Missionaries to Arkansas Imagine Ministry Team HEATHER HAHN Week to Nourish 180 Area Elementary- Plans Regional Meetings to Editor and Middle-School Students

an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

A Publication of The Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church Eco-Friendly March 5, 2010 Two Sections, Section A Volume 156 Issue 44 Recycled Paper | Soy Ink 017000 IN THIS ISSUE Missionaries to Arkansas Imagine Ministry team HEATHER HAHN week to nourish 180 area elementary- plans regional meetings to Editor and middle-school students. Th e ARIANNA — As Arkansas Food Bank Network off er snapshot of Arkansas dawn pinks this furnishes most of the ministry’s food Conference’s eff ectiveness in sleepy Delta town, supply. dozensM of people start gathering Evelyn Banks-Shackelford, who ministry outside the old railway station. oversees the feeding ministry, says Even with a cold, biting wind the eff ort began because she and 5A nibbling at their faces, the crowd is in others saw a need. a festive mood. “For us, it was a ministry we Th e people share town news, couldn’t say no to,” she says. “It’s the cheerfully complain about the most visible thing we do.” United Methodists in weather and pat their sides to keep up People need not get in line at their blood circulation. Each person sunup to receive food, Banks- Central and North Central has brought a cardboard box. Shackelford said. But over the years, Arkansas have a chance Shortly before 9 a.m., a woman the early-morning wait has developed opens the train station’s main into a time of fellowship among the to Get Up and Give to entrance and begins handing out town residents. Methodist Family Health numbered cards to those waiting “I think they love the thrill of outside. Delta Dream Ministries is seeing who gets here fi rst and now open and late February’s food socializing with each other,” Banks- 7A distribution is about to start. Shackelford said. Since June 2004, this United Th e massive food program is Methodist ministry located in one of the state’s most prominent Marianna’s old train depot has been examples of the United Methodist Church legal clinics aim to providing groceries for residents in Church’s Church and Community welcome immigrants just this economically depressed region. Ministry. In addition to those who line up Banks-Shackelford is one of as the Bible commands early in the morning for a box of three Church and Community welcoming the sojourner food staples, the ministry also Workers who minister to needs in provides groceries at least once a Arkansas. Th e other two are Allyne month for members of a local senior Solomon, who serves the state’s 8A center, patients at a mental-health Lower Delta, and Steve Copley (see Delta Dream Ministries volunteer Carrie Miller, at left, hands out numbers to facility and clients of a substance- sidebar, page 8), who works with the those waiting to go inside and pick up a box of groceries. On a typical distribu- abuse treatment center. state’s immigrant population. tion day, between 100 and 120 people will wait in line for food staples. Delta Dream Ministries also United Methodists respond Photo by Heather Hahn supplies backpacks full of food each [See MISSIONARIES, page 8A] to earthquake in Chile 11A Fast times in Christendom: Debating Lenten discipline HEATHER HAHN taking on disciplines that will enrich your previous post. If it is social Editor our life with Christ and help us more networking, TV, telephone, breakfast Are you giving something up fully appreciate the suff ering and — WHATEVER it is — it’s about Piney Grove UMC for Lent? Should you? death of our Lord and the glory of creating a time to be in prayer or the launches recovery ministry Two weeks before Ash resurrection on Easter morning.” Word … .” for the whole family Wednesday, pastors debated this Russell “Skeeter” Hull, pastor of Clayton Bulice, senior pastor of question when the Facebook page of Nashville First and Bingen United Primrose UMC in Little Rock, Lakewood United Methodist Church Methodist churches, had his own suggested that fasting should be in North Little Rock posed the Russell Hull Danyelle take. more about doing something good 14A Ditmer question of whether anyone was “I don’t argue anything that you than doing without. He cited Isaiah planning to give up social say,” he replied to Ditmer, “but I 58:6: “Is this not the fast that I have networking for Lent. view of the Lenten discipline of think that to say giving up chocolate chosen: To loose the bonds of “Seriously?” wrote Danyelle sacrifi ce. It’s like giving up chocolate. or social networking would be wickedness, To undo the heavy Trexler Ditmer, pastor of Atkins First In what way will that help you grow random or of little value is going a burdens, To let the oppressed go and Bells Chapel United Methodist closer to God? Instead, let us all bit far. Th e idea of the Lenten free, And that you break every churches. endeavor to follow a Holy Lent sacrifi ce is to make time for us to do “I have to say that is a very poor whereby we honor sacrifi ce by exactly what you are talking about in [See LENT, page 16A] 2A March 5, 2010

Hendrix College senior Chase Green receives ashes from J.J. Whitney, EDITOR’S CORNER the college’s assistant chaplain and Miller Cen- BY HEATHER HAHN ter Associate director. Across Arkansas, thousands of United Method- ists participated in Ash Stand and be counted Wednesday services on “In those days Caesar Augustus is- Feb. 17 to mark the sued a decree that a census should making the case for additional start of Lent. Ashes have be taken of the entire Roman world. services. been a traditional sign ... . So Joseph also went up from the While it’s true that the 2010 of repentance dating town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, census won’t mark anything near as back to biblical times. to Bethlehem the town of David, The imposition of ashes momentous as Christ’s birth, it still is because he belonged to the house very important. Th at’s why the reminds Christians of and line of David. He went there to the consequences of sin register with Mary, who was pledged Census Bureau is asking faith leaders without Christ’s sacrifice to be married to him and was expect- to encourage worshipers to fi ll out on the cross: “For you ing a child.” and return their census forms. are dust, and to dust Luke 2: 1, 4-5 (New International Version) For example. the Wesley you shall return.” And it came to pass in these Foundation at the University of

Photo by Rodney Steele days that a decree went out from the Arkansas at Little Rock has received a U.S. Constitution that a census grant to help encourage students and should be taken of the entire United others who live in its surrounding States. neighborhood to complete their 10 Th is month, the U.S. Census questions. Becoming more of a people of love Bureau will begin mailing out forms In 2000, only 67 percent of to households across the country. Pulaski County households mailed in BUD REEVES In his recent goals.” Article 1, Section 2 of the their census forms. In fact, only three Special contributor book, Christian I’m not taking political sides Constitution mandates that the Arkansas counties had a response Th ere is nothing as important Civility in an here. Th at’s just my point. We should federal government make an “actual rate of 70 percent or better. Even with as love. Human beings need love as Uncivil World, be able to disagree with respect and Enumeration” of the population. Th at follow-ups from census workers, much as we need food and water. Mitch Carnell civility and work out solutions that means counting both citizens and bureau offi cials estimate that some Life without love is lonely and recounts how his honor all parties, even when non-citizens. groups, particularly the urban poor, worthless. church started a decisions have to be made that go Unlike the famed decree that are still undercounted. We need love because we “Say Something one way or another. brought Mary and Joseph to People rightfully worry about ultimately need God. Love is God’s Bud Reeves Nice” Sunday to I guess we shouldn’t be Bethlehem, the once-a-decade U.S. their privacy. But please be assured nature and character (1 John 4:8). It try to counter the surprised at the way things are. Th e headcount doesn’t require any travel the information gathered is only used is the reason God sent the Son into negativity, and Lord of Love came to earth and (just the roughly 10 minutes it takes for statistical analysis. Neither the IRS the world to save us (John 3:16). they caught fl ak loved every single person. Yet no to fi ll out the 10-question form and nor Immigration and Customs As disciples of Jesus, we extend for “watering person in history was treated with mail it back). And this census isn’t for Enforcement use the data to track our love beyond the normal down the Gospel” and were even more hostility, hatred, and rejection the purpose of levying taxes either. people down. In fact, individual forms boundaries. We are supposed to love criticized in their denominational than him. For his love, people nailed Instead, the enumeration remain confi dential for 72 years. more than our families and friends. newspaper. him to a cross. determines how many representa- Census forms are due in April. We love our church family, our Th e church of Jesus Christ, During Lent, we remember that tives each state gets in the House. Aft er that, census workers will knock community, those who are hurting which above all should be a journey of sacrifi cial love. Th e Letter Census data also will guide the on doors to follow up with and broken, even our global human community of love, is oft en a place to the Hebrews says, “Consider him federal government’s distribution of households that haven’t responded. family. Th at’s why we respond when of narrow-mindedness, hostility and who endured such hostility against more than $400 billion (of already Now is the time to stand up and an epic tragedy like the Haiti bitterness. himself from sinners, so that you collected tax revenues) to state and be counted. earthquake occurs. In the larger culture, it is even may not grow weary or lose heart.” local governments. Even more radically, we are worse. Spurred by media that pride I have not lost heart. I have Leaders from many faith-based To contact me, please e-mail called to love those who hate us and themselves on belligerence, it is rare faith in the ultimate victory of charities also rely on census data [email protected] or call (501) persecute us — our enemies! that people can have a diff erence of righteousness, as surely as the Christ when writing grant proposals or 324-8037. Jesus said, “You have heard that opinion without questioning each on the cross became the Lord of the it was said, ‘You shall love your other’s motives and honesty. Where resurrection. neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I is the respect and honor due a But as we walk the journey of say to you, Love your enemies and worthy adversary, with the intent of Lent, I believe we need to think pray for those who persecute you, so working out a mutual compromise about, pray about and strive to Volume 156 • No. 44 March 5, 2010 Arkansas Conference Communications that you may be children of your that will solve a problem? It just become more of a people of love. It’s Martha S. Taylor • Director of Communications 800 Daisy Bates Drive Heather Hahn • Editor Little Rock, AR 72202-3770 Father in heaven; …For if you love doesn’t happen any more. much deeper than just being nice Patrick W. Shownes • Communications Coordinator www.arumc.org (501) 324-8000 www.arumc.org those who love you, what reward do With all the problems facing and getting along. It’s about the Th e Arkansas United Methodist is the newspaper Subscriptions you have? Do not even the tax our common life, we ought to be heart of Jesus that breaks over the of record for the Arkansas Conference of Th e United - $15.00, 1 Year Methodist Church. It is published once monthly, on - $25.00, 2 Years collectors do the same?” able to work out solutions without sin of the world. It’s about the love the fi rst Fridays of each month, and four special issues - Free, Online throughout during the year for a total of 16 issues For more information, visit Th e point is clear: Th e call of demonizing our opponents. We’re all that redeems the brokenness. It’s per year. www.arumc.org/aum or call (501) 324-8006. the Christian is to love everybody, in this together. about the love that will ultimately be Send Correspondence & Change of Address to: Advertising is welcomed. For a rate sheet or more even those we don’t like very much. Last month at the National victorious. Arkansas United Methodist, 2 Trudie Kibbe information, contact Martha Taylor at (501) 324- Reed Dr., Little Rock, AR 72202; or e-mailed to 8005 or [email protected]. While all advertising What I have noticed lately is a Prayer Breakfast, President Obama In the end, we’d better be on Patrick Shownes at [email protected] is reviewed before acceptance, it should not be remarkable lack of love in our lamented the fact that we can no board. considered endorsed by this newspaper or the Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: society. Brothers and sisters in longer have a serious yet civil debate Th e United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Submission Deadlines Christ fi ght and fuss like mortal on public policy issues. He called on William O. “Bud” Reeves is senior Dallas, TX 75266-0275. Issue Date Submission Deadline April 2, 2010 March 17, 2010 enemies. Christians in diff erent Americans and political leaders in pastor of First UMC, Hot Springs. He Th e United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 May 7, 2010 April 14, 2010 denominations say negative and particular “to bridge their divisions can be reached at brobud@fumchs. Profi t Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage June 4, 2010 May 19, 2010 critical things about other churches. and unite around their common com. Paid at Dallas. July 2, 2010 June 16, 2010

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 3A Giving to church supports more than just those in need

