-day basis. church with terms that imply a real Leaders Conference for younger clergy want to do, and more about what we they hate the most, they would tell you community. The church is called a at Lambuth University. Before some of are called to do. It goes all the way it’s Jonah. God calls Jonah to go to Changing technology “body,” a “spiritual house,” the “city of you snicker: Yes, I am aware that at age back to our baptism: God ordains us Ninevah; Jonah wants to go to But the writer hedges his bets a bit the living God,” and “God’s own peo- 46, I am not one of the younger clergy (clergy or lay), equips us, gifts us and Tarshish. We all know the story. And, as well. He also cites experts who “still ple.” Jesus calls those who follow him anymore. I was in- graces us with what we are called to most Methodist preachers would wonder whether electronic mail will to love one another as he has loved us; vited to attend to do as disciples. And sometimes that admit we know the sin of lust—we ever become as universal as the fax he even calls us his friends. get a feel of what takes us to places we will enjoy and want to be liked, we want the admira- machine.” But of course, friendship requires younger clergy are where we will thrive, and sometimes it tion and respect of our peers, we want You nge r re a d e rs togetherness. It does so just as sure as experiencing, as I will take us to places that are difficult that “big” church. today might read a body has to have all its members am going to be- and may even suck the life out of us. Some say becoming a district su- that sentence and and a house has to have all its build- come a district su- So after a lot of prayer, a lot of dis- perintendent is a promotion. Indeed, ask, “What’s a fax ing stones. perintendent in cernment and a lot of listening to in many United Methodist circles it machine?” We see attempts by the church to March. Sky what God was saying, I realized that if would be said that someone “has ar- Mr. Markoff’s grapple with our changing society in a Several years McCracken I were asked to be a superintendent, I rived” when they have been appointed story seems utterly number of new ways. There are some ago, a colleague of would say yes. And I did. as such. I hardly think I have “arrived,” dated, despite the promising ones that use technology to mine told me, “You Bishop Richard J. Wills, our resi- and I certainly don’t think it’s a pro- fact that it was Andrew bring people together in the flesh. But better be praying about what you are dent bishop, preached at the confer- motion. written just a little Thompson others do more harm than good. Any- going to do when the bishop calls you ence. He is retiring in September and A grave responsibility? Yes. Neces- more than two time the adjective “virtual” is used to to be a superintendent.” I pooh- shared with us that while there are sary? Yes. I am sure there are some decades ago. It’s a modify a practice of the church—vir- poohed those words, and assured him some things about being a bishop that things that I will like about it, and reminder of how much our lives have tual Holy Communion, or virtual wor- that no bishop in his right mind are very blessed, it can also be very some things that I will detest. I just truly been revolutionized—not just ship—we should be on our guard. would ask me to be a superintendent. difficult work. hope that I can be faithful. I feel a lot by e-mail but by the Internet itself and Because the first step in the fragmen- I am too blunt, too critical of church It was honest, it was heartfelt and like the prophet Jeremiah: a bit reti- all the techno-gadgetry developed to tation of God’s people is the one that hierarchy and don’t smile enough. parts of it were hard for me to hear. I cent and young, with an excuse for exploit it for personal use. claims we don’t have to be together in I didn’t give it much further thought know there will be distasteful work everything that God might ask of me, Since 1989 the hardware we use order to be the church. until that very same thing was said to ahead. I know I will have to make gut- but not rebellious enough to not hear has multiplied from desktop PCs to God did not tweet salvation. He me more recently. This person added, “I wrenching decisions. And I am well what God is saying: “Get yourself laptops, MP3 players, smartphones, e- didn’t send an e-mail, or a podcast or bet you are going to be asked.” aware that God is calling United ready.” (Jeremiah 1:17). readers and tablet computers. E-mail even a fax. God came in the flesh, so One part of me thought of my pre- Methodism to go in a different direc- May we all be faithful to our call: is indeed a dominant feature of con- that all flesh might be redeemed. And vious response. But the contemplative tion, for if we don’t, my generation clergy, laity…and yes, even district temporary life, but it isn’t the only the church he is building even now to in me reminded me of a time when I could end up burying the denomina- superintendents. one. It shares space with interactive proclaim that good news is meant to was at church camp in college, work- tion instead of serving it. websites, blogs, Twitter feeds, social be a body—just as real as Jesus’ own ing on staff, and three young women I know myself well enough to The Rev. McCracken will become networking sites like Facebook and all body was and is. on staff told me that they thought I know that my love and my joy in life superintendent of the Paducah the thousands of “apps” available for District in the Memphis Conference The Rev. Thompson maintains a should be a preacher. I laughed. I told comes from being a parish pastor. I on March 1. This was originally smartphones like the Android and the blog at genxrising.com. E-mail: them what people from my hometown also know that sometimes, God does- posted on his blog at iPhone. [email protected]. would say. I told them what I wanted n’t call us to go where we want to go. http://revdsky.blogspot.com.

