THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

Leading congregations to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ Time Up Noel Cherokee l Church puts 024000 Volume 159 Winkler reaches College-age mis- Number 40 l February 1, 2013 end of 12 year outreach first at sion trip serves in term. 2A Christmas. 4A Oklahoma. 6A Two Sections, Section A Culture Percentage of apportionments clash paid up 3 percent for 2012 The apportionment pay out Crouch discusses for 2012 was 86.5 percent, which importance of is up 3 percent and higher than it has been in the past two years. engaging culture Many churches in the Missouri Conference went to extra effort in You never wake up in the 2012 to make sure they got back morning and think that the most to paying 100 percent of appor- urgent thing you need to focus on tionments. The following is a few that day is culture. You may con- examples of their stories. sider culture is something to be Andy Crouch pondered by academics, or highly First UMC - Lebanon cultured people. Andy Crouch for us to understand.” A new focus at First UMC in said culture may be the most Crouch, an author and jour- Lebanon has the church back on complicated word in the English nalist, was addressing United track for paying its apportion- language, but that doesn’t mean it Methodists lay and clergy from ments at 100 percent. can be ignored. around the state who had come to “We emphasized missions this “I’m here to persuade you cul- the Missouri Theater in Columbia year, and we see our apportion- The First UMC Lebanon Christmas Program. Photo by Eric Adams ture matters as deeply as you can for Converge One Day, a new ments as a mission of the church,” imagine,” he said. “It is essential See Converge, pg. 5A said Rev. Bob Howard. “They a transitional living house for Howard said. were excited to pay 100 percent women getting out of prison. Of this year.” the $10,000 offering collected on North Cross UMC - The mission focus has led Christmas Eve, $5,000 went into Kansas City to much more than just paying an emergency assistance fund for Rev. Neal Lassinger isn’t sure apportionments. The church par- local mission, and the rest was when the last time was that North ticipated in SERVE2012 last year, divided up between local mission Cross UMC in Kansas City paid and is expanding the work it did agencies. 100 percent of its apportionments, at the local Hillcrest school that By serving as a source of hope but it hasn’t been lately. It was day into another work day this in the community, the church has more like 60 – 70 percent. All of spring. The church has also been inspired people to be generous. the churches Lassinger has served doing remodeling, which included “More money was given to the previously paid 100 percent, so a new roof, at the New Life House, church this year than ever before,” See Apportionments, pg. 2A Introduction of Christmas Eve services draws crowd at Greenville UMC Being in church on Christmas ing silent night, candle light really uplifted me.”

Christmas Eve at The Gathering in St. Louis. Photo by Kent Gastreich. Eve was a tradition for Arch accompanied Greencastle UMC has about Phillips, but none of the 14 by a guitar. 14 people who regularly attend, members at Greencastle UMC, a “I always mostly women. They are ready Churches forward church he now serves as a local felt that a to step up and reach out for the pastor, could recall there ever Christmas Eve church. They extended the invita- Christmas offerings being a Christmas Eve service service was a tion to family, friends and neigh- at the church. So this year they special time to bors for Christmas Eve and had 41 decided to give it a go. come together people in attendance. on to Mozambique The church held a service on and really “They are a bunch of real go- Arch Phillips The following stories are the We, as Christians, are challenged December 24 at 6 p.m. They kept it focus on what getters,” Phillips said. “When you second installment of a two part to ponder the implications of pretty short, and closed with people Christmas is all about, the reason come up with an idea, they’ll pick series on churches that gave away this statement amidst a scramble passing a flame to all of the indi- for the season,” Phillips said. “Seeing it up and run with it. They make it their Christmas offerings. of consumerism during the vidual candles they held, while sing- the glow of everyone’s face in the fun to be a preacher.” By Sarah Bollinger holiday season. Christians have As the Reverend Mike the opportunity to do things Slaughter says so eloquently, differently and model Christ The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profi t, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals Christmas is not your birthday. See Mozambique, pg. 8A Postage Paid at Dallas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275. 2A Opinions and Insights February 1, 2013