PAT LILE four children in United Methodist Church does. Th at director/CEO to say a eulogy and Methodist roots, and we joined the Special contributor Pine Bluff , I was is important to me and, I would hope, comfort your family and friends at downtown First United Methodist J. Clif Christopher’s Jan. 8 fortunate to have a to all Christians. your graveside? Church. column in the United Methodist 25-year As to the concept that churches Yes, these are personal John and I have just fi nished Reporter raises the question whether professional should compete with other questions, and perhaps they are serving a second year as co-chairs of your local church is the best place career in the nonprofi ts, I align with the great selfi sh. To a personal question I will the fall “Giving Campaign” at our give. nonprofi t world. I Christian author Stephen Covey when add a personal story. church. We are honored and humbled My response is “Absolutely yes.” have founded he promotes an “abundance mentality My husband and I have to do even a small part in keeping Th e only qualifi er I would place on Pat Lile nonprofi ts, been versus a scarcity mentality.” experienced life outside the organized organized Christianity alive, and in that strong statement is this: It is the the staff and chief John and I give both to the church. When John entered Duke particular, United Methodism, for its best place to give if you believe that executive offi cer church and to other nonprofi ts, but University Law School shortly aft er focus is critically important; it the church of Jesus Christ is the best of nonprofi ts, and our fi rst priority and our largest gift is we married in August of 1959, and I encourages us to take action and to and most organized way that we have served on numerous boards of to the church. Th ere is no level- went to work, we were overwhelmed support other charities and found over the last 2,000 years to directors, and I am currently active playing fi eld between Christ’s church and did not join a local church in nonprofi ts in the good that they do. follow Christ and, going forward, to on six boards, and also make gift s to and other charities. Durham, N.C. Th e next year, we had No one at First United Methodist keep Christianity alive. each of them. It is like comparing apples (other our fi rst child and he died of a serious Church has asked us if our local In so doing, we keep alive the As much as I value those nonprofi ts) with steak (the Christian heart defect aft er three days of life. church is the best place to give. But church’s infl uence on believers to do nonprofi ts, none of them has the church). Fruit is a nice addition to We had no family near and only now, if someone does ask, I think I good as well as to be good. In this mission of the Christian church — our diet, but protein is essential for a few new friends there. We learned am prepared to answer. way, believers almost inevitably will which compels us both to give and to the human body and to keep the body what it was like to grieve without a Th ank you, Clif Christopher, for give time, talent and treasure to other be involved. Not one of them was of Christ alive and well. fellowship of believers and a pastor to writing this excellent article and nonprofi t groups and charities to help incorporated with the mission to Many nonprofi t groups do surround us with caring and to help challenging us to think through why them address the needs of a troubled bring the Good News of Jesus Christ outstanding work. But do they us through this sorrow with a church and to what we give. To God alone be world. to people. provide a fellowship of believers to funeral for our newborn. the glory. To back up my statement, fi rst None was established to keep the surround you with caring in time of Aft er law school, we moved to let me establish that I have a long and organized church alive and thriving illness or loss of a family member? Pine Bluff and spent 28 wonderful Pat Lile retired two years ago as strong background with nonprofi ts when forces work against the very Do they rejoice with you on the birth years as active Presbyterians and president/CEO of the Arkansas and mainline churches. existence of — much less, the spread of a new member of your family? became elders in First Presbyterian Community Foundation. She and her Aft er a volunteer career of 20 of — Christianity all around the Will any of these nonprofi ts Church. husband are members of First UMC years while my husband, John, globe. None of them exists to keep a organize and hold a funeral service When we moved to Little Rock in downtown Little Rock. She can be practiced law and we were raising specifi c denomination alive, as the for you and commit its executive in 1990, I felt called to return to my contacted at [email protected]. American hears God’s wakeup call while visiting a church in China CLYDE E. HUGHLEY (I am intentionally leaving the city And God said to me: “What do Special Contributor unnamed because I do not wish to you and the members of your church Th is past June, 17 Arkansas compromise anyone’s safety.) do for Me on a Saturday aft ernoon? teachers and I had the privilege of To be honest, this church was And what risks are you taking to tell being invited to participate in a not the best-looking structure I have others of My love and grace?” three-week educator’s trip to the seen. It was tall, pretty rough-looking And all I could say was, “Forgive People’s Republic of China. Th is was and needed repair. However, the me, Lord. Forgive me for forgetting sponsored by the Freeman warmth in which John and Hua’s how to love You, how to praise You Foundation, through the Arkansas Christian friend received me was real. and how to serve You.” Global Programs at the University of As I entered and climbed the When I left the gathering, one of Little Rock at Arkansas. stairs of the church, I could hear the leaders and his wife escorted As a Christian who has been voices singing — not too soft ly, not John, Hua and me to the door. active in ministry for the past 24 too loudly, but clearly singing to be I wanted to express my years, my key desire was to see what heard. I wondered what this meant I gratitude for being allowed to have God is doing in and through the was going to see. shared in this moment of praise, but Church in China. As I looked around, a group of at words escaped me. I could think of Even now, strict governmental least 700 people sang songs of praise Clyde Hughley, pastor of Haven UMC in Hot Springs, leans against a rock that nothing to say. And then it came. controls are maintained over (in Chinese) to the Lord. identifies the Beijing Garden Center, while in China last summer. “John,” I asked. “How do you say, I Christian organizations, and all I was in awe. “Oh!” my heart Photo courtesy of Clyde Hughley love you?” “unregistered” religious activity is shouted as God moved me to slowly “Wo ai ni!” (Woah eye nee), John repressed wherever and whenever raise my hands in praise. “If only I used to touch the Church of China, that was clearly another message said. So, in that parting moment, I possible. could sing the words with you!” One but so that I could be touched by from God. “We cannot keep to said to this Christian brother and his While in China, I met “John” of the church leaders saw me and what He would have me see in the ourselves the joy we have in Christ,” wife those words that only God could (the father of a Chinese co-worker motioned for me to go to the front. Church. he said to those assembled. “We need give: “Wo ai ni!” who lives in Arkansas) and had the In the midst of my watching and Before me were college-aged to go out and share with all our My eyes on China were no pleasure of spending several hours hearing, God gently said to my Spirit: students who could be doing neighbors the joy that God has given longer the same aft er my encounter over two days with him and his wife, “You came wanting to have an anything else on a Saturday us!” with that church. God had spoken to Hua. On our second aft ernoon opportunity to speak. I wanted you to aft ernoon, but they were here Wow! Here I was in a country me, and my life will never be the together, I asked, “Is there a church to come so you could be spoken to!” praising God. Th ere were also where evangelism is not accepted or same. be found? I would love to see one.” Th at was it. True, the Church of businessmen, businesswomen, approved. Here I was in a country John and Hua have friends who China needed and still needs our doctors, military offi cers and police where you place your freedom, your Clyde E. Hughley is the pastor of are members of a local evangelical prayers and our support. But God offi cers — all praising God. well-being and your life at risk if you Haven United Methodist Church Christian church, and off ered to take wanted to use my trip to open my Th e leader of the service then dare to evangelize. And here I was in in Hot Springs. He can be reached me there to see the church in that city. spiritual eyes —not so that I could be said something (translated by John) a church that was saying, “Let’s do it!” at [email protected] www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 4A March 5, 2010 Heeding the Spirit is not easy, This season, red is the new black DEENA MARIE HAMILTON Th e blood of horrifying is that my sins put him but God grants us the power Special contributor Christ is there. For those who truly know me, cleansing and As I evolve as a Christian and MARY FAITH “ZOE” MILES generation they know that I’m a hardcore fan of gives us pastor, I realize that I cannot Special contributor dancing to the HBO series Sex and the City. permanent continue to take for granted what In writing these articles, the heart rhythms I I love that show because I could reconciliation Christ did for me. I must clothe Arkansas Conference has can’t relate to the relationship mishaps of with our Creator. myself with honor by being covered showered me with love and praise, distinguish. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and It is by the blood of Christ. scrubbing me with words of All I do is Samantha. Deena Marie powerful and life As we continue Lent and affi rmations and cleaning me of present my But what captivated me the Hamilton changing. And as prepare our hearts and minds for the my insecurities over and over words as an most about the show was the the song goes, it Easter season, let’s remember that in again. Mary Faith off ering. I sit fashion. I learned about Manolo will never lose its order to stay in vogue, we need to In talking about authenticity, “Zoe” Miles down at my Blahnik shoes, Hermes Birkin bags, power. It reaches to the highest take a look at ourselves and see what I need to show you the mud that computer, type Prada accessories and Tiff any’s blue mountain and fl ows to the lowest we’re wearing not on the outside but your words rinse off . something boxes. valley. It should give us strength in in our hearts. Th ese articles are terribly decently coherent and trust that Needless to say Do we boldly diffi cult for me to write. whenever I hit send and my article because of the show, I proclaim the victory First, I’m a giant disappears into the ether, God will broke down and “The blood of Christ is cleans- that we have in Christ procrastinator. For example, I’m take my loaves and fi shes that I set bought a Tiff any or do we put it away sending this article in late. I realize on His altar and perform a miracle. necklace and my fi rst ing and gives us permanent in a closet somewhere this is to be anticipated from a I thought that being authentic pair of $500 Jimmy waiting for the right college junior who’s essentially about my ministry would be a Choo black stiletto reconciliation with our Creator. occasion to let it be majored in procrastination the past beautiful segue into the fi nal pumps. Yes, I did. ... And as the song goes, it will seen? two and a half years. fragrance in this winding series. Who said that pastors It’s always Second, when I do come out I’ve discussed my generation’s want can’t have fashion never lose its power.“ fashionable to be in of hiding to type a few lines, I for warmth and authenticity. Th e sense? step with Christ. mysteriously go from having third fragrance is power. As I get more He never goes amiably prancing fi ngers to the Power is the one of the three enthralled in fashion perusing the our everyday lives. out of style because there is no name fetal position, crying for God to scents that is produced exclusively latest Vogue, Elle and Mademoiselle, When Christ went before Pilate, above the name of Jesus Christ. either make it go away or to write by the Holy Spirit. I wait with baited breath for the new beaten unmercifully, forced to carry But I will say this… Pink and it Himself if He wants it so bad. We get confused when we colors that are quoted by fashion a burden that was not his to carry, green are my favorite colors, but I I attribute a majority of my think the miracle of works happens experts as the “in” shade. was barbarically nailed to a tree, had sure do look good in red. So from worst anxiety fi ts surrounding my as a result of some great human “Gray is the new Black,” or a thorny crown smashed on his head now on, I will be dressed from head article production to spiritual tool. “Orange is the new Pink.” Th ose — I could just imagine the only to toe in red because the Lord took a warfare. When we don’t possess the phrases send me to department color that he did see was red. chance on a sinner like me. Satan doesn’t want my tools that we believe necessary to stores in desperate need of making By His stripes, we are healed. Remember, red is the new generation in church. His minions assist the Spirit, we shrink back at sure that I’m in vogue. He did this out of love. He — who is black. whisper doubts in my ears: Who the honor God is calling us to. We I don’t encourage anyone to go without sin — had the sins of the am I to have the audacity to think act like Moses hiding behind his out in search of designer labels that world heaped upon him. Deena Marie Hamilton is the senior that I can tell you why my lisp. they can’t aff ord, but when it comes What was a vision of shame pastor of McCabe Chapel United generation isn’t coming to church? I am a failed human being. to what we wear there should be one became a triumphant event of God’s Methodist Church in North Little I don’t have a special tap into the But God gently presses me to my color that we should always be glory. Rock. She can be reached at rev. Generation Y underworld nor do I knees, telling me all I have to do is clothed in — and that’s red. What makes it even more [email protected]. own a cold stethoscope that can lay my words at His feet and He’ll count our heart’s rhythms. take it from there. So I cry and I wail and I If you have enough humility outline and I ask for deadline to show up for God, clothed in Letters to the Editor extensions. inadequacy, He’ll show up for you. All of this is to say that these Th ere has been a lot of medical services. hospitals that need to raise their articles are not eff ortless. Mary Faith “Zoe” Miles is a junior shouting and anger recently about Th e clinics would be staff ed census to stay in the black. However, these articles are a at Oklahoma City University in the possibility of government- partially by volunteers: doctors, It could be done for a fraction place where God shows up in my Oklahoma, a United Methodist operated health care. nurses and dentists. of the cost. It would not threaten to life. I am humbled that God wants institution. She can be reached at Th ere are several underlying Th ey would be compensated destabilize the present medical to use me as a voice for a [email protected]. beliefs in that statement I will by tax credits. Senior medical delivery system now in place. make. First, society should provide students could repay student loans Roger E. Glover, pastor at least minimal health care for all with a year of service. Each year of Humnoke and Hamilton of its citizens. Second, we should service could pay for more of their United Methodist churches not bankrupt the country with a loan liability. typical government intervention. Medications could be Letters to the editor should include Th erefore, I think there is a furnished with an all-generic drug a contact phone number for the model that could solve both of these plan. writer and be limited to no more problems. Nurse practitioners, specially than 100 words. Th ey also should be It could be designed along the trained by medical schools, could written in the spirit of Christian lines of the Christian Clinic run the clinics fi ve days a week. dialogue.Th ey can be mailed to the Movement. I was privileged to be If hospitalization is required, attention of Heather Hahn at 800 part of the organization of the clinic then some form of Medicare could Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR in Dardanelle. So far that facility pay for that. Hospitals could bid for 72202 ot e-mailed to hhahn@ alone has provided $3.5 million in the service or we could fi nd arumc.org.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 5A Imagine Ministry team seeks help in imagining conference’s future HEATHER HAHN so we don’t just come to worship, but Editor we come to be challenged to think Since late August, members of outwardly.” the Imagine Ministry team have been Ledbetter said serving on the working to capture a snapshot of the team has renewed her sense of calling current state of United Methodism in to the ministry. She fi rst discerned Arkansas. God’s call while at a young adult Th is month, the team plans to conference in Denver. A student at present a picture of what they’ve Iliff School of Th eology told those found to pastors and laity at four gathered that in 10 years, half of the regional meetings around the state. United Methodist pastors would And they hope these get-togethers either be dead or retired. will mark the start of similar “I thought, ‘Th at’s a horrible discussions in all the state’s United thing to say,’” Ledbetter said. “In that Methodist congregations. moment, I heard God’s voice say “Th e purpose of the regional ‘Th at’s what I want you to do.’ I wasn’t meetings is to take the conversation thinking in terms of guaranteed that we’ve been charged to be part of, appointment. I wasn’t thinking in to take that back to the local church terms of job security. It took me Members of the Imagine Ministry team, from left, are Gil Rendle, aconsultant; Kurt Boggan, Northeast District superinten- level,” said Kurt Boggan, the team’s months to unpack that and realize dent and the team’s project manager; Bishop Charles Crutchfield; Susan Ledbetter, associate pastor at First UMC in Benton- project manager and Northeast ville; Kathy Conley, member of First UMC in Blytheville; Don L. Riggin, member of St. James UMC in Little Rock; Bud Reeves, what that meant in my life. Only now District superintendent. pastor of First UMC in Hot Springs and Mackey Yokem, the team’s convenor and Northwest District superintendent. Team does that moment make sense.” “We’ll be proposing some members not pictured are Edna Morgan, associate pastor of First UMC in Pine Bluff; Charles W. Donaldson, a member of It’s now a decade later, and while questions that each local church will Hunter UMC in Little Rock; and Jim Argue Jr., president of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas. the Iliff student’s dire prediction be taking back and answering in their hasn’t yet materialized, Ledbetter still Photo by Heather Hahn local church context and share at discerns God’s calling on her life. Annual Conference.” Congregational Excellence of the of doing change,” said team member American culture has declined In going through the Imagine Th ose questions, broadly, will Texas Methodist Foundation in Susan Ledbetter, associate pastor at accordingly. Th e denomination Ministry process, she said she “has deal with such topics as the church’s Austin as well as an independent First UMC in Bentonville. “Th ey currently has less than 8 million been awakened.” identity, purpose and action. consultant. looked at some diff erent ways to do members in the United States. Likewise, she hopes others will At last year’s Annual Conference, Over the past six months, the coaching. It should be noted they still Mackey Yokem, the team’s discern God’s call as they examine Bishop Charles Crutchfi eld group has been examining diff erent see themselves as work in progress, convenor and Northwest District where the United Methodist Church announced the formation of the measures of church eff ectiveness — but they report having a new superintendent, said too oft en United is and where it should be heading. Imagine Ministry team to examine statistics like church attendance, common language. Th e language Methodists focus on maintaining Th e group is just barely a quarter how the Arkansas Conference does professions of faith, baptism, infl uences the action.” bureaucracy and not transforming way through what the bishop church. He appointed to the team membership, fi nancial resources and She said Rendle pointed out to the world. anticipates to be a two-year process. four members of the clergy and four mission outreach. the team that there’s a big diff erence He said the Imagine Ministry Th e group will give a progress members of the laity. Team members also have talked between talking about attracting team’s work is changing the way he report at Annual Conference in 2010. He named Boggan as project with leaders of other United members and making disciples. and other team members think about Any proposals that grow out of these manager, giving him the assignment Methodist conferences that have Over the past four decades, the the ministries of the church. conversations will be taken up at the of keeping the group on task and undergone similar processes of United Methodist Church — like “I think it’s going to increase the 2011 conference. helping with the group’s self-examination including the other mainline Protestant churches participation of the person in the pew Yokem said: “We want to begin a communications. Crutchfi eld also Indiana, Texas and Baltimore — has seen its American in the ministry of the church,” he conversation out of which will grow hired Gil Rendle, a senior consultant Washington conference. membership rolls plummet and the said. “It’s going to be an invitation to in time a new sense and direction for with the Institute of Clergy and “Th ey’ve negotiated some areas denomination’s infl uence on wider broaden participation in real ministry ministry.”

Imagine Ministry Regional Meetings BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Th e Imagine Ministry team will have four regional meetings. Bishop Charles Crutchfi eld requests that every pastor attends along with two laity. Th e bishop also requests that at least one of those laypeople be under the age of 40.

Th e meetings will be at the following locations: Central Region — 3-5 p.m. March 7 at Pulaski Heights UMC, 4823 Woodlawn Drive. Northwestern Region — 3-5 p.m. March 14 at Central UMC in Fayetteville, 6 West Dickson St. Northeastern Region — 3-5 p.m. March 21 at First UMC in Wynne, 800 N. Falls Blvd. Southern Region — 9-11 a.m. March 27 at First UMC in Camden, 121 Harrison Ave. S.W.

www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 6A March 5, 2010 A primer to United Methodist initiatives In the continuing eff ort to make 10THOUSANDDOORS.ORG Event. Media grants are available UNITED METHODIST WAY –Th is secondary research, the team will disciples for the transformation of the — Th is is the external Web site for from United Methodist Communica- is a renewal movement toward prepare a report for the 2010 Annual world, the United Methodist Church Rethink Church. It is the place that tions to pay for the advertising and recapturing the spiritual health of Conference with any proposals to be and the Arkansas Conference have the 18- to promotion of an Impact Community individuals and the denomination taken up at the 2011 conference launcheda number of initiatives in 34-year- grant. Th is is part of the Rethink through John Wesley’s Way of being meeting. the past two years. But admittedly, old Church initiative. in covenant with Christ and with keeping all the names straight can get spiritual Th e Arkansas Conference and one another. By recapturing the SHARING TOGETHER IN confusing. What follows is a primer seekers Methodist Family Health have commitment of the Methodist way CHRIST’S NAME — Th is initiative’s on these United Methodist programs. can go to received an Impact Community of living, clergy and laity can objective is to create a joyful learn more Grant for a project called “Get Up experience again the rich spiritual understanding about how connec- GENERAL CHURCH about the United Methodist Church and Give,” which will take place fruit in their lives and in their tional giving transforms the world. INITIATIVES and to get plugged into mission April 11. engagement with the world. Not a activities or Impact Community steward- RETHINK CHURCH — Th is events hosted by their local CHANGE THE WORLD — On ARKANSAS CONFERENCE ship United Methodist Communications congregations. It is a social-network April 24-25, United Methodists INITIATIVES program, initiative place for seekers to explore what around the the includes United Methodism is about. Th is is world are IMAGINE MINISTRY — Th is is a initiative multi- part of the Rethink Church initiative. being asked comprehensive review of the focuses on media to serve eff ectiveness of the conference’s a celebration of the lives that have commer- IMPACT COMMUNITY EVENTS people locally operations and structure. Th e been transformed and the better- cials (television, radio, billboards, —An Impact Community Event is a in conjunc- Imagine Ministry team was called ment of the world because of shared magazine, and social network mission that involves members of tion with into being by Bishop Crutchfi eld to blessings. Th e initiative will be advertisements). local United Methodist churches World help begin the process of imagining promoted prior to this year’s Annual Rethink Church is a campaign with Malaria Day. Congregations will be the future God has for the Arkansas Conference and materials will be to reach 18-34-year-old spiritual individu- asked to schedule an activity Conference and then assuring that distributed to all local churches in seekers, and to encourage local als in the involving the community and the conference is prepared to meet July 2010. Th e initiative was made churches to move outside the church commu- church members for either an that future. Utilizing primary and possible through a grant from the doors. nity. Any existing or new outreach ministry on United Methodist Foundation of Th e Rethink Church Web site, confer- either April 24 or 25. Arkansas and being designed and www.rethinkchurch.org, has ence, Churches are also asked to executed by Arkansas Conference resources for use by pastors, local district or cluster of three churches collect a special off ering on that Communications. churches, districts and conferences. can plan an Impact Community Sunday for malaria. � MARTHA TAYLOR