F EBRUARY 18, 2011 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH forum 7B WESLEYAN WISDOM How did Methodism’s founder read the Bible? in my personal and professional life. I The final form of Scripture lies in the Since then I have tried to benefit World War II seminary emphasis on B Y D ONALD W. H AYNES UMR Columnist meditated on each word of the most peculiar relationship between text and from the minds of biblical inter- pastoral care and counseling “took the familiar chapter in the Bible, the 23rd people of God.” That is, we should see preters ranging from the early Chris- shine off” the pulpit as the anchor of If one aspect of being a fundamen- Psalm. When I reached the sentence, the Pentateuch (the five books of tian scholar Origen to Bishop N.T. pastoral ministry. The rise of lec- talist is to say, “My Bible says,” then “He maketh me to lie down in green Moses) as biblical canon, not as five Wright. I also read books by Bart tionary preaching in the late 20th cen- John Wesley was not an 18th-century pastures,” I realized that as a farm boy separate documents; otherwise, we Ehrman of the University of North tury brought a welcome revival of precursor of a 21st-century funda- and former public speaker in the 4-H would be like surgeons who dare to Carolina at Chapel Hill, so I can con- emphasis on the Bible; but, especially mentalist. Club, I had won contests applauding take out organs and examine them in- verse with my grandson who takes since the arrival of the Internet, there Implicit in so many fundamental- “green pastures.” That night, for the dependently of their relationship to Dr. Ehrman’s courses in which the has been a “sameness” in preaching, ist sermons, tracts and books about first time in my life, I was forced to the whole of the human body. Paul Gospel of Thomas is considered “the even in the illustrations that preachers studying the Bible is that we should stop at the predicate: “maketh me to knew better when he said, “The hand fifth Gospel.” I still read the Baille use! Media “bytes” have reduced the read Scripture without considering lie down.” Only then did I see what cannot say to the foot, ‘I have no need brothers and James Stewart from concentration time for listeners and the last 3,000 years of interpretation Wesley called the “naked truth.” for you.’” Scotland. With Wesley, I must know many sermons now are short in dura- of God’s Word by communities of something of what teachers and tion, too short to encompass exegesis faith.Recently, I received a letter from Intuitive truth Readings over time preachers have said a text means. and applied theology. a reader who said that the King James Secondly, though Wesley was not a Fourth, we should ask, “How has Most analysts of Wesley insist that Yet as the Rev. Thomas Langford, Version is “the only inspired version” mystic, he brought a sense of sacra- the church seen this text across the his theology and biblical studies are the late dean of Duke Divinity School, of the Bible. If only the good brother mental theology to the Bible—a sense generations of time?”—regardless of soteriological (rooted in the doctrine often said, the preacher in the pulpit would read a bit about King James of “holy mystery” and “real Presence.” whether the reader is a fundamental- of salvation). When a lecturing semi- of the local church is the “theologian himself; better still, he should read Intuition, while it is subjective and ist snake handler reading Mark 16:18 nary professor becomes ecstatic in residence” who as the pastoral some of the changes that the high- personal, is more than a previously (“they will pick up snakes in their about a particular text or point, a stu- epistle declares, must “rightly handle tempered, anti-Puritan king forced the formed opinion or a doctrinal bias. We hands, and if they drink any deadly dent pastor foraging for a sermon the word of truth.” Paul put it bluntly: scholars to make before it received his must “push the intellectual envelope” thing, it will not hurt them”) or a Jesus topic may holler out, “That’ll preach!” “How shall they hear with out a royal imprimatur. and believe that the words will reveal Seminar scholar such as Roy Hoover, Wesley looked for text that would preacher?” Wesley, who had an education in something profound. Listen to them. whose stated academic mission is to make plain the path from being lost A renewal of Wesley’s treatment of the classics and a mastery of four lan- Read with a focus on discernment. “rescue Jesus from the spin doctors.” to being found by God’s love. the Scriptures could revive a guages, was called a “Bible moth” in Everyone listening to Jesus had When Wesley wrote his Explana- Wesley loved to harvest from the homiletic that is not intellectually ob- his college days at Oxford University. used their eyes and ears all their lives tory Notes Upon the New Testament in text some application to grace—pre- scurantist but is emotively awaken- He could quote from a vast variety of as physiological instruments. But 1754, he gave tribute to his long and venient, saving or perfecting. Though ing. The world today is in great scriptural texts on the spur of the mo- Jesus took them beyond physiology rich Anglican heritage of biblical it is a bit simplistic to lift out of con- upheaval. We are called and man- ment, revealing the prodigious studies when he said, “He who has ears to scholarship with a dash of Arminian text Wesley’s axiom that the only goal dated to preach a love that can be he had done beside whale-oil lamps or hear, let him hear; he who has eyes to accent from across the Channel. of preaching is to “save souls,” there is lived and a divinity that reads the