Apportionments from page 1A LEADERSHIP – WHAT IS IT? he started working on it at North within its congregation. Cross. “Many of those deaths were “I thought if I could get it to 90 our long time members who have Lay Leader percent, people would close the been our biggest givers,” said Rev. Column gap,” Lassinger said. Michael White. This year apportionments were Come December the church By Brian hammons made part of the budget and paid was about $20,000 behind. White monthly – before other bills were put the word out in the church By Brian Hammons, do not need answers. Leaders know that no leader is perfect, so paid – even if the church was newsletter, stating that he thought Conference Lay Leader must have the right questions.” our leaders, both lay and clergy, short. they could make up the difference Leaders ask questions – good must work together (collaborate) But this year North Cross in one Sunday. There’s been a lot of talk the questions, which remind folks of to discern, plan, and accomplish faced its own version of a fiscal “That Sunday our offering was past couple of years about “lead- the “mission” or purpose of the the ministry that God has placed cliff. Even after the Christmas Eve $40,000,” he said. “A good Sunday ership” -- in government, the organization, to focus their activi- before them. offering was counted, the church is about $8,000. It was quite a church, business, really all types of ties on accomplishing their mis- Hopefully, while praying and was several thousand short of monumental time.” organizations. This has gotten me sion. That’s influence. seeking God’s guidance, all of our being able to pay its bills, and had to thinking: just what is “leader- I also like this quick list of leaders will work on strengthen- about 20 percent of its apportion- Fairview UMC - Columbia ship” anyway? Have you ever won- “Five Practices of Exemplary ing their own leadership abil- ments left to pay. To address the Last February, Fairview UMC dered about that? Leadership” (from James Kouzes ity – perhaps by working on the issue, Lassinger laid out the situa- in Columbia made the deci- Some people define “leader- and Barry Posner in their book “Five Practices of Exemplary tion in a letter, and then e-mailed sion that paying apportionments ship” by pointing to particular The Leadership Challenge, Fourth Leadership” listed above. Or it to the church members. would not be optional for them, leaders they like and see as effec- Edition): maybe by participating in a LLD “The last three days of the and they developed a plan. They tive. Perhaps a pastor, lay person, Model the Way group, Lay Servant Ministries year the checks just flooded would tithe 10 percent of every or bishop. Or maybe a mayor, Inspire a Shared Vision course, or maybe something else. in,” Lassinger said. The church offering toward apportionments. governor, president, or business Challenge the Process Good leaders seek to improve received enough to pay all of the Apportionments would be paid leader. I’m sure we can all name Enable Others to Act so that the congregation they bills, apportionments in full and first, then other bills. If there several. Encourage the Heart lead will be even more effective had money left over. wasn’t enough money in the bank Some see leadership best in a So what does all this have to at the “Five Practices of Fruitful to cover the bills, Rev. Katherine quiet servant leader whose faithful do with the church? Well, every Congregations” that we should all Country Club UMC – McClain told them to take what- example inspires countless others. congregation has a pastor who is know so well from Bishop Schnase Kansas City ever amount they were short out Lots of those come to mind. in a position of leadership – with -- and fruitful in their mission. County Club UMC was com- of her salary. People also point to examples both the opportunity to lead and My prayer is that you and all ing up short this fall, so the “It never came to that, though,” of weak leadership and problems a congregation that needs good the lay people who have taken on church appealed to the congre- she said. that were created when a person leadership. And each congregation positions of leadership, through gation and raised an additional McClain said making the com- (or group) failed to lead when typically has several lay people the gifts and inspiration of God’s $12,000 for operating funds. The mitment to apportionments up needed. Unfortunately, I can think in positions of leadership – lay Spirit, will strengthen your capac- decision was then made to apply front changed the attitude of the of some here too. leaders, board and team chairs, ity to provide real spiritual leader- the money raised toward appor- church toward apportionments. I agree with John Maxwell that teachers and many others. Do ship focused upon Jesus Christ. tionments. Fairview UMC had not been “leadership” is primarily about they really lead (influence people And that your leadership, com- “They wanted to honor the able to pay its apportionments in one thing -- influence. A good toward positive outcomes)? Do bined with your pastor and others, Conference apportionments, the 10 years. Last year the budget was definition of leadership is this: the they seek to grow their capacity to will produce positive results in same way local members honor tightened, and operating expenses capacity to influence people toward lead, doing things that help them your congregations. The church their tithe to the church,” said Rev. dropped by $8,000. But the a positive outcome. become better leaders? Or do needs real leaders now more Jennifer Weekes Klein. church didn’t defer maintenance. Can you recognize the ele- they simply fill positions? than ever – growing, spiritually Country Club is making a shift They had a special small capital ments? Capacity. Influence. All across our conference, engaged leaders – to make a dif- in how it views apportionments. campaign for new gutters and People. Positive outcome (a.k.a. congregations are beginning 2013 ference in our communities and Traditionally, like many churches, paving the driveway and park- “fruitfulness”). That last part, get- with a slate of “leaders”. Some our world. the church would wait to the end ing lot that totaled $38,000. One ting results, is the necessary result people are continuing in their In 2013, let’s all work to of the year and see what needed donor gave $17,000, but the rest of good leadership. established leadership positions, strengthen our own “capacity for to be done, and then count on was covered by everyone giving a And what are some things while others have been called to influence” to lead congregations a couple of large donors to pull little more. that good leaders do? They don’t new leadership roles. Regardless, that lead people to actively follow them through. This year it’s taking McClain said she’s personally do all the work themselves, but each leader has a certain capac- Jesus Christ – for the transforma- a budgeted approach. committed to apportionments, they make sure that, in pursuit ity to influence an important part tion of our communities and even “We’re going to pay from the and would never accept a raise, of their mission, the right people of the congregation’s ministry the world. top as we go,” Klein said. even cost of living, from a church are enlisted to get the right work -- to ask right questions leading THAT’S what I would call that wasn’t paying 100 percent. done. In a word, leaders delegate. to alignment and accountability Leadership! Trinity UMC - Brookfield She’s encouraged by the fact that They also question. I appreciate for accomplishing God’s mis- Trinity UMC in Brookfield the apportionments at Fairview Lovett Weems’ statement: “Leaders sion for the church. Of course we pays its apportionments in full UMC are $10,000 less than they – usually early. But 2012 was a were 10 years ago. THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW tough year. The drought had a “The fact that the Conference negative effective on many of the budget is lean makes is easier for Robert Schnase Columbia: (573) 441-1770 Bishop, Missouri Area Fax: (573) 441-1780 farmers in the congregation. And people to support apportionment Sherry Habben Subscription rate is available upon request. Email the church had a lot of deaths payment,” she said. Director of Connectional Ministries Lorraine Sanders, Circulation, at Contact information [email protected] 3601 Amron Court Subscribe for the free e-mail version of the Columbia, Missouri 65202 Missouri Conference Review at Vision: Growing, fruitful, vibrant E-mail for news submission: www.moumethodist.org/stayconnected congregations changing lives fk [email protected] Next Deadline: February 1 Next Issue: February 15 Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 through Jesus Christ. February 1, 2013 Missouri Conference News 3A

Choosing the best website High-Tech hosting service for your church Chat

Whether you made the plunge your online hard drive. You can Email: Most services will give * Bluehost has various unlim- long ago or are delving in for put this much data online through you more than enough email ited features offered in a base the first time, picking a website- your Web applications. Note: addresses and functions for package. They also promote their hosting service can be a nerve- many hosting services will not church staff needs. With the POP3 hosting as easy to set up and sup- wracking experience. We want to allow you to use your Web server account setup, you download port Wordpress option. help you by explaining benefits space as an actual online hard email from your hosting server * JustHost has probably the and features. drive for storing vast amounts of to an Outlook or Mail program. smallest price point for a good data. It must be data used within Hosting services often will give service. Like the other services, it Registrars versus resellers and for the Web functions. access to Web browser-based offers turnkey applications to help Winkler stepping As you consider purchasing a Bandwidth: If you want to email programs to operate your build your website. down as General hosting package, often the provid- stream worship services or if your email. If you want to plug into * Midphase is similar to the Secretary of GBCS er will pick up your domain name church has the potential for seri- Google Business Apps to use your others with turnkey applications for you. Sounds great, right? Not ous traffic spikes, pay attention domain name-based email with and various unlimited features Jim Winkler will depart this necessarily. If the service is con- to the bandwidth available. If the the Gmail platform, you can set with the business package. year as the top executive for sidered a “reseller,” they actually server has limited bandwidth, up MX Records (some numbers In the do-it-for-you category the General Board of Church & buy your domain name on your the result could be outages, site you copy and paste) to do that These services will build your Society (GBCS). behalf. If in the future, you wish crashes or charges for going over with most services. site for you and care for the design Winkler, who has worked to leave that service or change to the package limit. Even if you Support: If you are a Web nov- process with their templates. for the agency for 28 years, is your domain name, the process have unlimited bandwidth, com- ice, focus on the support service. These hosting options are usu- ending his 12-year term as the can be exhausting. Use an accred- panies will allot a regular usage You could even do some test runs ally more expensive. One caution top executive. GBCS is charged ited “registrar” to purchase your to your site and if there is a spike, by submitting “tickets,” asking is to know in advance how you with advocating the social teach- domain names (find list here). you could still go down. If you questions about how the service can export your data from your ings approved by the United Placing your domain names in know a spike is possible, it is good would meet your needs. Based on website should you want to move Methodist General Conference, an accredited registrar gives you practice to alert their tech support the response time and manner, from this custom platform to the denomination’s top policy- ownership of your domain names ahead of time. you would get a good idea of the somewhere else. making body. GBCS owns the and control over their functions. CGI, MySQL and Scripts: service’s reliability. It is tough to * E-Zekiel offers templates United Methodist Building on Separating domain names from Almost every hosting service will wait on support service for a day and hosting for United Methodist Capitol Hill and has a presence at hosting might cost a few extra offer scripts, databases and other or two when your site or email is Church websites, with various the United Nations in New York. dollars. It may, however, be worth functions to help build your site. down. So consider this feature. plans and upgrade options. By The Book of Discipline, the the money should you want to A hosting package that offers Bonus Features: You might signing up with E-Zekiel through denomination’s law book, limits change hosting options over the single page sites would not usually never need many of the features The United Methodist Church elected executives of general life of your domain name and do this. Note if you have a limit that come with hosting services. E-Zekiel website, UMC entities boards to serving a dozen years. online church identity. to the amount of scripts you can Options include shopping cart are also able to get a discount. Church law allows agency boards use for your website. Example, software, blogging platforms, * Worship Times, which to suspend this provision by a Plain-speak hosting Wordpress or other CMS (con- forums, log files, FTP users and offers website solutions based on two-thirds vote. GBCS’s board definitions tent-management systems)-based more. Only if you know the host- Wordpress, is created by individu- has asked Winkler to remain Shared Hosting: A shared- sites run on a MySQL database. ing service offers a specific feature als who work in ministry settings. in his job until his successor is hosting setup is the most eco- If you only have one MySQL you want should you make a deci- * Web Empowered Church has hired. nomical solution. Along with database available, you could only sion based on bonus features. a unique offering of both Web “It’s been a phenomenal honor other people, you purchase/ build one Wordpress site/blog. It design and hosting, with a robust to serve the church in this way,” lease space on a server. Imagine is possible to build more than one Where are some good product called Web Empowered Winkler said. “I know there are a server as a city block. You and site on a database, but that usually places to look for hosting? Church. Many features of WEC a lot of interesting jobs in the others own property on that city is not available in turnkey applica- You’ll probably find more are built with church website church, but I can’t imagine any block. Should you want to expand, tions. hosting companies than churches desires in mind. one being more interesting than you must buy more space or Uptime/Downtime: Downtime on the Web. Choosing one over * Ekklesia 360 offers site this one in the amount of infor- move. Your hosting company is is the percentage of time the ser- another might be a matter of designs and functions specifically mation and the sheer breadth of in charge of much of the mainte- vice is down proportional to when nuances. People often will give geared for churches. issues we address.” nance of your server system and it is up and running. Most ser- you the hosting option they use as * Clover, a service originally Winkler said he is not sure applications, which is helpful. For vices will boast 99 percent uptime. a best solution. A list of hosting designed for ministries, offers cus- what his future work will be. most churches, a shared-hosting No service can claim 100 percent. services is far from all encompass- tom designs that you can manage. GBCS’s board has set March 18 plan offers plenty functionality. Cheaper services might have more ing. However, we will give a few * Wix has base pricing simi- as the deadline for applications Another name for shared hosting of a 95 percent uptime claim. options to review. lar to the DIY hosting options. for a new top executive. is virtual hosting. Whenever your site is down, it is In the DIY Web-hosting cat- However, it will give flash-based Winkler’s father, Rev. Gene Dedicated Hosting: Extending frustrating, so decide if you can egory templates from which to build. Winkler, served as associate pas- upon the shared hosting, in a live with the inconvenience of In this category of hosting, Caution: Flash does not show in tor at First UMC in Marshall, dedicated-hosting option, you occasional downtime. you would build your site with iPhone/iPad browsers by default, Missouri, from 1960-62 and then purchase/lease your own server. SSL: Should you wish to build general Web tools (Wordpress, site so you will need to use their as pastor of a four-point charge This is good if you believe your a site that has secure pages for templates, etc). You need some mobile site function. in Pettis County (Houstonia, needs will extend beyond that of processing online giving or prod- know-how, or enough time to play Wherever you go with your Bethel, Dresden and Blackwater a regular or economic hosting uct purchases, you need access to around and figure things out. hosting, know that every website Chapel) from 1962-67 while he package. SSL pages. You use Secure Sockets * HostGator has various pric- is a work in progress. You can attended Saint Paul School of Space: You will see the adver- Layer to transmit private docu- ing options, extra features and always upgrade, so begin with the Theology. Jim Winkler attended tisement of unlimited, 500 giga- mentation. Most shared hosting unlimited features, depending on small basics and add on as your R-V elementary school in bytes or 150 gigabytes of space services have this option available your needs and the level of pack- church has growth needs. Houstonia through the third for hosting options. Consider this for an extra cost. age. grade. 4A Missouri Conference News February 1, 2013