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 7A Arkansans can Get Up and Give to help Methodist Family Health ALYSSA ANDERSON For the Arkansas United Methodist How to help: United Methodists in the Central and North Central Districts Get Up and Give will be at 1-4 p.m. April 11 at the Methodist have a new opportunity to “Get Up Children’s Home, 2002 S.Fillmore St., Little Rock. and Give.” If you are interested in collecting items to be donated at either the On April 11, Methodist Family Methodist Children’s Home or Methodist Behavioral Hospital, below is a Health and the Arkansas Conference list of what is needed. are partnering in a new event called All items must be new and will be distributed to Methodist Family just that: Get Up and Give. Th e Health’s Group/Foster Homes, Th erapeutic Day Treatment Schools, event, funded by an Impact Methodist Behavioral Hospital and Outpatient Clinics: Community Grant from United Homes: socks, underwear, paper towels, toilet paper, detergent Methodist Communications in (laundry and dish), soap and board games. Nashville, Tenn., will be a day of Schools: board books, computer learning soft ware and school supplies giving to the women and children Hospital: children’s magazines, board books, board games, school served by Methodist Family Health, supplies, underwear and socks a nonprofi t organization providing Clinics: toys for the waiting rooms, coloring books, crayons and board mental health services for at-risk books families. Because of grant requirements, registration is needed for those who For this gathering, you can give donate money, items or attend. Register at www. your time, your money or new items impactcommunityevent.org/Arkansas. for those in need. “Many of the children who arrive at one of our programs come is what I hope will be the fi rst of how to apply for a grant. with nothing more than the clothes many Arkansas events that will Carolee Cook, director of recreational therapy at Methodist Behavioral Hos- on their back,” said Ashley Coldiron, pital, at right, offers one of the hospital’s clients some tips on her basketball involve the Methodist churches and To learn more about Get Up and executive director of the Methodist game one spring morning last year. United Methodists in Central and North those in their communities.” Give, contact Ashley Coldiron of the Family Health Foundation. Central Arkansas have a chance to help Methodist Family Health’s young She added that Impact Methodist Family Health “Th ey depend on us to provide clients on April 11. Community Grant funds are Foundation, at (501) 661-0720 ext. them with the basic necessities, and File photo by Heather Hahn available for any district or cluster of 7304, or Martha Taylor, Arkansas Get Up and Give is an opportunity at least three churches and welcomes Conference communications for us to collect the items most in the Methodist Children’s Home Projects will be assigned on a those interested to contact her about director, at (501) 324-8005. needed by these children.” recreation center. fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. But more than a day of giving, Th e inspiration behind this new Volunteers should plan to Get Up and Give will also be a day of day of giving and service came from bringsome of the following items: service. From 1 to 4 p.m., individuals a small group of women at Keo work gloves, shovels, wheelbarrows, and groups, United Methodists and United Methodist Church. Led by trowels, posthole diggers, a Roto- non-United Methodists, are invited Jean Landrum and Ila Chaney, the tiller and rakes.Closed-toed shoes or to do one or more of the following: women started their own event work boots are a must— no Drop off needed items (see list to several years ago called “Undie fl ip-fl ops or sandals. the side) to either the Methodist Sunday,” and four times a year, they Invitatations will soon be Children’s Home in Little Rock or collect underwear, socks and other arriving at United Methodist the Methodist Behavioral Hospital in necessity items for the children at churches in the Central and North Maumelle. Methodist Behavioral Hospital in Central districts. Volunteer to help sort and pack Maumelle. Get Up and Give is a “Get Up & Give is a great collected items. larger-scale version of their original opportunity for people in North Help plant fl owers and shrubs, event. Central and Central Arkansas to get clean outdoor furniture, put down Everyone interested in involved in projects that have a mulch and other outdoor tasks to participating in a day of service must direct and positive impact on make the outdoor space better for register on our Web site at www. children and families,” Martha the kids and visitors. impactcommunityevent.org/ Taylor, the Arkansas Conference’s Help with a neighborhood Arkansas. director of communications, said. “It cleanup in the area around the Children’s Home. Make a monetary donation to the Methodist Family Health Foundation. Immediately following the event, at 4:15 p.m., Methodist Children’s Home campus will host a celebration of the day’s accomplishments, including live music by the FaithSpring Praise Band, a special guest speaker and refreshments. Representatives from KURB-FM B 98.5 will be on hand during the event to cheer on volunteers. Th e celebration will take place www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 8A March 5, 2010

MISSIONARIES Continued from Page 1A

Welcoming immigrants to the United States is Th ese three workers are commissioned missionaries of the Church and Community Worker’s mission General Board of Global Ministries. In response to God’s call, these HEATHER HAHN prospects. It also would give him workers have committed to uplift ing Editor peace of mind, knowing that his the poor and empowering the Because of the legal clinic at residency could not be withdrawn. disenfranchised in society. Th ey are Dover United Methodist Church, To become a U.S. citizen, a part of Methodist missionary Cipriano Mata was able to achieve person must be a permanent tradition that dates back nearly 125 his dream of becoming a U.S. resident for at least fi ve years and years. citizen. be fairly fl uent in English. Th e U.S. In 1885, women in the “Th ey helped me with a lot citizenship test includes both Methodist Episcopal Church saw a with things I didn’t understand,” written and spoken portions and is need to provide aid to women in Mata said. “Th ey did an absolutely drawn from some 200 questions mining and rural areas. Th ose who wonderful job.” dealing with the U.S. government took up the vocation were initially Mata, 37, is one of scores of and history. U.S. Citizenship and called Rural Workers and then Town immigrants who’ve found the legal Immigration Services also charges and Country Workers before taking help they needed at a United Cipriano Mata is pictured at the a $675 fi ling fee. up their current designation. Methodist church in Arkansas. ceremony at the Clinton Presiden- Th e process also requires At present, 48 Church and tial Center, when he became a Since 2006, First UMC in U.S.citizen. He credits the legal clinic fi lling out a lot of paperwork. Community Workers serve in both Monticello, Dover UMC and Oak at Dover UMC with helping him to Mata credits the Dover UMC rural and urban settings across the Forest UMC in Little Rock have gain his citizenship. clinic with providing him with United States. Th ey come from a

each started off ering free legal Photo courtesy of Sergio Picado needed legal expertise. Volunteers variety of backgrounds, and include clinics once a month to serve the also helped him review potential clergy, nurses, social workers, lawyers state’s immigrant population. permanent resident cards used to citizenship questions. Mata said he and teachers. Mata’s case, like all cases at have a greenish tint) or being practiced for at least an hour a day Dozens of people line up hours before Delta D these churches, was handled by a naturalized as a U.S. citizen. for weeks in preparation for the test. “On a larger scale” based in an old train station in Marianna — pr national attorney with Justice for “Th e whole idea of these legal Ultimately, he felt fairly Banks-Shackelford had been an Our Neighbors. clinics is that if our lawyer can help confi dent on test day. Among the active lay member of Scruggs Chapel Justice for Our Neighbors, a them, she does,” Copley said. “If questions he answered, he said, United Methodist Church in Moro Bible Schools, confi rmation classes United Methodist Committee on our lawyer can’t, she explains why. were “What’s the capital of when she learned that the area’s and other activities intended to draw Relief program, off ers a national At the very least, we try to assure Arkansas?,” “Who is the vice Church and Community Worker was community involvement. She took on network of church-based, that people won’t be taken president?,” and “What rights do retiring. She decided it was a ministry the food ministry aft er members of volunteer-led clinics to help advantage of by someone who isn’t you have as a U.S. citizen?” she’d like to do. First UMC in Marianna withdrew immigrants and asylum seekers an attorney saying ‘I’ll help you if He’s now working on his GED “We had low membership in the from plans to organize a similar navigate the maze of rules and laws you give me $10,000.’” and hopes to be able to soon apply church, so I was one of those people ministry at the train station. that aff ect their lives in the United Th e vast majority of for some better-paying jobs. who did a little bit of everything Delta Dream Ministries typically States. immigrants at the three clinics Th e clinics largely rely on the — the youth, the choir, whatever has two distribution days a month. Th e program helps people come from Mexico or Central leadership of laity. Sergio Picado, needed to be done,” Banks- Around the start of the month, the seeking to reunify their families, America. the clinic coordinator for the Shackelford says. “I thought this ministry administers commodities secure legal status and enjoy the Mata is the fi rst of those Dover UMC clinic, said he and would allow me to work on a larger from the U.S. Department of right to work. helped by an Arkansas clinic to other clinic volunteers were scale.” Agriculture. Th ese recipients must At present, Justice for Our receive citizenship, which he did at heartened by Mata’s achievement. She has now been a Church and meet certain income requirements. Neighbors has about 20 clinic sites a ceremony in September at the But some of the most Community Worker for more than 20 Th e month’s second distribution in nine conferences. Clinton Presidential Library. wonderful cases, he said, involve years. Initially, she worked with day is open to just about anyone. Steve Copley, an ordained Mata, who grew up in the the national attorney noticing predominantly black churches in the Banks-Shackelford only requires that elder, is a Church and Community state of San Luis Polosi, Mexico, special facts or issues about a case Delta, helping to organize Vacation recipients bring their own cardboard Worker as well as the Arkansas fi rst came to the United States that make the diff erence between Conference’s director of Justice for about 16 years ago because — like people being able to stay in the Our Neighbors. many immigrants — he was United States or being forced to Th ese clinics are one way the searching for work. return back to their oft en United Methodist Church practices “A ft er I got out of high school, impoverished country of origin. biblical hospitality, he says. I was a teenager looking for a job,” “You’re making a diff erence Specifi cally, he says the clinics seek he said. “I never found one. Th at’s not just for individuals but for to follow Jesus’ command in what brought me over to the their whole family,” said Picado, Matthew 25 to serve “the least of United States.” himself a naturalized citizen who these.” He spent his fi rst few months came to Arkansas as youngster “Christ says, ‘Did you in Brownsville, Texas, before from Chile. “It’s an eff ect that is welcome me when I was a moving to Arkansas, where today multigenerational. Th at person’s stranger?’” Copley said. “Th at’s he works as a poultry processor in great-grandchildren will grow up what we’re trying to do.” Ola. in the United States because of the Th e clinics aren’t a sanctuary He already was a permanent work we’re doing today.” program meant to house resident when he fi rst heard at his undocumented immigrants. home parish, St. Andrew Catholic To support the work of Justice for Instead, their main aim is to Church in Danville, about the Our Neighbors in Arkansas, visit help people achieve legal status clinic in nearby Dover. secure.gbgm-umc.org/ — whether that means obtaining Embarking on the donations. Steve Copley’s From left, Betty Allison, Katie Denton and Lillie Rachel Massey — all retired ed- legal residency (commonly known naturalization process, he decided, Missionary Support Code is ucators — are among more than a dozen volunteers who make Delta Dream as getting a green card because would help him to improve his job 982019. Ministries work. On Feb. 24, the women helped food recipients sign in. Photo by Heather Hahn

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 9A VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION the fi nancial responsibilities in the church,” Moore says. This Volunteer in Mission listing includes mission opportunities offered by local churches and districts. Often there is room for additional volunteers While her offi ce is at First UMC to join the team. For more information on any of these projects, contact in Hamburg, Solomon serves as a the individuals listed or Don Weeks, Arkansas Area Volunteers in Mission resource not just for area local coordinator, 18 Montagne Court, Little Rock, AR 72223; (501) 868-9193 or churches but also the Southeast 681-2909; [email protected]. District and the Arkansas Conference. When she fi rst arrived in Until to Mid-April: Mountain Contact Contact Gary B. Lunsford Hamburg, she put together a resource T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach at Wiggins Memorial United book for area churches. Project), sponsored by the Methodist Church at (479) She oft en gets calls when people Tennessee Conference, provides 442-8633 or his home number need help connecting with the home repairs in the Cumberland (479) 442-6500. church. Last November, a nearby Mountains. Groups choose their school contacted her requesting help own dates (arriving Sunday night Aug. 26 – Sept 2: Christ of the in restocking its coat closet. She led a and leaving Friday morning). $200 Hills UMC has a mission trip drive that ended up collecting more per person. Samantha Tashman, planned to Haiti. Th ose interested than 200 coats. [email protected] or (931) should contact Walter “Bubba” At present, she is partnering 692-3999. Smith at (501) 922-4503 or e-mail with HIPPY (a national organization, [email protected] which stands for Home Instruction May 29-June 6: Guatemala Mission for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) Trip 2010. Doctors and surgical Ongoing: “Th is Olde Church” to provide healthy snacks for the 90 nurses are needed for the medical Volunteers in Mission project. Help youngsters the program serves each clinic. Contact Gwen Efi rd, (501) restore and repair churches in the week in Ashley County. 666-8446, or Pulaski Heights UMC Arkansas Conference. A longtime Christian educator (501) 664-3600. Teams will be painting, weather- Dream Ministries opens for the food distribution at 9 a.m. Twice monthly, the ministry — before becoming a Church and proofi ng, doing general repairs, rovides groceries for Delta residents in need. Community Worker in September July 16-Aug. 1: Bunda, Tanzania. landscaping and other jobs.

Photo by Heather Hahn 2007, Solomon sees the two callings Volunteers are needed to help: as not that dissimilar. In both roles, fi nish a library for Bunda, start Teams DO NOT do roofi ng, boxes to help replenish the ministry’s Navigating the system she sees herself as helping to share construction on two churches, plumbing or electrical. Teams can supplies. For the ministry’s record Most of what Allyne Solomon the love of Christ. build water fi lters for purifi cation sign up by contacting Don Weeks at keeping, recipients also must sign in does as a Church and Community “One of the greatest things about and possibluy start a medical clinic. [email protected]. and list the number and ages of Worker is more behind the scenes. being a Church and Community people in their household who will be When a family in the lower Worker is that you take the church served. Delta loses a job or suff ers another out to people in the community,” Th e distribution day on Feb. 24 emergency, Solomon helps the family Solomon says, “and you bring the was an example of this more open navigate the system and connect with community back into the church.” giveaway. On this day, Banks- the support that’s available. Likewise, Shackelford has more than a dozen Solomon helps local churches To support Arkansas Church and volunteers and part-time workers discover the funding opportunities Community Workers, visit secure. helping her. that are available. gbgm-umc.org/donations. Evelyn Refrigerators, freezers and David Moore, senior pastor of Banks-Shackelford’s missionary pantries take up most of the train First UMC in Hamburg, says support code is 982939. Allyne depot’s space. Th e station’s small Solomon has helped the church’s Solomon’s support code is 982021. To sitting area is pretty much the only aft er-school program, Th e Pioneer learn more about Church and place where there’s room to give out Club, obtain grants for a van and Community Workers, visit www. food. educational materials. arumc.org/church_community_ Volunteer Carrie Miller calls out “She’s helped take the edge off workers.php. the numbers of those waiting in line outside fi ve or six at a time. Th e recipients each step inside, sign in at a table manned by volunteers, hand over their cardboard box and in its place, get another box full nonperishable goods. As the recipients make their way toward the train depot’s exit, volunteers top off their box with a container of frozen meat, a pint of milk, a carton of eggs, a box containing king cake and a bag of carrots. By 10 a.m., the volunteers have given out groceries to more than 100 people. “Th is helps me keep my grocery Evelyn Banks-Shackleford, the church and community worker who oversees bills down,” Haywood Jones, a retired Delta Dream Ministries, points to where she’d like to install a three-compart- farmer, says. “I’m on a fi xed income ment sink, which the Arkansas Department of Health requires to serve meals and any little bit helps.” on the premises. Photo by Heather Hahn

www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 10A March 5, 2010 Jacksonville church makes disciples with online study MARK MCDONALD Online. Disciple class, it only requires transformational study experience vote, or even give a thumbs-down to For the Arkansas United Methodist I took the training — a participants to schedule a single online,” Buff um reports. disagree. For many people, the challenge two-week, online course off ered hour. Th e online format allows for Buff um says the Disciple Bible Th ey can break into small of Disciple Bible Study is not the 30 through www.beadisciple.com — the study time to be held at Study developers changed their groups and use their microphones to 60 minutes of daily reading and and was hooked on the concept. non-traditional times as well. minds aft er seeing other online independently of the other small refl ection. It is not even the First UMC in Jacksonville First UMC in Jacksonville chose communities experience real groups, and facilitators can move commitment to spending another off ered its fi rst online class in the 9 p.m. Monday as the congregation’s relationships. Buff um eventually from group to group. two to three hours each week fall, signing up 16 people within the start time to give parents time to get became one of the developers of It actually works better than discussing the work with others. fi rst few days of the posting. About their children in bed and allow Disciple Online. traditional small groups breakouts, For many, the biggest obstacle one-third of those who signed up business travelers to settle in for the Th e fi ve pilot classes have all because you really cannot hear the to overcome is fi nding another day were from other churches, and one evening. Two-thirds of the group reported transformational Bible other groups and get distracted by and time each week for Disciple was from another denomination. members live in Arkansas, but study similar to traditional Disciple their conversations. gatherings. Participants in Disciple Online participants also come from classes. Several of the Jacksonville Parents are oft en booked up log on to a class Web site for daily Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas Some of the members will text Disciple Online participants have several evenings a week with assignments that complement their and Nebraska. or e-mail each other during class, experienced the same life-changing extracurricular activities. Business workbook. Th ey watch the weekly Many people are skeptical how while listening to the discussion. We revelations that traditional Disciple travelers oft en have trouble video and participate in an online an online group would allow for the e-mail and Facebook each other participants have. Th ey have also scheduling a consistent night off . In discussion thread that covers what transformation that many experience between classes, and we have added the enjoyment of sharing with the past, this was a necessity in order would normally be the fi rst hour of a in traditional Disciple classes. developed deep relationships with Christians from other areas of the to participate in Disciple Bible Study. traditional class. Initially among the skeptics was each other. We’ve had to learn new country. Last year, as senior pastor of Th en, when class time arrives, Lisa Buff um, the assistant director of ways to keep up with each other and Participants call our First United Methodist Church in they sign on and spend an hour the Institute for Discipleship based communicate without body Presbyterian member “Calvin” and Jacksonville, I ran across a way to together sharing prayer concerns at Southwestern College in Winfi eld, language. me “Hobbes” whenever we point out reach those two groups as well as a and working through the second Kan. Th e soft ware has a variety of the diff erences between Calvin and host of others who expressed their hour of classroom work. “We resisted the idea for quite tools they use. Using icons, they can Wesley. concern about not being able to While they spend the same a time, wondering if it would be raise their hands, click their We have people from a variety commit to a Disciple class: Disciple amount of time as traditional possible to have the same kind of microphones on and off , applaud, of areas and stages, and we love it! AVAILABLE GRANTS

Church Revitalization grants are available to United reading tests, an increased chance Grants are available for churches Methodist churches or United of graduating high school and a that qualify. Th e Parish and Methodist-affi liated ministries that more hopeful outlook on the future. Community Development seek to preserve human dignity and Other 2009 Peace with Justice Committee administers the combat injustice. small grant recipients included the Revitalization Grant Funds of the Each year, the Arkansas Shepherd’s Center Adventures in Arkansas Conference. Conference retains half of the Peace Learning in Beebe, the Philander Th e funds can be used to start with Justice Special Sunday Smith College Campus Ministry, a new ministry or renovate a Off ering funds to disperse these the Conway Cradle Care church’s physical plant to small grants. Scholarship program, the Pioneer accommodate a new ministry. In 2009, seven programs and Club at First United Methodist An application can be ministries received assistance. One Church in Hamburg, the Madres Y obtained from your District such ministry was the the Age to Ninos Program at First UMC in Superintendent or on the Age mentoring program at the DeWitt, and the Mission UMC Conference’s Web site at www. Arkansas Tech University’s Wesley United Methodist Women’s Celia Whitler, retreat music leader, left, and Jay Clark, youth minister at Pulaski Heights UMC in Little Rock, take in a room full of confirmands at last arumc.org/forms. Search for Foundation. Melissa Jones, Charter for Racial Justice. year’s Confirmation Day. “Parish/Community Development program coordinator, applied for a Peace with Justice small grant Grant Application.” small grant through Peace with applications are now available to File Photo by Jane Dennis Th e forms must be fi lled out in Justice for funds to sponsor at-risk download at www.arumc.org/ full with all signatures required. children. forms. Confirmation Day approaches Further, all of the church fi nancial For the past 20 years, Age to Grant applications also can be information is required including Age has provided hundreds of requested by e-mailing Danyelle Special to the AUM a lifelong United Methodist, also the church’s budget, funds on hand children in need a safe haven and Ditmer at danyelleditmer@gmail. Confi rmation students from will return this year to lead the that could be used for said project hope for the future through com or calling her at (479) across the Arkansas Conference youth in worship with stories and and the balance on any and all aft er-school programs. With the 567-0930. soon will have a chance to submit songs. To learn more about Whitler, accounts. help of public school teachers and Th e deadline for grant question Bishop Charles Crutchfi eld. visit www.celiamusic.net. All grant requests must be counselors, applications is May 15, and grant Pulaski Heights United Confi rmands also will play Let’s mailed to Bill Wisener at 124 Age to Age seeks out and awards will be announced in June Methodist Church in Little Rock will Make a Deal, based loosely on the Hunger Run, Monticello, AR 71655 identifi es children in the worst at Annual Conference in Hot play host to the conference’s annual TV game show, where they will be by April 10. Applications received scenarios. Springs. Confi rmation Day with the Bishop quizzed on their knowledge of the aft er April 10 will be considered at Because of sponsorships — Th e special Sunday off ering from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13. United Methodist Church. the fall meeting of the committee. like the ones provided through for Peace with Justice is May 30. Th e gathering will include time To learn more, contact Bob Peace with Justice small grants— Th e amount of funding available for students to discuss their personal Confi rmation Day will be from 9:30 Burnham at (870) 733-7519 or more students have an opportunity for Peace with Justice small grants faith journey as they rotate among a.m. to March 13 at Pulaski Heights e-mail [email protected]. to experience the positive changes each year depends on the three sessions on the Wesleyan UMC, 4823 Woodlawn Drive. Little achieved through the program such abundance of the Peace with tradition including question and Rock. Registration costs $10 on “Peace with Justice” small as better results on standardized Justice Sunday off ering. answer time with the bishop. March 5 and $15 aft er. To register, Recording artist Celia Whitler, visit www.arumc.org/register.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 11A United Methodist Church responds to Chile earthquake

LINDA BLOOM Conference, which includes Hawaii. enough to jolt the 94-year-old October. United Methodist News Service Th e earthquake struck at 3:34 mother of the Oscar Carrasco, a Th e autonomous denomination United Methodists were a.m. and reports of damage district superintendent in the United has some 15,000 members. scrambling to respond to a massive continued to come in all day. Methodist Northern Illinois About 20 church members, earthquake that struck Chile early Shana Harrison, a missionary Conference, from her bed in representing diff erent districts, on Feb. 27 and prompted tsunami supported by the Arkansas Curacautín. participated in the three-day disaster warnings across the Pacifi c region. Conference in Santiago, Chile, Joyce Carrasco, Oscar’s wife, preparedness and emergency Th e magnitude 8.8 earthquake, reported on her Facebook page on reported that they had heard his response training, which also which hit about 60 miles northwest the evening of Feb. 27 that she was mother was OK, but that his sister’s allowed for networking with local of the town of Chillán, left at least safe. house next door was heavily authorities and emergency response 400 people dead at press time, She is the executive director of damaged. Her mother-in-law is partners. according to news reports, including Foundation Crescendo, a workshop keeping the family focused in prayer Th e plan is to create a at least three people swept into a and group home for adults with and she feels the family is blessed to humanitarian response system in large wave on an island 400 miles off intellectual disabilities. be able to be together and prepare a Chile in collaboration with UMCOR the coast of Chile. Santiago, the “Th ankful that I am okay and meal. and the Chilean Ofi cina Nacional de capital, is 200 miles northeast of the that everyone in the group home is “Th ank goodness for fi re wood Emergencia del Ministerio del epicenter. okay,” she wrote. “I visited the while Curacautín is isolated. … Interior. “We have a great relationship President Michelle Bachelet workshop today, and there does not bridges are out. Th ere is a tense with the people in Chile and the declared a “state of catastrophe” in appear to be any structural damage. calm,” Carrasco said. “Still waiting to church in Chile,” Hazelwood added. central Chile, and the quake was felt Please keep us all in your prayers. hear more news.” Hazelwood and Crutchfi eld had in neighboring countries as far away Communication is diffi cult and thus A United Methodist volunteer- intended to return to Chile in as Brazil, according to news reports. have been unable to reach all staff in-mission group from Wisconsin January to sign a memorandum of Tom Hazelwood, a United and clients. Th e aft ershocks make it was thought to be in Chile when the understanding with the church, he Methodist Committee on Relief very diffi cult to relax, and the earthquake occurred. said, but the trip was postponed emergency response executive, said members of the group home are still Hazelwood said the Methodist because of the earthquake in Haiti. UMNS image courtesy of the agency had exchanged e-mails Wikimedia Commons. quite shaken up about it all.” Church in Chile will be better able to with Juan Salazar, president of She also wrote on Feb. 28 that respond to the earthquake because Donations to the United Methodist Ministerio Social Methodista in Swenson of Los Angeles regarding she was grateful for the support she of disaster training that he and Committee on Relief for emergency Chile, to off er assistance. the tsunami warnings for Hawaii. is getting from a group of friends at Melissa Crutchfi eld, an UMCOR relief work in Chile can be made at He also was in touch with Swenson is leader of the church. colleague (and Bishop Crutchfi eld’s secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations. United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann denomination’s California Pacifi c Th e force of the earthquake was daughter), conducted there in Th e Advance number is 3021178. Oklahoma class helps parents fi nd children’s spiritual gift s

JOEY BUTLER First’s senior pastor, about designing more,” Seidel said. United Methodist News Service a similar class for children and their Crawford said the class diff ers Imagine a religious education parents. from an adult spiritual gift s class that focuses on children’s gift s, “We wanted a gift s inventory inventory, in that “these aren’t rather than their sins. for children where they could get necessarily the spiritual gift s from It is a class that helps parents feedback from parents, grandparents the New Testament. recognize what their kids are doing and others in their lives who love “For instance, we had one right, and calls on them to nurture them,” Crawford said. father who said, ‘My kids just love those gift s. “If you have people who love Jesus. Th ey love to come to church; When those children become you, who have been reinforcing that they want to pray for people.’ We teenagers, and face temptations from you have some wonderful gift s that said that is defi nitely something to alcohol to sex, they will have the God has given you, you’re more be affi rmed. We didn’t limit parents spiritual talents and readiness to likely to believe it.” to the classical spiritual gift s make good decisions. Th e result was a fi ve-week defi nition,” he said. Th at is the hope of Ken Seidel intergenerational course that helps Th e class was designed for and Ray Crawford, who teach an parents focus on their children more parents of children ages 5-11. intergenerational class at Claremore closely. “Our approach is telling (Okla.) First United Methodist Th rough weekly lessons and parents, ‘You’re missing these years, Church homework, parents are taught to when you’re running around and Letting children focus on those Identifying a child’s spiritual gifts can take place at an early age. observe their children, identify their getting them involved in soccer and gift s gives them a greater sense of A UMNS photo from iStock.com. spiritual gift s, and then talk to the keeping the activity level high. self-worth, which helps them children about their gift s and how to You’ve kept them busy, but you combat bad habits. use them. haven’t given them the moral “Our youth are distracted by out of answers trying things that did the family,” Seidel said. “Th e parents At the end of the class, parents compass to rely on when all the over-stimulation in our society,” not work, oft en ask him for advice. in our society are so confused. Th ey and children collaborate to make a temptations come their way,’” Seidel Seidel says. “So many are going in Aft er 10 years of listening to fall into wanting to please their child poster that illustrates each child’s said. “We’re trying to off er parents directions harmful to themselves students, he realized the most and keep them happy. ‘Happiness’ is gift s. Th is allows each child to see more preventative measures.” — drugs, alcohol, violence, sex. It troubled teens were adopting available in our society through all how their gift s make them unique. seems to be escalating.” self-destructive lifestyles modeled kinds of diversions and too many “When we take the time to Kitchen Equip. & Supplies Seidel, a Claremore First aft er what they saw in popular children choose that route.” focus, we see things that were right Buy at our prices and $ave member and teacher at an culture. Aft er taking an adult spiritual in front of our eyes that we’d never 1-800-482-9026 or 228-0808 alternative-education center, said “It interests me how many gift s inventory class, Seidel seen before. Once we see that, it’s a AIMCO EQUIPMENT CO. that parents, frustrated by running children end up being the ‘parent’ in approached Crawford, Claremore surprise, and it seems to hit home www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 12A March 5, 2010 Pension initiative seeks to raise $25 million United Methodist Communications about me?” Horace said to an of $25 million, refl ecting the needs NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For audience of the Grand Bassa District discovered through on-site visits to Charles Horace, a retired Liberian of the United Methodist Church. “Let each of the growing 19 Episcopal pastor, life without a pension was a nothing take you from this caring and areas served by this initiative. daily struggle. He recalls weeks in loving church.” Th e initiative received almost $6 which he would “just live on water” To provide for the needs of million in contributions in 2009. If for two or three days. Horace and other retired clergy the program raises the same amount But through the Liberia pension outside the United States, the Central this year, it will have the funds to fund, Horace now receives a quarterly Conference Pension Initiative initially support current pension initiative pension benefi t made possible by sought to raise a minimum $20 activity. Quapaw Quarter UMC in Little Rock combined its New Member Dinner with a gift s to the Central Conference million endowment — $19.2 million Mardi Gras and Valentine’s celebration on Feb. 16. While guests munched on Pension Initiative. has already been pledged or donated. Th ose who would like to support the king cake, choir members took turn serenading them with love songs. “If I were not a United Methodist Th e initiative’s leadership initiative may donate through their

Photo by Heather Hahn pastor, who would have thought recently established a challenge goal church or at www.ccpi-umc.org. OBITUARIES

STUTTGART was a wonderful cook and host, and step-daughters, Wendy Stetler and Aft er several years, he joined an “Hank” Holderfi eld of Hot Springs Doris Saul Beck, 95, the wife known as a premier lady dressed to Lisa Lunsford of Harrisburg, Penn.; older brother in the oil business in and Mary Lee of Warren, as well as a of the late Robert Owen Beck, of the “T.” eight grandchildren and a host of Houston for a year “making the brother, James “Pete” Johnson of Stuttgart died Feb. 3, 2010. A funeral service was held nieces, nephews, other family most money I ever made.” Benton. Born Aug. 17, 1914, in Feb. 5 at Turpin Funeral Home in members and friends. But Johnson soon felt called to A celebration of life service Stuttgart, she Stuttgart. David Bush, pastor of A memorial service was held the ministry and began his career was held on Feb. 15 at Trinity was the First UMC in Stuttgart, and retired on Feb. 12 at Lakewood United as a United Methodist minister at United Methodist Church in Little daughter of Earl elder Bill Elliott, conducted the Methodist Church in North Little 33 in McRae, in 1952. He attended Rock with Candace Barron, and Amy service. Interment followed at Lone Rock. Arrangement made by Hendrix College and Perkins associate pastor, offi ciating. A Rhodes. She Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart. Roller-Owens Funeral Home. Th eological Seminary in Dallas graveside service followed on Feb. attended public Memorials may be made to Th e family suggests memorial during summers to complete the 16 at Pinecrest Cemetery. schools in First United Methodist Church or contributions be made to the education requirements. Over the In lieu of fl owers, the family Stuttgart and the donor’s choice. American Heart Association, 909 next 31 years, he served requests donations to the Robert received a W. Second St., Little Rock, 72201, congregations of Plummerville, and Helen Johnson Endowment Doris Beck bachelor of arts SHERWOOD or Hospice Home Care, 1200 S. Melbourne, Murfreesboro, Little Fund at the Methodist Children’s degree from G. Coleman Akin, 75, retired Bowman Road, Little Rock 72211. Rock Hunter Memorial, Salem/ Home, the original component of Hendrix College United Methodist minister, of Congo, Benton Parkview, Stamps, Methodist Family Health on in Conway along Sherwood, passed away Feb. 9, LITTLE ROCK Pine Bluff Carr, Marysville/Silver Aldersgate Road, P.O. Box 56050, with an art degree from Central 2010. Robert William Johnson, 90, Hill, Springhill/Deann and Little Rock 72215. College (which is now Central He was born in Monticello, to retired United Methodist elder, Bearden/Th ornton. Baptist College) in Conway. the late L.M. and died Feb. 12, Th e Johnsons’ favorite pastime LITTLE ROCK She taught in Stuttgart and Virdie Lemons 2010, at Baptist was to attend Razorback football Martha Vera Madison, 92, of Humphrey schools and gave private Akin. Coleman Hospital in Little and basketball games as oft en as Little Rock, passed away Feb. 16, art lessons. She also worked at was preceded in Rock while possible. 2010. She was born Oct. 9, 1917, in Denman Jewelers in Stuttgart for death by his surrounded by His children knew the end was Wallace, Florida to Huey M. Haynes 40 years. parents; wife, his loving family. near when, aft er breaking a hip in and Emoree Jernigan Haynes. She Beck was an active member of Karen He was born mid-December, he never fully was a member of the First Church First United Methodist Church in Herrmann Akin; April 25, 1919, in regained his interest in the of the Nazarene. Stuttgart serving on various boards and a sister, Jersey to Annie Razorbacks. She is G. Coleman and committees including as a Patricia Daniel. Robert Anders and His family includes son Robert survived by her Akin trustee. She also served as an Coleman Johnson James Patterson W. “Bob” Johnson and wife, Kathy, husband of 71 offi cer in the church’s United served churches Johnson. of Powder Springs, Ga., son Keith years, retired Methodist Women. in Malvern; Tulle; Texarkana, Ark.; One of nine children, he was Gordon Johnson and wife, Debbie, United She was a life member of the Camden; Traskwood; Humphrey; preceded in death by his parents, of Collierville, Tenn., and daughter Methodist elder National Federation of Music Clubs Stuttgart; and many more places in one sister and four brothers. Becky Johnson Kossover and Archie C. and long-time member of the Arkansas. He spent 25 years of his He is survived by his devoted husband, Jerry, of Little Rock. Madison; son, Martha Vera Stuttgart Fine Arts Club. She served ministry as a prison chaplain in wife of almost 67 years, Helen Survivors also include Richard Madison on the Hendrix Alumni Board of Illinois and North Carolina. Porter Johnson, three children, six grandson Mark (Andrea) and their Madison and Governors. Coleman was a devoted grandchildren and six great- children Liliana Elyse and Jessalyn wife, Rita; and She was preceded in death by husband, father and grandfather, grandchildren. Helen of Memphis; granddaughter grandsons, Chris Madison and her parents; her fi rst husband, brother and friend. He will be He grew up on a farm. In Angela Dodge (Todd) and their wife, Natalie; and Phillip Madison Floyd Saul; and her second missed by all. He was an avid 1940, Johnson joined the U.S. Army children Mason William and Owen and great-granddaughter, Michaela husband, United Methodist pastor Razorback fan and golfer. Air Force soon aft er graduating Stewart of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Madison. She was preceded in Robert Owen Beck. Survivors He is survived by a son, Chris from Hermitage High School, and granddaughter Kara Myers (Jeremy) death by her parents; son, Phillip include two stepchildren, Jim Beck Akin (Barbie) of Rancho Santa was stationed at Willow Run in and daughter Claire Elizabeth, and Madison; fi ve sisters and two and Kathy Kirk. Margarita, California; two Ypsilanti, Mich. He married his grandson Russ Johnson (Cathi) and brothers. Beck shared her wonderful daughters, Amber Winborn (Trey) “sweetie” on March 17, 1943. son Tyler Stephens, all of Marietta, Services were held Feb. 19 at artistic abilities by drawing many of Houston, Texas, April Akin (Suni In 1946, the Johnsons Ga.; granddaughter Ashley Johnson Little Rock Funeral Home. pictures of brides, children, Miani) of Portland, Oregon; two returned to Bradley County, of Nashville, Tenn.; and Erin Internment followed at the grandchildren, homes and sisters, Kathryn Williams (Tom), purchased a farm and began what (Adam) Anglin of Denver. He is also Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery establishments in Stuttgart. She Phyllis Oblinger (Ray); two Robert called “some hard years.” survived by two sisters, Frances in North Little Rock.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 13A COLLEGE NEWS

CONWAY — Hendrix College to have participated in some type of support their children in college. is accepting nominations for the continuing education in the area of To attend, RSVP by April 14 to Steel-Hendrix Awards. youth ministry. Todd Lovell at (501) 472-6850 or Th e Mary and Ira A. Brumley Nominations for all awards [email protected]. Award recognizes outstanding should include a letter detailing the Religious Education, and the Ethel individual’s career highlights and Th e Wesley Foundation of the K. Millar Award honors outstanding reason for nomination. Nominations University of Arkansas at Little Religion and Social Awareness. can be submitted to J. Wayne Clark, Rock will present “A Night at the Awardees will be selected by the Hendrix College, 1600 Washington, Rep” to see the play Frost/Nixon on Steel-Hendrix Committee, and the Conway, Arkansas 72032, or April 22. A pre-show reception will awards will be presented in the e-mailed to [email protected]. be at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Th e 2010-2011 academic year. Nomination deadline is April 1. event will benefi t the campus Th e college also is accepting ministry. To buy tickets, contact nominations for the Youth Minister Th e Central District Council Maxine Allen, Wesley Foundation of the Year award, which will be of Youth Ministry will sponsor a director, at [email protected] or Administrators and board of trustees members broke ground on Feb. 22 on a new residence hall at Philander Smith College in Little Rock. The building given during the 2010 Annual free conference-wide College Life (501) 539-0280. is registered to receive LEED Green Building certification. Bishop Charles Conference in June. Summit for juniors and seniors from Crutchfield, a college board member, is pictured second from left Th is award is given to an 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17. Th e CONWAY — Th e John and Photo by Dan Pierce outstanding youth minister, director gathering will be in Wesley Hall of Marjim Gill Preaching Workshop or counselor. Full-time or part-time, Pulaski Heights UMC, 4823 will occur April 26-27 in the Student paid or volunteer youth workers Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock. Life and Technology Center on the Two scholarships are available Smith College in Little Rock has who have exemplifi ed outstanding Topics for the students will Hendrix College campus. from each Arkansas United been given a multi-year boost leadership are eligible. Nominees include: how to continue growing in Th is year’s speaker will be Tony Methodist district. For information thanks to a $100,000 gift from the should be a member of and work in your faith during college; how to Campolo, the author of more than on these scholarship opportunities, Rush and Linda Harding Charitable a United Methodist Church in fi nd and apply for fi nancial aid; how 35 books. To learn about him, visit contact a district superintendent. Lead Trust. Arkansas. Th ey must be involved to choose a college that fi ts your www.TonyCampolo.org. To learn more, contact J. Th e fi ve-year pledge by Rush with the connectional system and career goals; how to make your class Cost, which includes workshop, Wayne Clark at [email protected] and Linda Harding of Little Rock participate in district and schedule work for you and how to resource materials, two lunches, one or (501) 450-1263. will help the college to recruit conference youth events and be make the most out of your living dinner and one continental academically ambitious students intentional on “making disciples of space. breakfast, is $60 if received by April Th e Renaissance 100 who will systematically increase the Jesus Christ.” Nominees also need Parents will discuss how to best 16 and $75 aft er that date. scholarship program at Philander quality of the student body. Ozark Mission Project names 2010 staff PASTORS’ TAX Special to the AUM camps each summer, serving all four done well and lead worship and Ozark Mission Project, a corners of Arkansas. devotions with the campers. RETURNS ARE NOT ministry of the United Methodist Most of the 2010 college staff “Th ey are huge role models,” Church in Arkansas, is pleased to members attended four or fi ve Nancy Mulhearn, Ozark Mission LIKE EVERYONE announce its 2010 college staff . camps with their church youth Project executive director, said. Th e mission off ers a unique groups. “Th ey are spiritually sound and ELSE’S! camping experience for teens across Now, these nine college emotionally mature.” If you need help the state giving them an opportunity students have been chosen aft er an Mulhearn added that many to clean up, fi x up and paint up application process to help lead staff members in previous years have with nding your houses for Arkansans in need of the teens as they construct wheelchair gone on to become youth ministers way through the tax help. Oft en those helped are senior ramps and give older homes or join the United Methodist clergy. citizens or those with physical much-needed makeovers. maze, give me a call. disabilities. Th e college staff members also To learn more about Ozark Mission What began with one camp in help select the sites where the teens Project, visit www. We’ve helped many Pastors 1986 has since expanded to 12 will work, assure that projects are ozarkmissionproject.org. reduce their tax bill and negotiated with the IRS. 2010 Ozark Mission Project College Staff Let’s talk! Name Home Church School Steven Baker Henderson UMC, Little Rock Tulane University 1.888.354.4912 Kimberly Barnett Gillett UMC University of Arkansas at Little Rock Emily Bradley Heritage UMC, Van Buren University Central Arkansas ay Camille Gele Asbury UMC, Little Rock Drury University David Goodwin Lakewood UMC, North Little Rock University of Central Arkansas R Erica Hill Siloam Springs UMC Arkansas Tech University Traylor Kat Marsh First UMC, Little Rock Hendrix College CPA Lauren Russell St. Paul UMC, El Dorado Southern Arkansas University www.raytraylorcpa.com

Chloe Saff old First UMC, Star City University of Arkansas in Fayetteville Pastor References Available Upon Request www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 14A March 5, 2010 COMING UP Church believes road to recovery First UMC in Little Rock, learn more, call the church at is something all ages can celebrate 723 Center St., will cheer runners (501) 666-2813. and walkers in the Little Rock HEATHER HAHN matter, which is Christ,” he said. “It Marathon on March 7 as they Palm Sunday and Holy EDITOR says to everybody who comes, ‘Th ere cover Mile 9, “Th e Methodist Week services will be March 28 HOT SPRINGS — Bart is a solution. It’s not in you. It’s in Mile.” Brunch will be served and through April 3. Check with your Haringsma, at 50, has struggled with your acceptance of Christ and church’s First Word Band will play local church for service times. alcohol and drug abuse for most of allowing Christ to work through outside between 9 and 10:30 a.m. his life. He tried Alcoholics you.’” Worship will follow at 10:30 a.m. Mount Eagle Christian Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous While the ministry started at a To learn more, call the church at Retreat Center, 935 Beal Road, and similar programs. But nothing Southern Baptist church, Celebrate (501) 372-2256. Clinton, will host a Spouses seemed to work. Recovery is very much in keeping Retreat for all clergy spouses in the “Sadly even as professing with Wesleyan tradition, Jones said. Wesley Chapel UMC, 1109 S. Arkansas Conference on April Christian, I still got drunk on the “John Wesley started off by State St., on the Philander Smith 9-11. Th is retreat is for clergy weekends,” Haringsma said. “But it ministering to people in gin houses,” College campus, Little Rock, will spouses, both active and retired, wasn’t until I started hearing about Jones said. “Charles Wesley set his hold “Invite a Friend” Sunday with both men and women. Th is year’s Celebrate Recovery that a change hymns to bar tunes. Th at’s where the services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. March theme is “From Heart and Head to began to occur. …Now, I don’t have Methodist Church started. Th at’s our 7. A continental breakfast will Hands” based on Matthew 22:37. all the baggage I used to carry.” heart and soul.” follow the early service and a Th e cost is $90, and scholarships He’s also been sober for nearly For the launch of its Saturday reception will follow the second. are available. To register or learn two years, and is now the ministry night Celebration Recovery To learn more, call the church at more, call Mount Eagle at (501) leader of Celebrate Recovery at programs, the church held a (501) 372-7893. 723-4580 or e-mail Lu Harding Piney Grove United Methodist barbecue dinner followed by a praise [email protected]. Church in Hot Springs. service where Jones preached about Southside UMC, 39 On Feb. 20, Haringsma helped denial. Th e evening concluded with Magnolia St., Batesville, will hold a Southwest District Lay his congregation kick off Celebration the gathering breaking into small women’s conference, titled “Vessels Speaker Training beginning Station, a related program for groups. for the Lord,” from 8:30 a.m. to classes will be from 9 a.m. to 4 children ages 6 to 12. Th e grand Mike Stanley, Piney Grove UMC Worship opened with the band music minister and a recovering 3:30 p.m. March 13. A light p.m., and the advanced class will opening on a Saturday evening drew performing Los Lonely Boys’ secular alcoholic, leads the praise band breakfast and lunch will be be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 24 at First nearly 100 people including that opens the church’s Saturday pop hit “Heaven.” While an unusual provided. Speakers include Sue UMC in Hope, 2300 S. Main St. representatives from churches night sessions Celebrate Recovery choice for church music, the song’s Howe, Dorothy Jones, Mary Welch Teachers will be Bruce Bennett of throughout Hot Springs and Nelda for adults, Celebration Station for opening lyrics likely resonated with and Treccie Cook. Th e church will First UMC in Texarkana, and Alexander, Celebrate Recovery’s state children ages 6 to 12 and Life Hurts, many in the crowd: “Save me from host a time of prayer and David Kassos of Christ UMC is representative. God Heals for teens. this prison/ Lord, help me get away/

preparation for the conference at Texarkana. Th ese sessions qualify Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step Photo by Heather Hahn Cause only You can save me now 6:30-9 p.m. March 12. To learn for those seeking certifi cation or program based on the Jesus’ from this misery.” more, contact Nancy Scott, for those seeking to be re-certifi ed. Beatitudes, originated in 1991 at Haringsma stressed. With Haringsma said Celebrate conference coordinator, at (501) Lunch will be catered and paid for Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, youngsters, Celebration Station Recovery works by showing how 337-0065 or cnscott@suddenlink. by the Southwest District. Calif. tackles such problems as jealousy, Christ has freed people from their net. Beginning students must order Since then, more than 8,500 anger and low self-esteem. Teens own self-imposed prisons. materials from Cokesbury. To people have gone through Celebrate and adults deal with such issues as In Haringsma’s case, the J. Ellsworth Kalas, former register, contact David Kassos at Recovery at Saddleback and the eating disorders or cutting as well as ministry helped him to fi nally open president of Asbury Th eological (870) 774-4091 or the Southwest ministry has become a global addictions. up about childhood diffi culties. Seminary, will preach at 10:45 District Offi ce at (870) 216-1407 phenomenon with active Celebrate Debbie Stanley, a Piney Grove “I was going to the grave a.m. and give a lecture and book or e-mail the District Offi ce at Recovery groups from Canada to UMC member, said she started without anyone knowing,” he said. “I signing at 4 p.m. March 28 at [email protected]. Australia to Kenya. coming to the church’s Celebrate know there are thousands of people Trinity UMC, 1101 Mississippi St., In Arkansas, some 40 churches Recovery sessions initially just to who are hiding this kind of stuff , Little Rock. Before coming to Th e deadline for the next edition of in a variety of denominations now support her husband, Mike, as he burying it and trying to do whatever Asbury in 1993, Kalas served for the Arkansas United Methodist is hold Celebrate Recovery meetings. struggled to overcome alcoholism. it takes not to think about that bad 38 years as a pastor of churches in 5 p.m. March 17. Submissions Piney Grove UMC is among the “Come to fi nd out I had a lot of stuff . But of course I was using the Wisconsin and Ohio, and for fi ve must include the time, date and fi rst churches in the Arkansas resentment, bitterness and anger drugs and alcohol to numb it.” years as an associate in evangelism the street address and phone Conference to off er three programs from my past marriages and from Sharing his burdens with others with the World Methodist Council. number for the church or event. under the umbrella of Celebrate him,” she said. “Th is church — and in the ministry helped, but more Since 2000, he has served Asbury’s E-mail submissions to editor Recovery, which aims to “help those Celebrate Recovery — just loved us important was recognizing that preaching faculty. He has Heather Hahn at hhahn@arumc. struggling with hurts, habits and until we could love ourselves.” Christ was there to take that burden published more than 30 books. To org. hang-ups.” Th e Stanleys credit Celebrate on Himself. Th e ministry includes the Recovery with saving their marriage. “If you truly believe Jesus is the original Celebrate Recovery model Today, Debbie Stanley is one of higher power, you’re going to start to for adults as well as Life Hurts, God Piney Grove UMC’s s eight team step into His light,” Haringsma said. Heals for teens and Celebration leaders, and her husband is the “And you’re not going to want to do Station for children. Elm Springs worship leader of the church’s the things of your past.” UMC in northwestern Arkansas also contemporary service. has plans to soon off er all three Among those leaders are also Piney Grove UMC, 2963 Airport programs. members of Faith UMC in Hot Road, Hot Springs, will hold Piney Grove UMC fi rst began Springs who help out with Piney Celebrate Recovery at 5 p.m. each off ering Celebrate Recovery fi ve Grove’s ministry. Saturday. Gatherings include dinner, years ago and added Life Hurts, God David Jones, Piney Grove worship and small groups. Childcare Heals last year. UMC’s senior pastor, said the is available. To learn more, e-mail Th e ministry deals with far ministry fosters spiritual growth. Bart Haringsma at haringsmab@ more than substance abuse, “It goes right to the heart of the cablelynx.com.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org March 5, 2010 15A TRANSFORMING THE WORLD Mount Sequoyah to hold gathering for creation care MARILYN BRASWELL For the Arkansas United Methodist FAYETTEVILLE — Th e third annual Caring for Creation conference at Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center will bring members of the faith community together to learn how they can become better caretakers of the Earth. Th e conference, slated for April 16-18, will off er workshops ranging Preschool children at Pulaski Heights UMC in Little Rock raised $700.83 from “Sustainability Ethics: through “Make A Change for Haiti,” a project in which children saved coins Discovering the Holiness of Place” to and dropped them into jars. Donations will go to United Methodist Com- “Creating Your Green Team: A Model mittee On Relief, in addition to the $18,485 the congregation has raised for Action.” for Haiti relief efforts. Pictured from left at back,are Christian Nash, Michael Kittell, Elle Hutson, Conner Hiett, Meredith Gadberry and Luke Moore. In Th e keynote speaker is Sally G. front is Corrinne Ghidotti. Bingham, a priest and canon for the environment in the Episcopal Photo courtesy of Pulaski Heights UMC The congregation of Oaklawn UMC in Hot Springs donated more than Diocese of California. Bingham is the $1,400 for Haiti Relief on Jan. 17. The collection for United Methodist founder and president of Th e Committee on Relief was received in this wooden bowl handmade out of Regeneration Project, a religious gum wood by church member, Ed Sheppard. response to climate change. Other speakers are John Hill, Photo courtesy of Oaklawn UMC director for Economic and Environmental Justice of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society; Pat Watkins, a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church; and Jay McDaniel, professor of religion and director of the Steel Center for the Study of Religion and Philosophy at Hendrix College in Conway. Th e conference has been the impetus for Oklahoma Interfaith Harrell UMC has created a “History Wall” in its Fellowship Hall, with pictures Power and Light, Arkansas Green and old documents from the church’s past. Some of the framed parchments Faith Alliance and Arkansas United Methodist Women at Fairview UMC got together to assemble health were found during a recent “cleaning up” to move some stuff to a new out- Interfaith Power and Light. kits for Haiti. Pictured from left are Margie Parker, Judy McManus, Marion building. Charla Wright and others worked to put the wall together. Harrell Barnes, Carolyn Upchurch, Shelia Beard and Pam Brule, the church’s pastor. UMC will have its 98th Anniversary Homecoming in May. Costs vary. To register and see the full Photo courtesy of Fairview UMC Photo courtesy of Harrell UMC schedules for the Caring for Creation conference, contact Mount Sequoyah at (800) 760-8126, (479) 443-4531, PEOPLE OF FAITH [email protected] or www.mountsequoyah.org. First UMC in Monticello Philander Smith College. Th e organization that strives for equity Gerald Cound, a member of held United Methodist Women’s group also raised $500 to send to and justice for all, honored two Th eressa Hoover UMC in Little Sunday on Jan. 31. Th e church gave the United Methodist Committee United Methodists with its Father Rock, was honored for his longtime CLASSIFIEDS special recognition pins to Robbie on Relief to support Haiti relief Joseph H. Biltz Award on March 2. community involvment. He built an Stephenson and Dalene eff orts. Pat Lile, a member of First international learning trail at the PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED in Stephenson and a past president UMC in Little Rock, was recognized Heifer Ranch, created a landscape the Arkansas United Methodist pin to Faye Chandler. Aft er the Th e youth of Pulaski Heights for decades of work as a volunteer garden at Camp Aldersgate and set for 50 cents per word, no limit. service, the women raised more UMC in Little Rock collected $675 and employee of various civic up a program for excess furniture to Call (501) 324-8005 or mail to: than $800 for United Methodist from the congregation to support organizations. She helped integrate be given to nonprofi ts throughout Arkansas United Methodist, 800 Women’s missions at a soup and the church’s food pantry on Feb. 7 the Pine Bluff Chamber of Central Arkansas. Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR chili luncheon. as part of SOUPer Bowl Sunday. Commerce and, for 11 years, led the In addition, he has served on 72202; or e-mail: mtaylor@arumc. Th e church also named the pantry Arkansas Community Foundation, the boards of Habitat for Humanity org Wesley Chapel UMC in Little the Judy Strohm Food Pantry one of the state’s fi ve largest in Central Arkansas and Our House Rock held United Methodist Ministry in recognition of her 20 grant-making foundations. She also Shelter for the Homeless as well as Home Study: Save $$$ Christian Women’s Sunday on Jan. 31. Th e years of service. served as the head of the taught Bible School in the Prison. Bible College, P.O. Box 8968 Rocky group received a donation of $100 Commission on Arkansas’ Future, He most recently helped establish Mt., NC 27804 Phone (252) 451- from the Wesley Mass Choir, Just Communities of an appointment by then Gov. Bill the Village Commons on South 1031; comprised largely of students at Arkansas, an interfaith Clinton. Main St. in Little Rock. www.christianbiblecollege.org www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 16A March 5, 2010

LENT Continued from Page 1A yoke?” food and drink,” Farthing said. Th ese pastors were engaging in Wesley also advised moderation a debate about Lenten discipline that because he didn’t want Christians to goes back at least to the Protestant fast so severely that they damaged Reformation. their health. In 1522, followers of Swiss Still, Farthing points out that reformer Ulrich Zwingli publicly Wesley’s idea of moderation would rejected Rome’s prohibition against seem quite ascetic by today’s eating meat during Lent by eating American standards. Wesley was sausages not long before Easter (and adamantly opposed to all manner of were arrested for their trouble). overindulgence. Harvard University historian He also criticized the common Steven Ozment has said for 16th Lenten practice in 18th century century church authorities, the England of abstaining from pleasant Lenten menu was tantamount to food. In short, Wesley — like Ditmer burning a fl ag today. eTh act of — was not a big fan of giving up defi ance is oft en cited as the start of chocolate for Lent. the Swiss Reformation. “I take that to mean that Wesley William B. Lawrence, dean of sees such minimal fasting as a the Southern Methodist University’s trivializing of something important,” Perkins School of Th eology in Farthing said. “I think the absence of Dallas, said that Zwingli — like his an emphasis on Lenten fasting contemporary Martin Luther — refl ects Wesley’s desire for fasting to rebelled against what he saw as the be an integral part of the Methodist increasingly arbitrary rules of the lifestyle rather than just an annual Roman Catholic Church. observance.” Th ese rules failed to draw Bishop Charles Crutchfi eld and people closer to Christ, Zwingli his wife, Karen, for their part, argued. usually fast one day a week. Because “In a word, if you will fast, do of their busy schedules, the day may so; if you do not wish to eat meat, eat change from week to week. Th e it not; but leave Christians a free Crutchfi elds will oft en begin a choice in the matter,” he preached. 30-hour fast following a noon meal However Christians come down and not eat until or dinner the next on the question of fasting, Lawrence day. suggests that the 40-day season “For me, fasting is a way of involve some spiritual devotion on focusing on God,” Karen Crutchfi eld the mystery of Christ’s sacrifi ce said. “Which is better: to give “It is an addendum to prayer something up for Lent or do and helps me recognize my human something new for Lent?” Lawrence limitations. It helps get ‘me’ out of said. “Th e answer would be both.” the way so I can listen to God. Some 200 years aft er the Fasting is an act of repentance, Protestant Reformation, John Wesley discernment and humility. My focus wasn’t content to limit fasting only to during fasting is intentionally not on Lent. Th e founder of the Methodist myself and my needs, but on God. movement fasted twice a week Any hunger pains or discomfort — on Wednesday and Friday — become a reminder to pray.” said John Farthing, retired Hendrix Karen Crutchfi eld added that it College professor and now senior doesn’t matter what a person gives pastor of Greenbrier First UMC. up as long as God is the focus. “His fast did not involve “It is certainly not an abstinence from food altogether but achievement,” she said. “To be able allowed for limited consumption of to fast is another gift from God.”

To see more photos of church activities, visit www.arumc.org/news

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org umportal org

Greater unity Recovering Jesus’ message Generational shift Section B Brits seek mission Church should be in ‘business’ The different world with Anglicans | 2B of making disciples | 6B of millennials | 8B March 5, 2010

The Last United Methodists stay with toughest RUSSELL N Guard Katrina cases R PHOTO BY ROBI R PHOTO

s the recovery work vided by the Federal Emergency A from Hurricane Kat- Management Agency (FEMA); oth- o N rina drags on into its ers have not yet returned from B by fifth year, most relief nearby states where they fled to es- S Robin money and volunteer cape rising floodwaters. Entire Russell help has shifted from blocks of houses in New Orleans’ im- Managing places like New Orleans to more poverished neighborhoods are still Editor A media-saturated, current disaster re- boarded up in disrepair. gions like quake-affected Haiti. A few die-hard United Methodist Many people even find it hard to volunteers, however, have not yet imagine that post-Katrina recovery given up on “the least, the last and M work is still taking place. the lost” hit hard in 2005 by back-to- The most destitute families in back hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Louisiana and other hurricane-af- United Methodists, in fact, are the fected regions, however, have yet to last guard of post-Katrina recovery receive help: Some 2,500 family work. units in New Orleans and surrounding areas still live in trailers pro- � See ‘The Last Guard,’ page 4B UMR PHOTO BY ART RUSSELL/ARRMEDIA.CO UMR PHOTO 2B FAITH focus FAITH WATCH British Methodists, Anglicans seek unity UM relief agency really expected to spend my ministry While British tives. In others, you could spend quite B Y BA R BAR A DUNLAP-B ERG opens Haiti office as a minister in a united Angli- tabloid reports de- a long time trying to find any sign of United Methodist News Service The United Methodist Com- can/Methodist church. I still remem- clared the churches the covenant in practice. Some mittee on Relief has opened Methodism’s founder John Wesley ber our great disappointment in 1972 were planning to churches, clergy and communities are a field office in Port-au- was an Anglican priest who never left [when a merger proposal was re- merge, Anna Drew, very enthusiastic. Others have theo- Prince, Haiti, as part of a the Church of England. jected]. I really hope and pray that we lead media officer logical, ecclesiological or other differ- five-year plan to help re- More than two centuries later, the can take this covenant seriously and for the Methodist ences and/or reservations.” build the country after the British Methodist Church and the enable it to bear fruit as we worship, Church, said, “We’re “We can and do work together on Jan. 12 earthquake. An Church of England say they are willing pray and work together wherever and not talking about a David issues of social justice,” Dr. Vautrey emergency response con- to seek greater unity and cooperate in whenever we possibly can.” takeover of the said, “on issues that we both know sultant will work with the Gamble many ways while continuing to co- Formal talks between the two Methodist Church God calls on us to challenge our soci- Methodist Church of Haiti exist. and other partners to de- churches began in the 1960s, but a by the Church of England, but a bigger ety and our world. There is, though, velop short- and long-term Contrary to British tabloid reports, 1972 attempt at full unity failed be- vision of a unified Christian church, more that we could and should be relief and recovery strate- a formal merger is not necessarily the cause Anglicans were opposed. Issues transformed to best serve God’s mis- doing together.” gies. The agency will also goal. included Methodist acceptance of fe- sion in the world. We are committed “Both of our churches are part of hire five full-time staff mem- The Rev. David Gamble, president of male clergy. Today’s British Methodist primarily to that mission and to God’s world communions where we have in- bers for the office. the British Methodist Church, and the Church has 265,000 members com- call on our lives as fluence and history,” Mr. Gamble said, Rev. Richard Vautrey, vice president, ad- pared with 960,000 in the Church of Christians. “but where churches in other parts of GBGM urges release dressed the Church of England’s Gen- England. “When our in- the world are growing rapidly in size of Filipino med team eral Synod Feb. 11, expressing the “Throughout the history of stitutions no longer and importance and sometimes see The United Methodist Gen- Methodist Church’s continued commit- churches working together, as I have serve that aim, it’s things very differently. As churches eral Board of Global Min- ment to a 2003 covenant relationship experienced it,” Mr. Gamble said, “one time for them to and communions, we’re both strug- istries (GBGM) on Feb. 11 with the Church of England. of the major and oft-repeated texts change. We are seri- gling with how we can cohere in a urged the government of The covenant recognizes the bap- has been John 17:21, where Christ ous about seeking postmodern world, with learning how the Philippines to release 43 tisms and ordinations of each church prays for the unity of his followers not greater unity with to live with contradictory convictions. health workers who were d and encourages the sharing of the Eu- because it’s a nice idea, not because it’s our brothers and y At such times, it is hard to pay atten- arrested on suspicion of charist. financially a better use of scarce re- sisters in the tion to those beyond us. But it is pre- supporting Communist The covenant, they said, was “not sources, but that the world might be- Church of England, in the spirit of the cisely at those times that we have rebels. Family members of an irrelevant extra but something at lieve. It’s mission led. covenant signed by both churches in things to offer each other. the health workers say they the heart of how we understand our “We are prepared to go out of exis- 2003.” “We are prepared to be changed were attending a medical present and future life as a church.” seminar. Dr. Alexis Montes, tence,” he added, “not because we are “In some places,” Mr. Gamble and even to cease having a separate one of two physicians in the “When I entered theological col- declining or failing in mission, but for noted, “there are very close working existence as a church if that will serve group, served from lege in 1971,” Mr. Gamble recalled, “I the sake of mission.” relationships and exciting new initia- the needs of the kingdom .” 2007–2009 as a medical missionary through a part- nership between GBGM and the United Church of UMC high court to review new church structures Christ in the Philippines. 21–24 spring meeting in Madison, N.J. ture,” Bishop Kiesey said. ing of the former North Indiana and B Y L INDA B LOOM Among the nine docket items on The new structure was approved in South Indiana conferences. Although Ivoirian bishop seeks United Methodist News Service prayer for his country the council’s agenda are decisions by June. At a special annual conference the new body became official in Octo- Bishop Benjamin Boni, U.S. population shifts, member- Dakotas Bishop Deborah Kiesey about session in November, some pieces ber 2008, two separate budgets and leader of the United ship declines and economic changes whether a standing committee on were determined, the bishop said. accounts were retained until Dec. 31, Methodist Church in Côte have led to the reorganization of re- archives and history is required under During the special session, partici- 2009. The current year represents the d’Ivoire, called for all gional United Methodist bodies. that conference’s new structure and by pants spent significant time debating first under a single budget. church members in the West The challenge for the church’s con- Indiana Bishop Michael Coyner on the how the changes affect the confer- A motion was made requesting African country to pray on ferences is how to retain the denomi- 2010 budget for the new, unified con- ence’s committee on archives and his- that the conference’s Council on Fi- Feb. 14 after President Lau- nation’s connectional relationships ference in that state. tory. The Rev. Duane Coates of nance and Administration restore rent Gbagbo suspended the and meet mission priorities on a lim- Two years ago, the Dakotas Confer- Brookings First UMC asked Bishop funding for 2010 in four program government. Mr. Gbagbo ited budget. The restructuring can ence set up a reorganizational task Kiesey for a decision of law on the areas—young adults, mission, social also suspended an electoral also raise questions about whether the force, naming it “Romans 12” after the constitutionality of the new structure advocacy and new programs—to 75 commission that had been changes adhere to church law. Bible verse that refers to being trans- in relation to that committee. percent of the funding those areas re- planning the first presiden- The Judicial Council, the denomi- formed “by the renewing of the mind.” Bishop Kiesey said the function of ceived in 2009. Calling it a resolution, tial election since 2000. nation’s top court, will consider a few “One of the things they came back archives and history is covered under not a motion, Bishop Coyner ruled it Clinton prosecutor of those questions during its April with was a completely different struc- the new structure, but not through a out of order and delegates declined to named Baylor head standing committee. Two different suspend the rules to consider it. paragraphs in the United Methodist The Rev. Dan Gangler, the Indiana Kenneth Starr, the attorney THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER (USPS954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications Inc., 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75247- Book of Discipline are in conflict over Conference communicator, noted that whose investigation led to 3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing the impeachment of former offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE UNITED METHODIST what is required, but the bishop said around $3 million had been cut from REPORTER. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275. the conference had followed the most the combined budgets of the previous President Bill Clinton in www.umportal.org THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided denominational 1998, was named Feb. 12 news coverage since its beginning as the Texas Methodist newspaper in recent change in the Discipline. conferences, creating a budget of [email protected] 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to the United Methodist General “We’re comfortable with whichever $15.1 million for the new conference. as the new president of Conference or to any of the denomination’s general boards or agencies. Baylor University, the This newspaper aims to provide readers with a broad spectrum of way they rule,” she said about a poten- Another issue of debate and dis- Bob Mathews, CEO information and viewpoints consistent with the diversity of Christians. world’s largest Baptist uni- All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted by UMR tial Judicial Council decision. cussion related to the budget, Dr. Gan- versity. Mr. Starr has been Robin Russell, Managing Editor Communications Inc. unless otherwise noted. Reprint of material from In Indiana, a new structure has af- gler said, was the decision to change this newspaper must be authorized in advance by the Editor, and fees dean of the law school at fected the budget for program areas. health care benefits for retired minis- Bill Fentum, Staff Writer are assessed in some cases. To request reprints, e-mail Pepperdine University since [email protected], or fax a request to (214) 630-0079. Telephone During the 2009 Indiana Annual Con- ters from an insurance plan through requests are not accepted. 2004. A Texas native and Mary Jacobs, Staff Writer ference in June, a request for a deci- the United Methodist Board of Pen- former Church of Christ Send Correspondence and Address Changes (in- Ken Lowery, Copy Editor clude mailing label) To: P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX sion of law from the bishop was made sions and Health Benefits to a health member, he will begin the 75266-0275 Telephone: (214) 630-6495. Subscriptions are about whether proper procedures had care subsidy through Medicare. Con- $26 for 52 issues per year. Click on “subscriptions” at Please recycle. post June 1. Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager www.umportal.org, e-mail [email protected] or send We do! been followed in bringing the 2010 tinuing with the insurance plan would a check to UMR Communications, Attn: Circulation, 1221 —Compiled by Bill Fentum Kristin Del Mul, Senior Designer Profit Dr., Dallas, TX 75247. budget to the body. have cost the conference nearly $2 The Indiana Conference is a unit- million, he said.

M A R CH 5 , 2010 | UN I T ED M ETHODIST R E PORT ER FAITH focus 3B

UM CONNECTIONS A mightyg y wind Help for Haiti Southwestern U signs wind-power agreement hits $12 million Through individual gifts STAFF R E PORTS and special offerings, benefit concerts and other in- GEORGETOWN, Texas—South- novative fundraisers, western University, a United United Methodists have do- Methodist-affiliated liberal arts col- nated $12 million to the lege in Georgetown, Texas, signed an Haiti relief efforts of the agreement in January that will let the United Methodist Commit- school meet all its electric needs for tee on Relief as of Feb. 18, the next 18 years from wind power. according to Melissa Hin- The agreement makes Southwest- nen, the agency’s director ern the first university in Texas to of communications. The re- have all of its electricity supplied by lief agency’s Sager Brown Depot distribution center in wind power, and one of fewer than 20 Baldwin, La., has collected universities in the country to have a 350,000 health kits. totally “green” source of power, according to the U.S. Environmental Shockley to head Protection Agency. UMC’s Path 1 “By taking the bold step to obtain- The Rev. Gary Shockley has ing all of their electricity from wind been named executive offi- power, Southwestern University be- cer for New Congrega- comes a leader in showing the nation tional Development in the how it can be done,” said Paul Row- U.S. for the General Board land, executive director of the Associ- of Discipleship effective ation for the Advancement of July 1. Mr. Shockley will Sustainability in Higher Education, in succeed the Rev. Tom a statement issued by Southwestern. C POWER Butcher, who is taking an Wind-generated power will be T wer appointment in the Desert provided by the city of Georgetown supplied by wind power, from the Southwest Mesa and South Trent Wind Farms in West Texas. Southwest Conference. In through an agreement with AEP En- his new position, Mr. ergy Partners, a subsidiary of Ameri- commits campuses to eliminate their �Southwestern will be applying for �The student dining area went Shockley will lead the Path can Electric Power, and will come greenhouse gas emissions over time LEED certification for the new Pro- “trayless” in fall 2009. 1 staff, work with Path 1 from the Southwest Mesa and South and educate students about climate thro Center for Lifelong Learning, �Students, faculty and staff mem- steering committee and the Trent Wind Farms in West Texas. neutrality. which opens in March. bers planted an organic community Council of Bishops toward the goal of training 1,000 These two wind farms have a total of “We hope Southwestern will be an �Small compost bins have been garden behind the Studio Arts Build- new church planters to start 151 wind turbines, each of which can inspiration to other universities to placed near all the residence halls and ing. 650 new churches by generate between 0.7 to 2.3 megawatts advance sustainability,” Dr. Schrum a large compost bin that will handle �Southwestern students organized 2013. of electricity. Power is conveyed said, noting that Southwestern stu- waste from the cafeteria has been in- their third environmental summit for through transmission lines. dents first approached the city with stalled north of the greenhouse. area high school students in 2009. Wimberly to speak at The initial five-year contract is re- the idea. Methodist Theological newable through 2028. Southwestern In addition to the wind power CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING What did John Wesley say President Jake B. Schrum said the agreement, Southwestern has under- about happiness? Edward agreement will help the university to- taken a variety of other sustainability P. Wimberly will explore the ward its long-term goal of being car- initiatives in the past year: EMPLOYMENT MISCELLANEOUS question in two lectures, bon-neutral, which it promised to �The Wilhelmina Cullen Admis- DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING “The Pursuit work toward last February when he sion Center received Gold LEED First UM Church, Lyons, Georgia is seeking a full-time, The United Methodist Reporter and the UMPortal offer of Happi- signed the American College and Uni- (Leadership in Energy and Environ- enthusiastic Director of Youth Ministries. Requirements: advertisers the ability to target unique messages re- ness: Practi- experience in youth ministry, excellent communication garding products, services and employment to church versity Presidents’ Climate Commit- mental Design) certification from the and relationship building skills and excellent refer- leaders and clergy, as well as individuals in the pews. cal Theology ment. This document formally U.S. Green Building Council. ences. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Mature spiritual Reach thousands of Christian households, agencies in the Wes- leader with a heart for youth; lead youth to help them and organizations by advertising in UMR’s products. leyan Spirit,” mature in their relationship with Christ. Be able to Variety of display ad sizes and rates to fit any budget March 9–10 plan/coordinating activities for grades 6—12. Contact and objective. Contact: Cherrie Graham at 214-630- at Methodist the church office at 912-526-6078 or at lyon- 6495, x 142 or [email protected] Theological [email protected] for an application. Edward LUMICON DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS School in FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE Lumicon offers downloadable worship resources based Ohio. Dr. Wimberly Bridwell Library of Perkins School of Theology at on the Bible and rooted in current culture, featuring Wimberly is Southern Methodist University is accepting applica- planning guides, graphics and video. The online library vice president for academic tions for the 2010—2011 Visiting Scholars and Min- provides your church with a range of resources, from affairs, provost and profes- isters Fellowships. Six one-month fellowships, Scripture commentary, drama and visual ideas to sor of pastoral care and including stipend and travel reimbursement, will be finished images and videos. Browse the search awarded. The program is open to all active scholars bank by topic, lectionary or Scripture verse at counseling at the Interde- from Ph.D. students to retired professors, and to reli- www.lumicon.org or call toll-free 1-866-LUMICON nominational Theological gious leaders of all faiths. Deadline for applications is (586-4266) for more information. Center in Atlanta. A mem- May 1, 2010. For more information see ber of the New England http://smu.edu/bridwell; call 214-768-3483; CL ADVERTISING Conference, he is the au- or e-mail to: [email protected] Re pproximately 225 000 readers each we thor of 15 books and DIRECT LDREN AND (2 serves on the editorial FAMILY ES wo board of Methodist Review. Spring Valley UMC, Dallas, TX, seeks a passionate dis- Bundle–$4.00 per word includes two consecutive For information, visit UNIVERSITY ciple of Jesus Christ who loves children and has the weeks in print and one month on Internet www.mtso.edu. Sout es at leadership, organizational skills and vision to oversee (www.umportal.org). Intern 1.25 per and grow a comprehensive ministry. Send resume to: the university, including an environmental summit for area high word run for one month on www.umportal.org. E-mail —Compiled by Mary Jacobs SVUMC; 7700 Spring Valley Road; Dallas, TX 75254; your classified ad to: [email protected] or enter it school students. or: [email protected] online on the Classifieds page at: www.umportal.org

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The United Methodist Committee to donations from throughout the on Relief (UMCOR) and the Louisiana connection in response to an appeal Conference of the UMC Disaster Re- from Bishop William Hutchinson and sponse Ministry (LADRM), a 501 (c) grants from FEMA and the State of (3) organization that is affiliated with Louisiana. Other charitable groups, the Louisiana Conference, have held meanwhile, doled out their biggest their ground, sticking it out with the chunks in the months immediately most difficult recovery cases, even as after Katrina struck. most charitable organizations have “We’ve been very frugal with our run out of funds or moved on to other money. That’s why we’re still helping,” pressing needs. Mr. Tate said. Staff and volunteers are now help- Eighty-one cents of every dollar ing Louisiana residents who have that the United Methodist Church has fallen through the cracks: the elderly given to the Louisiana Conference has and the disabled, those without flood gone to client services, including case insurance and those living paycheck management and construction work, to paycheck who can’t afford to fix up with only 19 cents per dollar toward their own homes. Not to mention un- administrative costs. “For recovery fortunate homeowners ripped off by work, that is real good,” Mr. Tate said. unscrupulous contractors who disap- Bishop Hutchin- pear after cashing insurance checks. son selected Mr. “Methodists are the last ones Tate, who had been standing,” says the Rev. Darryl Tate, displaced when his the LADRM’s executive director. “I’d church was dam- heard that before, but now have first- aged by Katrina, to hand experience with it.” run the ministry. At its height, Mr. Tate Steady funding managed 76 em- Darryl Tate Part of it is UMCOR’s long-term ployees—96 with commitment to recovery work that case management goes beyond providing immediate re- workers—and a $7 million budget, lief in disasters. With its motto of the same as the whole Louisiana Con- being “the first to move in, the last to ference. UMR PHOTOS BY ART RUSSELL/ARRMEDIA.COM LEFT: Homes in impoverished New Orleans neighborhoods are still being rebuilt one by one, these leave,” the denomination’s humanitar- United Methodist help in New Or- ian aid agency is known as the “guru” leans is all the more remarkable since of case management, working with the denomination is well in the mi- g family units until they are back in nority in a mostly Catholic city. Before their homes. After Hurricane Katrina Katrina forced evacuations, about drove more than 2 million people 10,000 United Methodists called New from their Gulf Coast homes, federal Orleans home; about 6,000 to 7,000 and state agencies tapped UMCOR to have returned. Overall, some 336,644 Methodists has been steady over the Before Katrina, UMCOR money “My hope and dream is that when folks or college students who descend It was the first time he had been in help oversee case management for af- residents have returned to the city, five years of recovery effort. As of De- could only go to humanitarian aid. we close down the ministry, I want to on New Orleans during Christmas New Orleans since Katrina, and the fected families. about two-thirds of its pre-Katrina cember 2009, more than 70,000 vol- But because so many churches were walk away knowing that I’ve rebuilt a and spring breaks. That’s when proj- devastation made an impact. In Louisiana, UMCOR received the population, according to the Greater unteers from every state and annual affected, General Conference and community. You’ve got people there. ect managers see a surge in help. In “I was struck by how much re- same grants as the United Way. Mr. New Orleans Community Data Center. conference in the UMC, as well as 33 UMCOR’s board of directors were able You’ve got churches there. It’s a justice March, for instance, up to 400 student mained to be done in the less affluent Tate estimates that two-thirds of the United Methodists also have been countries worldwide, have helped out. to change that directive so that when issue. I have sleepless nights. I want volunteers a week are expected. parts of the city,” he said. “The home- State of Louisiana has benefited from key players in organizing interfaith They have given more than 3 mil- bishops issue an appeal, 10 percent of this so bad for the church of Jesus Seven or eight volunteers are as- owners we worked with were grateful United Methodist assistance, either disaster response teams, working lion volunteer hours, which repre- funds raised can go to churches. Christ.” signed to work on a house, tearing and patient, but beneath that were through case management or con- alongside Lutheran and Catholic sents $54 million of in-kind free “For us here in Louisiana, that was Most volunteers are either retired down damaged walls, putting up dry- currents of frustration at being dis- struction help. charity organizations. “Disaster re- labor. Mr. Tate estimates the direct a great need,” Mr. Tate said. “We lost wall, repairing floors and painting in- placed for so long. Because UMCOR is in it for the covery broke the denominational economic development impact in 32 churches in the city of New Or- teriors. As many as 50 houses a week “If 70 college students can come in long haul, the agency practices good walls down,” Mr. Tate said. “We’re like Louisiana from the UMC to be about leans. Some were totally destroyed; are undergoing repair. and make a small difference to a stewardship. UMCOR’s funding of the brothers and sisters.” $95 million from putting people to most were under-insured. handful of families, that gives me LADRM has remained steady, thanks Volunteer help from United work, buying materials, getting peo- “We had a lot of parsonages dam- Students volunteer hope that caring on a personal level ple’s homes rebuilt. aged. We had 75 to 80 pastors who During one week in early January, can have a profound effect.” were displaced. The bishop had to about 70 students came from Len Carter, 71, is one of the Great need have a special appeal. Through the Arkansas to spend part of their LADRM’s project managers. Growing In New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, the generosity of United Methodist Christmas break working on houses up in the Seventh Ward, he came back recovery and rebuilding can feel like a churches, not one pastor missed a in impoverished neighborhoods of to New Orleans after a 21-year career drop in the bucket. In any given paycheck or pension payment or New Orleans. Some came with groups in the Air Force. block, rebuilt houses are surrounded health insurance payment.” from their universities’ Wesley Foun- “The city’s coming back, but not by more that are still boarded up and Mr. Tate said he hopes to make dations; others had volunteered pre- fast enough,” Mr. Carter said as he marked with first-response numbers. one last push for rebuilding in the viously with Habitat for Humanity. gave visitors a tour of the Ninth Ward. stry Inc., Project managers say that bod- New Orleans area and Rita-affected The Rev. Eric Van Meter, director Does he ever get discouraged ies—actually skeletons now—are areas in Cameron and Lake Charles, of the Arkansas State University Wes- helping rebuild one house after an- still being recovered from houses that La. It takes $40,000 to $60,000 to re- ley Foundation (and an occasional other? have been untouched since Katrina build a 1,200- to 1,500-square-foot columnist for the Reporter), brought “Never—I love what I do ,” he said. hit on Aug. 29, 2005. Breaches in house in the area. Volunteers will students who wanted to help in the “When I walk into a home, they’re de- drainage canal levees left most of New work as long as the money holds out. recovery effort with their peers. pressed and they have no money. And UMR PHOTOS BY ROBIN RUSSELL Orleans flooded in 10 to 15 feet of “We’re now in the last phase of re- “They not only got to experience a when I say, ‘We can fix this,’ and I see UMC in water that took weeks to drain. covery. Right now, the money is all al- new community with the people of that smile, that’s what gets me up in art of y “We’re handling the most difficult located. We will be finished with New Orleans, but to live out Christian the morning.” g on a lies from the New Orleans station to work cases now,” Mr. Tate said. “The only UMCOR money as of Dec. 31, 2010,” works on a house in the upper community with one another,” he house in the upper Ninth Ward. y. money left at the table is ours.” he said. Ninth Ward. said. [email protected]

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M E THO DIST R E P O RTER U N ITED M E THO DIS T R E P O RTER | M A R CH 5, 2010 6B FAITH forum

Mission: making disciples GEN-X RISING

ideas. B Y M IKE SLAUGH T ER Special Contributor When Ginghamsburg Church had fewer than 100 people, I was the only For Wesley, searching the Scriptures Editor’s note: This is the first of a three- salaried staff person. Every hand part series. was needed to accomplish the ag- gressive mission agenda that we is means of grace that transforms us One of the mistakes that reoccurs were called to do. The church of less search the Scriptures because you laypeople over the past 25 years: Dis- throughout the life cycles of the than 100 people had 50–60 disciples B Y A NDREW C. T HOMPSON church is our reliance on a “profes- functioning as unpaid staff with a UMR Columnist think that in them you have eternal ciple Bible Study. If you’ve gone sional” model of ministry. budget of $27,000 a year. life,” Jesus told them. Then he went on, through the original Disciple curricu- Even Jesus didn’t possess the In a post-Resurrection appear- Editor’s note: This is the third in a “It is they that bear witness about me, lum, you know that the subtitle for pedigree for the official priesthood. ance, Jesus gave his followers the di- multi-part series on the means of grace yet you refuse to come to me that you Disciple I is “Becoming Disciples He was from the tribe of Judah, and rective of making disciples. Disciple in Christian practice. may have life” (John 5:39–40, ESV). Through Bible Study.” only those from the tribe of Levi making is the business of the church! Jesus is making a point about could be priests. It is easy to forget our commis- I’ve made the case in the last two means and ends. So this is the perfect Transformative The Christian movement began sion and to substitute church build- columns that the means of grace are place to start thinking about those That idea is deeply Wesleyan in without a professionally credentialed ing for disciple building. We become centrally important aspects of our dis- practices that make up the means of that it points to the real reason for priesthood. Every follower was absorbed in building programs, cipleship. Becoming a disciple of Jesus grace. searching the Scriptures. We don’t do anointed and appointed by the Spirit budgets, staffs and facilities—and means learning more fully of the sal- The Bible’s importance—as the it so we can win at a game of Bible to use the gifts that he or she was have I mentioned attendance? vation Jesus brings. And likewise, we word of God—is that it is the prime trivia. We do it because reading, hear- given for the benefit of Christ’s body We can spend a whole lifetime in experience salvation’s healing as we authority pointing us to Jesus. Our ing and meditating upon the word of and mission. These gifts were the construction of a ministry that grow closer to Jesus. church’s official doctrine recognizes God in Scripture is a transformative demonstrated and affirmed by other has nothing to do with Christ’s com- St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that when it says, “The Holy Scripture practice! It draws us closer to Jesus members of the body. mission, despite giving the appear- speaks salvation in terms of building Every member was a minister. If ance of success. Don’t get distracted the body of Christ through a common you belonged to Christ then you were in building the church instead of dis- increase in the maturity of our faith ‘As a means of grace, [the Bible] is an a functioning member of his body. ciples. It can easily become a distrac- and knowledge. Paul then says, “We Just like the members of your physi- tion in challenging economic times. must grow up in every way into him instrument of our transformation.’ cal body, every member has a func- who is the head, into Christ” (4:15). tion. Your hand can’t work apart from His job, our job The means of grace are really containeth all things necessary to sal- Christ, and in that sense, opens us up your wrist, which can’t work apart Jesus said, “I will build my church about how that growth happens. And vation” (Article V). Put simply, it’s the more fully to the presence and power from your forearm, which can’t work and the gates of hell will not be able since I made the case for the impor- place where we can come to know of the Holy Spirit. apart from your elbow. I think you to prevail against it!” Church building tance of our participation in the who Jesus is. I’m aware that a too-strong focus get the picture. is his job. Then what’s ours? “Go and means of grace previously, today I’m on the role of practices like the means As the church make disciples!” Disciples model the going to start looking at some specific How to use the Bible of grace in our salvation can open became more for- message. They replicate the life and examples of the means of grace. John Wesley keyed in on the Wesleyans up to the age-old charge of malized and insti- mission of Jesus in the world. When Our Wesleyan phrase from John 5:39—“searching “works righteousness.” Wesley himself tutionalized, a Peter and John met the lame beggar tradition divides the the Scriptures”—when he wanted to was sensitive to that issue. two-tier caste sys- at the Temple they demonstrated the “ordinary” means of talk about how our study of the Bible In his sermon, “The Means of tem was created presence of God’s power and author- grace into two main can be a means of grace. The Bible it- Grace,” he says, “We know that there is that separated ity in the man’s healing. categories: those in- self can’t give grace. It’s an object, and no inherent power in the words that stituted by Jesus sitting on your beside table unopened are spoken in prayer, in the letter of “priest” and Mike A disciple’s commitment, author- “parishioner.” We ity and experience in mission go way Christ in the New it will do you no good whatsoever. But Scripture read, the sound thereof Slaughter tend to make the beyond throwing some coin in the Testament and when we enter into a practice of read- heard, or the bread and wine received ing, meditating and hearing the word same fatal error offering plate. A disciple has spiri- those that we find Andrew in the Lord’s Supper; but that it is God by practical experi- of God in Scripture, then we find that alone who is the giver of every good when the church begins to grow. tual authority. Mother Teresa once Thompson Growth provides the fiscal re- said, “We must become holy not be- ence to be means of we are indeed drawn closer to Christ. gift, the author of all grace . . . whereby sources to grow in professional staff cause we want to feel holy but be- grace as we live out In fact, that’s just the way Wesley through any of these there is any and programming. The experience of cause Christ must be able to live his our discipleship. For sake of ease, we’ll put it in the instructions he gave to his blessing conveyed to our soul.” mission that was once the task of an life fully in us.” refer to them as instituted means of preachers to practice searching the So we want to be careful to always unpaid servant is now assigned to a Disciples operate out of a sense grace and prudential means of grace. Scriptures as a means of grace. “Do emphasize that all saving grace is a paid staff person. Unpaid servants of calling that is spiritually moti- you use all the means of grace?” he free gift of God. But the fact remains are assigned the passive work of vated. Disciples do not need to be More than knowledge asked, and then extended his question that the means of grace are also given committees while paid staff per- coerced. Their commitment is active A good place to start is with the to include three main ways of engag- to us. And our experience through forms the active role of mission. and spiritually sustained. Like the Bible. Christians have an intuitive ing the Bible. In Wesley’s own words: using them is that they help us to prophets and saints who have gone sense that the Bible is important— “Reading: Constantly, some part of know salvation ever more fully! Learning by doing before them, disciples have heard the after all, they hear sermons based on every day; regularly, all the Bible in One of Wesley’s favorite spiritual The unintended consequence is voice of God asking: “Whom shall I biblical texts each week, and it is to order; carefully, with the Notes; seri- authors, Thomas à Kempis, writes in the shift from the experiential send? And who will go for us?” They the Bible that we go to learn about ously, with prayer before and after; his classic The Imitation of Christ: “As model, where one learns by doing, to have willfully responded: “Here I Jesus. But the Bible is more than an fruitfully, immediately practicing iron cast into fire loses its rust and be- the academy model, where one am—send me!”(Isa. 6:8). encyclopedia of facts about God. As a what you learn there? comes glowing white, so he who turns learns through study. The first task of disciple making means of grace, it is an instrument of “Meditating: At set times? by any completely to God is stripped of his Discipleship occurs in the active is an awakening process. We assist our transformation. rule? sluggishness and changed into a new process of doing. We err when we try the initiate in identifying God’s Let me be clear: The Bible cannot “Hearing: Every morning? care- man.” to create transformation in people’s unique mission for their life. save us. Only Jesus can do that. That’s fully; with prayer before, at, after; im- If grace is that transforming fire, lives through the transference of a point Jesus makes himself, so I think mediately putting in practice? Have then the means of grace are the kiln concepts rather than through partic- The Rev. Slaughter is pastor of it’s worth making here. you a New Testament always about wherein it is stoked. And the more we ipation in mission. The disciples Ginghamsburg (Ohio) United When Jesus was confronted by op- you?” use them, the more we’ll find our rust learned as they traveled and minis- Methodist Church. This is an excerpt ponents who thought his acts of heal- When I see the way he describes burned away and our souls healed. tered with Jesus. We fail to make dis- from his new book, Change the ing were violating Sabbath laws, he engaging the Bible, I immediately World: Recovering the Message and The Rev. Thompson maintains a ciples when we reduce the meaning Mission of Jesus (Abingdon Press, responded by giving a principle for think of our Church’s most significant blog at www.genxrising.com. of discipleship to the assimilation of March). how to read the Scriptures: “You development in biblical study for e-mail: [email protected].

M A R CH 5 , 2010 | UN I T ED M ETHODIST R E PORT ER FAITH forum 7B

WESLEYAN WISDOM Can UMC break out of its institutional mold? stitution tries to do what it cannot do,” he received his degree. He is living B Y D ONA LD W. H AYNES UMR Columnist the authors write. “By providing serv- with us, and our discussions challenge ices to keep people coming, it unwit- us both to reach over generational I am not an ostrich. I know that tingly becomes a distraction to real lines of philosophy, faith and experi- the denominational identity sign on spiritual life. It offers an illusion of ence. the front lawn is now the least effec- spirituality in highly orchestrated ex- His brother, a college junior major- tive means of the local church’s reach- periences, but it cannot show people ing in geology at a huge state univer- ing new people. I have read Brian how to live each day in Him through sity is deeply involved in a McLaren’s Everything Must Change the real struggles of life.” fundamentalist campus group! While (Thomas Nelson, 2009). taking a religion course whose profes- Mr. McLaren, as we know, is the Meager fruit sor is a self-proclaimed atheist, my pacesetting voice of “the emerging The guru continues: “In the first grandson’s spiritual mentors in the church.” His book title comes from the days of a new group forming, the evenings are quoting half of John 14:6 words of a young woman in Rwanda, focus is usually on God, but that usu- and insisting that anyone who does who says: “Today for the first time I ally fades over time as financial pres- not know Jesus as their personal Sav- see what Jesus meant by the kingdom sures and the desire for order subvert ior can never go to heaven! Their con- of God. I see that it’s about changing the simplicity of following Jesus. Rela- cept of God does not root salvation in this world, not es- tionships grow stale, and the machin- God’s love, but in the believer’s faith. caping it or retreat- ery siphons off so much energy just to Right now, I am heartbroken that ing into our keep it running, it grows increasingly the third dropped out of college last churches. If Jesus’ irrelevant.” week with clinical depression and a message of the A third party, a pastor of a low self-image. Like millions of others kingdom of God is megachurch, joins the conversation. who grew up in Sunday school and true, then every- “For all the work that goes on here United Methodist Youth, personal thing must change. and all the money we spend, the re- Christian faith has not been suffi- Everything must sulting spiritual fruit is pretty meager. ciently nurtured to “rescue the perish- change.” Donald New people aren’t coming to know ing.” All of these are my grandsons, all Basically, Mr. Haynes God. Our new people are transfers were reared in large United Methodist McLaren sounds from other congregations that are hav- churches with large staffs providing © 2010 DESIGN PICS PHOTO like a mid-life convert to liberation ing trouble. I don’t know anyone here multiple program ministries. All have T eople theology and speaks mostly to societal who is on the Journey, and only a few been left to find their own way with w urney, issues in this book. But his premise is share my hunger. We’re so busy that their septuagenarian grandfather as s that as Christians, we have bought we don’t care much about it. I am torn their primary mentor. into a “suicidal system,” and that the between the responsibility to reform it He continues, “Mainstream Protes- which Methodism has not defined its church reflects the culture. and the desire to leave it. Neither No denying reality tantism is in trouble; a general message, mission and method. Can sounds like a good option.” I therefore confess that I am wor- malaise reigns.” we “serve this present age”? Yes, if we Critiquing the church The frustrated pastor continues, ried about my beloved United re-think, re-vision and take on the For Christmas my son gave me a “People have been trying to reform it Methodist Church. Our membership Need new vision work of the surgeon—to cut, to expe- little volume called So You Don’t Want for two thousand years and the result losses, demographic aging contribu- Revealed biblical faith is not a set rience pain and to be healed. to go to Church Anymore (Windblown is almost always the same—a new tion base and what Perkins School of of “pat” answers. It’s only by playing A book that deserves more serious Media, 2006), written by Wayne Jacob- system emerges to replace the old, but Theology professor William Abraham biblical hopscotch that can we make consideration is Diana Butler Bass’ sen, the man who was mentor to it eventually becomes a substitute of calls “doctrinal amnesia,” are reality the Bible a monolithic book of reli- Christianity for the Rest of Us (Harper- William Paul Young, author of the its own. We have people in leadership factors that cannot be denied. Voices gious prescriptions. As Hebrew his- One, 2006). Like many others, she ex- popular novel The Shack (Windblown positions who don’t know God very across the connection seem to agree tory unfolds, so does their perienced in her home United Media, 2007) and his friend, Dave well, but who have strong opinions that General Conference in 2012 will understanding of God’s will. It is not Methodist church not the grace theol- Coleman, a hospice chaplain. One of about the way things should be done.” have to seriously address guaranteed the same for Ezra that we see in Ruth; ogy of Wesleyanism or the controlled the endorsements is from a college The dialogue represents the recur- appointment, present pension support it is not the same for Joshua who was doctrine of fundamentalism, but a student: “It will challenge you to re- ring language of those who are giving level and equitable salary support. convinced God wanted ethnic geno- mirror of the “conventional morality” think what church is all about.” up on denominational churches like Many local churches who turned cide as it was for Jonah who grudg- found in her father’s Rotary Club. Now In a long series of apparently apoc- United Methodism. I am in conversa- to “contemporary worship” as a means ingly admitted that God loved the she sees an emerging place for ryphal conversations, the authors tion with so many young adults who of reaching new people have been dis- Ninevites! churches that mentor vital spirituality record one about “traditional church.” feel that we are asking young pilgrims appointed that the result was to divide Jeremiah caught a new vision, within the context of intellectual Bright young Laurie says, “I know I groping their way along their life jour- the existing congregation into an “us” “when the law of God will be written openness and honest inquiry. Indeed got some truth and my hunger for ney to find their way by keeping the and “them.” Even a “dyed in the wool” on our hearts.” Ezekiel taught us that when radical liberals and rabid funda- God in a congregation just like this.” nursery at church! churchman like Russell Richey closes sin is not inherited; we are responsi- mentalists draw their battle lines and John asks, “But did it also satisfy The questions being raised by the his profound book Methodist Connec- ble only for our own! Jesus said, “You make mincemeat of the Beatitudes, that hunger, Laurie?” emerging church cannot be ignored. tionalism (General Board of Higher have heard it said of old, but I say United Methodist grace will be the She responds: “At times I thought it We cannot continue to lose our chil- Education and Ministry, 2009) with unto you . . . ” Paul argued for libera- gathering place for “the rest of us.” did. Looking back, however, I think it dren and our children’s children. As the ominous words: “Our divisions, tion from circumcision and Mosaic In our new future, we must be nei- only frustrated me. It made me hun- important as congregational care is to especially between liberal and evan- food laws. Revelation pictures av- ther secularized nor escapist, gry to know God in a way it could not every pastor, we cannot overlook the gelical, run deeper and wider . . . than enues into the consummate kingdom grounded in spirituality that is the fulfill. It also made me feel that this priority of ministering to the needs of anything separating us from other from the east, north, west, and south fruit of our grace theology. So it was was my fault—that I either did not the seeker, the newcomer and the Christian bodies! The warring camps (Rev. 21:24). with Wesley; so it will be if God revis- understand enough or did not work struggler. flail against each other and against Like Rip Van Winkle, we lost touch its the people called Methodists. enough.” I have three grown grandsons. The what remains of established author- with scriptural primacy, neglected oldest finished college in 2009, but has ity—bishops, boards and agencies, Wesley’s “way of salvation,” slept Dr. Haynes is an instructor in Then comes the authors’ critique United Methodist studies at Hood of the church: found no job that is remotely com- seminaries, and the clergy them- through a revolution and are blinking Theological Seminary. e-mail: “That’s what happens when an in- mensurate with what he expected as selves.” our eyes as we awaken to a world in [email protected].

U NITED M ETHO DIS T R EPO RTER | M A R CH 5, 2010 8B FAITH focus Millennials live in a radically different world church regularly: 32 percent attend at Future of American Politics, call Gen- B Y JOEY BU T LER least once a week compared with 40 eration Y “the most civic-minded United Methodist News Service percent of those over age 25. Sixteen since the generation of the 1930s and When the original Star Wars tril- percent say they never attend. 1940s. . . . This is a generation of ac- ogy was re-released to theaters in the Even young Christians are wary. A tivist doers.” late 1990s, I took my cousin, 10 years 2007 Barna study reports half of The more opportunities Millenni- my junior, to experience those films young churchgoers perceive Christi- als have to get their hands dirty, the on the big screen. anity to be judgmental, hypocritical better. Churches need to look into I told her that when I was a little and too political. One-third called it their communities and see what kid, I made my dad take me to see old-fashioned and out of touch with needs are there—perhaps a pancake Star Wars eight times, and The Em- reality. breakfast for the homeless, a Habitat pire Strikes Back six times. Puzzled, When Barna asked young people build or a community cleanup. she asked, “Why did you go to the to identify their impressions of When designing ministries, re- theater that many times?” Christianity, one common theme was member young people in entry-level “Because,” I replied, “we didn’t “Christianity is changed from what it jobs and paying college loans often have VCRs back then.” used to be” and “Christianity in don’t have as much money to con- She looked at me like I’d said we today’s society no longer looks like tribute as older members. didn’t have electricity. Or possibly Jesus.” Reports saying young people mis- fire. Now she has a sister, 10 years The findings led Barna president trust the church are scary, but there younger, who is dumbfounded that David Kinnaman to write unChris- is hope—if churches will be creative she survived a childhood without the tian: What a New Generation Really and find new ways to do ministry Internet. Thinks about Christianity. that appeal to this skeptical group. Younger generations live in a rad- “Young people are very candid,” “Generation X suffered from ically different world than previous Mr. Kinnaman writes. “In our inter- breakdown of the traditional house- generations did at that age. They views, we kept encountering young hold, and grew up in a time where have different beliefs, different con- people—both those inside the they’re more pessimistic and fearful cerns and different perspectives. church and outside of it—who said about the world,” says Mr. Dunham. The United Methodist Council of that something was broken in the UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY MIKE DUBOSE “But Generation Y is hugely opti- Bishops has launched a plan in- present-day expression of Christian- Melissa Whe ght, helps with Sunday school classes at Trinity mistic. They want to make changes tended to lower the average age of ity.” Church in Spring Hill, Tenn. for the better, and make the world United Methodist membership 10 better than what they grew up in.” years by 2019. To attract younger Depressed yet? lems in the community rather than Morley Winograd and Michael Mr. Butler is editor of content for generations, churches must under- It’s not easy to hear such criticism trying to insulate themselves,” Mr. Hais, co-authors of Millennial 18- to 34-year-olds at United stand who they are, what they like about the church, but this generation Dunham says. Makeover: MySpace, YouTube, and the Methodist Communications. and how best to reach them. isn’t a lost cause. It may just be what the church needs. Meet the Millenials “People in that age group have not M*A*S*H* was going off the air, rejected spirituality. What they’ve re- MTV was launching, “Thriller” was jected is the tradition and what they in cassette decks and Generation Y perceive to be the hypocrisy of the was in its infancy. church,” says Jamie Dunham, chief Generation Y was born between planning officer at Bohan Advertis- 1982 and 1995. It is the most “wired” ing, a Nashville-based firm that generation yet. Unlike their more worked on the United Methodist self-absorbed Generation X prede- Church’s “Rethink Church” campaign. cessors, “millennials” are very team- For many years, Mr. Dunham says and community-oriented, and more the dialogue has been about “what optimistic. They are the most toler- type of music was played in the wor- ant of any generation on issues such ship service and what type of clothes as immigration, race and homosexu- you wore. The real discussion is what ality. place does church have in our culture And they don’t seem to like the and community. This younger gener- church much. ation is looking for things that allow According to research by both them to get outside the church to do Pew Research Center and the Barna things. Group, Generation Y has little trust in “The churches that I think have the institutional church. the healthiest approach today put United Methodist Missionaries Pew reports 18- to 25-year-olds emphasis on the actions that show are among the least likely to attend they are people trying to solve prob-

Missionary Yema Luhahi serves as a nurse and trainer at Maua Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Kenya.

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M A R CH 5 , 2010 | UN I T ED M ETHODIST R E PORT ER