on horseback in the summer’s heat see, let him see.” Wesley used the term I will never forget the epiphany I much truth in seeing that as his con- signs of the times and knows, as did and the winter’s cold. “eyes of the soul.” experienced in 1956 when I discov- sistent and persistent focus. His the- the tribe of Issachar, “what God wants ered the writings of C.H. Dodd who ology is called a “practical divinity”: us to do.” ‘Naked truth’ Canonical truth had ferreted out the “kerygma” of the an on-point message for real people First, Wesley read a text for what he Third, Wesley wanted to know, New Testament, a “unity within the in the real context of their time and Dr. Haynes is a retired member called its “naked truth.” “Why is this passage or book in the diversity” and a synergism between circumstance. of the Western North Carolina A conference board of ordained canon?” Jesus and Paul. I moved on into Wes- In mainline Protestant pulpits dur- Conference, an adjunct professor ministry once castigated Hood Theo- The word “canon” means norm or ley’s Explanatory Notes Upon the New ing the 20th century, we experienced a at Hood Theological Seminary and interim pastor of Kallam Grove logical Seminary rule or measurement. The Jews Testament as deeply as my little mind decline in the biblical preaching and a Christian Church. E-mail: because a student adopted the Hebrew canon at the could take me. rise in topical preaching. The post- [email protected]. had reported his Council of Jamnia in A.D. 90. For the professor, Dr. André Christians, the process was much less Resner, had told precise and was not settled until A.D. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING him not to rely on 467, and then only in a letter from HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS? LUMICON DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS commentaries. The EMPLOYMENT Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria. YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN VERSION Lumicon offers downloadable worship resources based biblical studies fac- However, Wesley’s question in- DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN AND OF THE UNITED METHODIST PORTAL! on the Bible and rooted in current culture, featuring ulty then asked for volves more than an analytical dissec- FAMILY MINISTRIES Join the growing number of churches across the UMC planning guides, graphics and video. The online library a meeting with the Donald tion of higher criticism. For instance, Saint John’s United Methodist Church, Austin, is seek- who are making the UMPortal their home page. provides your church with a range of resources, from board’s executive Haynes as Robert Wall notes in his essay, ing a full-time director of children and family ministries. News from your local church, stories from the award- Scripture commentary, drama and visual ideas to The director will give leadership to a dynamic and finished images and videos. Browse the search bank committee—a “Wesley as Biblical Interpreter” (Cam- winning staff of the United Methodist Reporter, growing program in partnership with a vibrant, cre- real-time information from Yahoo! News and by topic, lectionary or Scripture verse at meeting that I moderated. bridge Companion to John Wesley, ative staff. Previous experience preferred. Please con- Google–all in one home page. Visit www.lumicon.org or call toll-free 1-866-LUMICON During the meeting, Dr. Resner 2009), Wesley saw the epistles of John tact Rev. Georjean Blanton (gblanton@stjohns www.umportal.org and just two clicks can make it (586-4266) for more information. austin.org) or Rev. Paul Escamilla (escamilla@stjohns told the older clergy what he was actu- as the canon’s counterbalance to a your personal homepage. E-mail a request for an DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING austin.org) for further information. online demonstration to learn how easy ally teaching the students. 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U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBRUARY 18, 2011 8B FAITH focus Campus ministry counters Westboro with love

Things started converging when B Y K ATHY L. GILBERT Tara Culp-Ressler, another student, United Methodist News Service told Mr. Schaefer about “God Loves A group of United Methodist stu- Poetry,” a national campaign that dents at American University in Wash- takes the hate-filled press releases ington, D.C., met hate head-on when sent out by Westboro and changes members of the infamous Westboro them into poems. Baptist Church came to their campus By blacking out many of the angry Jan. 14. words in Westboro’s press release, Ms. They did it with love, poetry and Culp-Ressler changed the remaining hot chocolate. text into a love letter from God: Westboro, a small church in “American University will see truth, Topeka, Kan., known for picketing the face of God. Your God shall be in military funerals and college cam- thine heart. Teach thy children that puses with signs like “God Hates Fags” simple commandment: God is love.” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “I wanted to show my peers that threw down the gauntlet with a press we have the creative power to trans- release announcing plans to picket the form [Westboro’s] hateful messages United Methodist-affiliated institu- into our own messages of love, sup- tion. The headline on the release port and acceptance,” Ms. Culp- screamed: “WBC will picket the fag- Ressler said. infested, pervert-run American Uni- The United Methodist Student As- versity.” sociation sponsored a “God Loves Po- News of the planned picket spread etry” event and opened it to the quickly across the campus and soon campus so students could make their some students were calling for aggres- own positive statements. Posters were PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK NATALE/THE EAGLE sive counter protests. made of the creations and posted on More than 1,000 students at American University in Washington, D.C., and members of the community In the midst of the fury, Carly campus. countered a protest on the campus by Westboro Baptist Church. Jones, a member of American’s United A prayer and healing service was Methodist campus ministry, saw a held the night before the planned Four Westboro church members “I really felt the Holy Spirit moving God’s love.” golden opportunity. protest. To pave the way, Mr. Schaefer came to the campus on Jan. 14. More as faculty, administrators and stu- The aftermath of the visit has She sent out a post on Facebook: admitted his own feelings of anger than 1,000 American University stu- dents responded to the support from sparked a number of conversations “In light of recent news that WBC is and hatred toward Westboro and the dents and members of the surround- nearby United Methodist churches in and reflections on campus about the coming to AU to picket next Friday, I way they portray Christianity. ing community gathered to greet face of this threatened display of hate,” theologies of hate and love, Mr. Schae- would like to suggest that the United “I used the opportunity to talk them. Mr. Pries said. fer said. Methodist Student Association use about love, not as an emotion, but as a The United Methodist students Ms. Jones, who has been co-leader this event as an opportunity to display way of living. Something we can handed out more than 500 cups of hot ‘Demonstrative’ faith of a study on practical Christianity at our love and inclusiveness to the cam- choose,” he said. chocolate with Bible verses and state- Ms. Culp-Ressler said Westboro the United Methodist campus min- pus community and to this hate Mr. Schaefer didn’t promise it ments about God’s love glued to the strikes a nerve with her because the istry, said she believes it is God’s plan group.” would be easy to meet hate with love; front. group misrepresents what faith for her life to love many things and to At the same time the Rev. Mark he used the example of the cross as a means. encourage others to do the same. Schaefer, United Methodist campus sign of what love can cost. Love conquers hate “When they decided to come to my “I personally stand by the idea of minister at American, was also worry- “But I spoke of how we get locked Westboro proclaims on its website own university, I couldn’t just be demonstrative Christianity as the ing about the negative response he in cycles of hate and violence and are that it has conducted more than silent. However, I wasn’t convinced greatest way to draw others to a godly was hearing. He was thinking about called to step out of that cycle and fol- 45,000 pickets in 816 cities. They re- that a loud counter-protest was the life. Simply telling someone of the joy nonviolent alternatives like offering low the gospel, which is one of a radi- cently made headlines when they ap- best way to demonstrate the power of of living with faith is not enough.” cookies and hot chocolate to all that cal, inclusive love that can change the plauded the Tucson, Ariz., gunman gathered on that chilly afternoon. world itself.” who killed six people and left more than a dozen wounded. SUPPORT CHURCH GROWTH AND EARN INTEREST When Westboro announces a 1-Year Term 2.0% United Methodist individuals, churches, and protest, campus ministers and others 3.0% agencies can invest in UMDF for as little as are using the opportunity to teach stu- 2-Year Term $100. The Fund’s sole purpose is to promote 3.25% dents to respond with love. 3-Year Term the mission of The United Methodist Church by 4-Year Term 3.5% providing first-mortgage loans to churches. This Another United Methodist-related is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy 1.75% college, North Central College in Flex Demand our securities. We will only offer and sell our Naperville, Ill., found out they were a IRAs 3.5% securities in states where authorized. All offerings planned target of the group in October Flex Demand and IRAs may are made by the Offering Circular. The Offering after they announced they would not be available in certain states. Circular contains a list of risk factors that you show the film “The Anatomy of Hate: should consider prior to an investment decision. Dialogue for Hope.” Although West- THE UNITED METHODIST boro did not follow through on the threat, more than 400 students and DEVELOPMENT FUND community members gathered out- side Koten Chapel and marched across Notes of The Fund are not insured For an Offering Circular or more by the Federal Deposit Insurance information, call or write to us at: campus to the theater to view the film. Corporation (FDIC), Securities 475 Riverside Drive, Room 310 The threat of the protest became a Investor Protection Corporation New York, NY 10115 (SIPC), or any other federally or “teachable moment,” said the Rev. state-regulated institution. For an Offering Circular and application: UMNS PHOTO BY TARA CULP-RESSLER Lynn Pries, United Methodist campus Telephone: 1-800-862-8633 United Methodist students at American University in Washington, minister at North Central. Students Email: [email protected] Website: www.gbgm-umc.org/umdf D.C., created signs of love to respond to a protest on the campus were inspired to organize and develop by members of Westboro Baptist Church. a positive response.

F EBRUARY 18, 2011 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER