Discipleship Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Pl., Cordova, TN 38016 Vol. 6, No. 2 901/276-4572; [email protected]; www.cumberland.org/bce Fall 2008 Preparing for the Future: The Emergent Church is Coming! Have you felt as if there is something going on in tian in the United Kingdom. However, the way people the church, that the ground is shifting? It is not your are forming Christian community has changed from imagination according to Phyllis Tickle, renowned a formal church setting to worshiping in small groups. author and speaker. We are in the midst of a refor- Tickle spoke of the Fresh Expressions movement in mation. Tickle believes that roughly every 500 years the UK. This movement is sponsored by the Church there is a major shift in Judaism/. For ex- of England and the Methodist Church. Their website ample, the Protestant Reformation was 500 years asserts that, “It aims to help Christians of any de- ago; approximately 500 nomination years before that was think about ways of the Great Schism be- starting and growing tween the Western and fresh expressions of Eastern churches. church in their area. A Mark Dyer, an Anglican fresh expression is a bishop known for his wit form of church for our as well as his wisdom, changing culture, es- explains it this way, “Ev- tablished primarily for ery 500 years the the benefit of people church feels compelled who are not yet mem- to have a giant rum- bers of any church.” mage sale.” The current reforma- What things are oc- tion is being called the © istockphoto.com curring right now? You Emergent Church. In have probably heard that in hardly the next 25 years, more than 60% of Americans will anyone attends church. Does this mean that Chris- be in an . Currently, most denomi- tianity is dying there? Absolutely not, states Tickle. nations fall into one of four categories: liturgical, char- Simply put, a new thing is happening in the faith life ismatic, evangelistic, and social justice. (While de- there. Many people are attending house churches. nominations fall into a certain category, they often The United States normally lags 20 years behind what have some characteristics of the other categories.) is happening in Christianity elsewhere. Changes hap- In an emerging church, all of these areas merge to- pen first in the United Kingdom and South . gether. In other words, charismatic churches will be- Contrary to popular belief, people are still Chris- come more liturgical, evangelistic, and focused on social justice. We as Cumberland Presbyterians are Protestant church that they seem like new ideas. a liturgical church. If Tickle’s theory holds true, we will Emerging churches, for instance, are returning to become more evangelical, charismatic, and focused the practice of honoring the sabbath, which is much on social justice. more than worshiping and resting on Sunday. It is a During the Protestant Reformation, people were time to experience joy in our relationship with God so insistent on change that they even broke all the and to us focus on what is truly of consequence in stained-glass windows in the St. Giles Church in our lives. Honoring the sabbath helps us to invoke Edinburgh. They “threw the baby out with the the mystery of God within our beings. bathwater.” This Emerging Reformation is embrac- Continue to tell the stories of our faith. There ing the different streams of Christianity. We have the are about two generations of people who have not advantage of knowing that we are going through a heard the Bible stories with which many of us grew great change, though it is still unsettling and difficult. up. Do not assume that because people are involved George Barna, founder of The Barna Group, a in church that they know these stories. They may have market research firm specializing in studying the re- come seeking a connection with God, but be bibli- ligious beliefs and behavior of Americans, and the cally illiterate. intersection of faith and culture supports this premise. In his newsletter dated January 7, 2008, he asserted, Be prepared to help people on their spiritual “Growing numbers of Christians in America are em- journey. People are hungering to know more about bracing a charismatic or Pentecostal point of view. the mystery of God. They are searching for spiritual Our latest study shows that more than 80 million meaning in their lives. They desire to hear the story of adults can be classified as charismatics.” God without doctrine. People are not being drawn to Nanette Sawyer, churches because of © Eliza Snow pastor of Wicker Park programs, according Grace Church in Chi- to Tickle. Plain and cago, has opined that, simple—they desire “Very staid congrega- the good news of Jesus tions will be losing Christ and the indwell- people to house ing of the Holy Spirit. churches or emerging The good news is churches.” George that the church will Barna forecasts that by never cease to exist. 2010 20 million Ameri- During such times, the cans will have their church will regroup whole spiritual experi- and spread Christian- ence on the internet. ity to people who have Tickle states that never before heard 9%-13% of churches the gospel. will actively resist the changes of this Emerging Ref- God is doing a new thing in the church. It will hap- ormation. Many books and web pages are already pen whether or not we are prepared for it. We cannot questioning the emerging church movement. How- turn back the tide. Let us be open to where the Holy ever, such groups will keep us from moving too Spirit is leading the Cumberland Presbyterian quickly, according to Tickle. Church. The worst thing we can do is to deny the exist- If you want to read more about the emergent ence of this movement. It exists whether we believe church, look for Phyllis Tickle’s new book, The Great it or not. People are leaving mainstream churches in Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why, droves. How can churches remain relevant during which will be available in October. times of such change? Be open to the older traditions of the church. Contemplative prayer, fasting, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Written by Sherry Ladd, Christian education consultant and pastor as well as other practices have been so long lost to the of Swan and Santa Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. RiskingRisking Ourselves Ourselves Totally Totally Discovering New Ways to Do Sunday School

Make your plans now to attend the Christian Education Conference on November 4-7, 2008, at St. Columba Conference Center, Memphis, TN. This bi-annual conference will offer workshops, seminars, key- note presentations by MTS professor Virginia Lee. There will also be the opportunity to fellowship and network with Cumberland Presbyterians who share some of the same issues and concerns as you. Everyone is welcome to attend, but pastors, elders, members of Christian education agencies in presbyteries and congregations, Sunday school teachers and leaders, etc. are particularly encouraged to participate. Visit www.cumberland.org/bce to access registration information, or call the Discipleship Ministry Team (901-276-4572, ext. 202) or Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American (256-536-7481). The deadline for accepting registrations is October 17, 2008.

Evangelism Miniversity: Coming to a Church Near YOU in 2009! The 2007 General Assembly adopted Evange- • Discover the role of the teacher in living and shar- lism as a 5-year priority for the church. The Disciple- ing the good news; ship and Missions Ministry Teams are working jointly • Identify a variety of ways in which teachers/lead- to help congregations claim the call to be “witnesses ers can fulfill their call to do in Chris- in Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth.” tian education settings; and, For just $25 each you can send teachers, pas- • Affirm God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us tors, elders, outreach ministry team members, and for the calling to be evangelists. others. Leaders can select the specific track that re- Alabama: Birmingham—Mar. 7; Scottsboro—Feb. 28 lates to their particular role. The miniversity will be- gin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 1:00 p.m. Arkansas: Russellville—Feb. 21; Hot Springs— Mar. 7 Track I Florida: Valrico—Feb. 28 For elders, pastors, and planners of outreach ministry to: Indiana: Chandler—Mar. 7 • Explore the meaning of evangelism; Kentucky: Bowling Green—Feb. 21; Paducah— • Discover the role of the church in a ministry of Mar. 14 living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ as Lord; Mississippi: Columbus—Feb. 21 • Identify and practice ways in which the church can Missouri: Springfield—Feb. 28 fulfill its call to do evangelism in its cultural context; and, New Mexico: Albuquerque—Mar. 7 • Affirm God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us Oklahoma: Oklahoma City—Feb. 28 for the calling to be evangelists. Tennessee: Brentwood—Feb. 28; Chattanooga— Track II Feb. 21; McKenzie—Feb. 21; Memphis—Mar. 14; For teachers, directors of Christian education, Powell—Mar. 14; Winchester—Mar. 14 youth ministers, and other Christian education lead- ers to: Texas: Marshall—Mar. 7; Odessa—Feb. 21; Austin— • Explore the meaning of evangelism; Mar. 14; Burleson—Mar. 7 Here’s What’s Working for . . .

The Union City CPC, Union City, TN, has a spe- hosts/hostesses for meals, and two persons stay cial prayer time on Tuesday nights. A few people gather overnight with the families while they are living at the in the chapel to pray for one another and for others. church. They treat prayer requests with the greatest degree of The MIHN agency, which screens the persons sent confidentiality. These people pray expectantly and faith- to the church, provides cots, pillows and transportation. fully, believing that God can and will answer their prayers. A maximum of fourteen persons may stay at each This group of people functions as a small group. The church. Showers are available at the church and the pastor says that if the group were to become larger, church is responsible for providing towels and sheets. they would form other groups so that the blessing of During the day the children attend schools or are spiritual intimacy could be maintained. in day care at the church where the MIHN offices are located. The parents receive assistance in securing The youth of White Oak Pond CPC, Lebanon, jobs and finding housing they can afford. MO, are participating in the Amazing Bible Race, The families do not stay the entire week if they which is an 18-month trek through the Bible, divided find a job and housing while there. We feel this is a into 12 legs of 6 weeks each. Five days a week, the valuable ministry that our church can provide the com- youth read 2-4 chapters from the Bible and take a munity. It requires a number of people in the church daily quiz on-line, where they earn points for their who are willing to contribute their time, prepare meals, team. There is a weekly challenge, with the chance do laundry, and other tasks that may be needed dur- of earning additional points. An occasional “fast for- ing the week. ward” gives a learning opportunity through an activity or service. The two teams at White Oak Pond are Silverdale CPC, Chattanooga, TN, hosts a competing with 667 other teams around the world. Family Game Night on the 4th Sunday of each month, At the end of this 12-leg race, the publisher will award dismissing evening . The church budget helps prizes to the winning team(s). For more information, to offset the cost of the meal (which volunteers pre- visit www.amazingbiblerace.com. pare). After the meal everyone spends about an hour playing different games. Forty to fifty people partici- As part of their recognition of Christian Educa- pate in this intergenerational time of fellowship. tion Season, the Brenthaven CPC, Brentwood, TN, hosted a book fair. Many people purchased Beersheba CPC, Columbus, MS, sponsored books to donate to the church library, but books were a drive-in movie night for the children of the congre- also available for personal use or for gifts. The pro- gation. Children were invited to ride their bicycles, ceeds from the sale of the books were used to fund power vehicles, or electric scooters to the fellowship the church’s library. hall where they watched a movie and enjoyed refresh- ments. Faith CPC, Bartlett, TN, participates in the Mem- phis Interfaith Hospitality Network (MIHN). Twice each The Donelson CPC, Nashville, TN, offered a year the church houses families (for one week) who class for youth who were wanting to explore their faith. are temporarily homeless and who are without jobs. They met on Sunday nights and used Journey of Faith The church tries to make the rooms, meals, etc. as for their study resource. After their study time, the home-like as possible. The church is responsible for group enjoyed a fellowship outing of some type. The three meals a day, offering a cold breakfast, sack class was so well received that they are now offering lunch, and a hot meal at night. The church provides it for adults.

What’s Working for YOUR Church? Tell us about the positive things happening in your church. Send your ideas to Cindy Martin, 8207 Traditional Pl., Cordova, TN 38016 or by e-mail to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! Opening Doors to Discipleship openingdoorstodiscipleship.com

Opening Doors to Discipleship is a series of three courses in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition to help teachers and leaders equip themselves to be faithful teachers and leaders. Once you register with this site, you will have access to all three courses.

The three courses are:

• Course A: Teaching Skills • Course B: Bible Background • Course C: Presbyterian/Reformed Faith (to be released Fall, 2008)

Each course has 12 sessions that should, ideally, be done with a Learning Group from your own congregation.

The courses address questions like these:

• How can I tell a story and use activities in such a gripping way that my students long to be disciples of Christ? • How can I communicate the broad sweep of biblical stories so that learners yearn to enter them? • How can I speak with passion and enthusiasm about the particular “flavor” of Christianity which we identify as Presbyterian/Reformed?

Being Disciples Jesus said to a group of followers, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31b-32) For those of us who try our best to be disciples—followers—of Jesus, is that not what we long for? We want to know what is true and how to live truthfully. We want freedom from worry, stress, guilt, hatred, guns on the street, war. We want this for ourselves. We want it for the people we teach, for family members and friends we love. We want this freedom for the world.

Site sponsorship Opening Doors to Discipleship: Teacher Training Online is sponsored by five denominations in :

* The Cumberland Presbyterian Church * The Moravian Church in America * Presbyterian Church (USA) * The Presbyterian Church in Canada * The Reformed Church in America

There is no cost for members of these five denominations to use this program.Instructions:

Instructions: Go to openingdoorstodiscipleship.com; access the home page. Click on Login. Enter the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Login Number 14549. Follow the instructions and begin the session! Youth Sunday Mark your calendar now! The General Assembly has designated February 15 as a time for congrega- tions to celebrate young people as a part of the church’s ministry and to experience their leadership and witness. Often youth provide leadership for worship, Sunday school, and music. Planning materials as well as suggestions for scripture, music, and drama will be included in the youth ministry packet, which will be mailed this fall. Souper Bowl Sunday Souperbowl of Caring is a national movement of con- nary intern serving at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church gregations, schools, community organizations and com- in Columbia, SC, gave birth to an idea. Why not use passionate individuals caring for others on Super Bowl Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together weekend. Souper Bowl of Caring equips and mobilizes for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher youth to positively impact their communities by collect- good: collecting dollars and canned food for the needy? ing money or food on or near Super Bowl weekend. 100% Youth could collect donations at their schools and of the collections are donated directly to the charity of churches in soup pots, and then send every dollar di- each group’s choice. rectly to a local charity of their choice. The senior high youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian liked the idea so much they decided to invite other area churches to join the team. Twenty-two Columbia churches participated that first year, reporting their re- sults so a total could be determined, and then sending all $5,700 they had raised to area non-profits. That was 1990. Since then, ordinary young people have generated an extraordinary $41 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities in communi- ties across the country. In addition, hundreds of thou- sands of youth have experienced for themselves the joy and satisfaction of giving and serving, inspiring people of all ages to follow their generous example. © Tim McCaig

Souperbowl of Caring believes: • The idea for the Souper Bowl of Caring is a gift from God • Young people have the ability to serve and should be given opportunities to lead their communities in help- ing others • Every dollar collected through the Souper Bowl of Caring should be donated directly to a charity selected by each participating group • People of all backgrounds and beliefs can work together • Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on in- dividuals and the communities in which they live, yet there is joy in serving and giving to those in need • The excitement and energy surrounding the Super Bowl can be used to engage young people in service while producing lasting hope for all people Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat” is inspiring a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world. This prayer, delivered by Brad Smith, then a semi- © istockphoto.com Change Your World World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organiza- Every year, thousands of groups in more than 21 tion dedicated to working with children, families, and their countries - over 1 million teens - unite with one goal in communities worldwide to reach their full potential by mind: to help children living in some of the most deplor- tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated able conditions on earth. by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves along- Countless lives will be impacted and saved. So join side the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of the hundreds of thousands of US teens who are already God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision doing something. This can be the single most effective serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, event you’re a part of all year to make a difference in or gender. peoples’ lives. And this means both in your community, World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine puts hands and feet and around the globe. Shake things up, and join the win- to teens’ desire to live a life of Christian compassion. It nable war to save kid’s lives. will unite youth group members like never before. And the impact will last long after the Famine event is over. It can be the spark that fires up a person for a lifetime of reaching out to neighbors in need. How does the Famine work? It’s really quite simple. First of all, the materials you need are provided, free of charge, by World Vision. Call World Vision, 30 Hour Fam- ine at 1-800-7-FAMINE to sign up your youth group or connect at www.30hourfamine.org. Before the “Famine Date” youth group members raise money through do- nors and sponsors to help the millions of starving and hurting children in some of the world’s poorest coun- tries, offering them a hope they could not otherwise have. The groups then go 30 hours without food, so that they can have a real taste of what hunger is like. During this time they engage in different activities, from community service projects to volunteer work to study, depending on how each group plans their own event. What does it take to help a hungry child? Only $30 a month, just $1 a day, will help feed and care for a child. You can start by asking twelve people they know to donate $30. That’s one person for each month of the year. When you’ve done that, you will have raised $360, enough money to help feed and provide necessary care to a child for a whole year. © Nina Matyszczak

Presbyterian Youth Triennium July 20 - 25, 2010 Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN Every three years the Presbyterian Church (USA), Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America from all over the world will converge on the campus of Purdue University for 5 days of incredible fun, awesome worship, great small groups and unforgettable friendships at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. The 2010 Triennium will be held July 20-25 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Triennium is for young people who will be ages 15-19 by July 20, 2010. Adult advisors must be 21 years of age by this date. Send names and addresses of persons interested in receiving registration information to: 2010 PYT, 8207 Traditional Pl., Cordova, TN 38016. For additional information go to www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org. Non-Profit Org. Events/Announcements U.S. Postage PAID Christian Education Season Discipleship Ministry Team Memphis, TN Permit No. 513 August 31-September 28, 2008 8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38106 Senior Adult Sunday September 14, 2008 Christian Education Conference November 4-7, 2008 Miniversities February 21-March 14, 2009 Visit our website www.cumberland.org/bce for updates!

This publication is made possible by Our United Outreach.

Resources Taylor Made Ministry offers a variety of scripts for Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season religious holiday plays. Most scripts are $8.00 or $12.00. of Advent, by Pamela Hawkins. What if it really wasn't (One flat fee for the play and you can use it multiple times.) that hard to find more peace, more quiet, more room in There are no user or performance fees. Plays are imme- your heart for the Christ child to be born? Hawkins will diately downloaded, and copying of scripts is permitted. guide you through the hustle and bustle of Advent, and The website is located at www.taylormadeministry.com. you'll come out centered, rested and spiritually renewed. Afire with God: Becoming Spirited Stewards, by This resource is ideal for individual or small group study; Betsy Schwarzentraub. Stewardship is a dirty word in a guide for groups is included. Upper Room Books, most churches. Pastors preach about it knowing they $12.00. ISBN: 978-0-8358-9917-8. must while members sit uncomfortably through the "it's- The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must that-time-again" sermons. This book urges congrega- Embrace Postmodernity, by Carl Raschke. This book tions to become stewards-in-action in all God has en- comes from an evangelical perspective, but it is a superb trusted to us. Members go beyond thinking in terms of analysis of what is currently happening, just as it is a use- dollars contributed to see stewardship as becoming liv- ful engagement of the emerging new body of Christianity. ing examples of the gospel. Discipleship Resources, Baker Academic, $22.00. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2751-2. $13.00. ISBN: 978-0-88177-520-4. Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Com- In My Heart I Carry a Star: Stories for Advent, by munity in Postmodern Cultures, by Eddie Gibbs and Derek Maul. This devotional-story almanac will help you to Ryan K. Bolger. Those who want a field guide to the understand and appreciate the possibilities Christmas of- emergent movement will find this resource invaluable. fers. Its stories reveal the light to be found in the season's It gives a precise presentation of how main-line churches swirl of festivities, stresses, memories and difficult reali- are planting churches within the emergent movement. ties. Upper Room, $14.00. ISBN: 978-0-8358-9966-6. Baker Academic, $19.99. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2715-4.

Order books from your home town book store, an online distributor such as Amazon.com, or directly from the publisher. Prices are subject to change without notice. These resources are not available from the Discipleship Ministry Team.