Noel puts outreach first on Christmas

Through the years, Noel UMC in the Southwest performers from the Noel/Southwest City Charge. District has put on a number of wonderful Christmas Hospitality in the way of hot coffee, hot cider, hot programs at the church that have blessed people and chocolate, cookies, and hot dogs were also offered to have been well attended. This year was different. This the audience. The program and hospitality was set year Noel UMC took their Christmas program down- around the live Nativity. town. The true meaning of Christmas was shared Their choir and orchestra kicked off the produc- through drama, music, hospitality, and the spoken tion by riding a float in the city’s parade. They played word. There were crowds each of the three per- and sung Christmas Carols and some of the music formances, many of whom had never come to the from their Christmas Program. As soon as the parade church before. was over, they set up a stage on Main Street next to This was a great success for many reasons. The Arvest Bank and presented their Christmas Music church reached out into the community with the and drama to the folks who had gathered for the message of Jesus Christ and hospitality was offered parade. to all. It took everyone in the charge working in one The orchestra, Adult Choir, and Youth Choir capacity or the other to make this happen. performed as well as several soloist and individual February 1, 2013 Local Church News 5A

Participants in Converge talk together before the session starts.

Converge continued from page 1A event inspired by the annual stantly moving the horizons of intervention God won’t be found Upcoming opportunities from Converge retreat that is held in what we can and cannot do.” in culture. He closed with three the fall. Crouch asked those gathered to themes that religious people have the office of Pastoral Excellence To begin the discussion on consider the following questions: access to that non-religious do RENEW Retreat for culture, Crouch offered up a • What does cultural good not. Single Clergy WHEN: April 13, 2013 simple definition: “Culture is what assume about the way the Worship – The most impor- WHERE: Missouri, UMC; we make (or make sense) of the world is? tant thing we can do in culture is You’re invited to attend a Columbia, MO world.” • What does cultural good worship the true God. What the 3-day RENEW retreat for United Cost: $12.00 (Deadline to reg- Crouch put up a picture of a assume about the way the world most needs in it are people Methodist single clergy. RENEW ister is March 23rd, 2013) baby, and talked about how they world ought to be? defined by their relationship with will give you two rare gifts: time Break-outs include: Church- make random sounds, but when • What does it make possible? God. Worship is what restores and space. You will have time to based college ministry (How to’s); those verbal babblings sound like • What does it make impos- people to their image bearing rest, talk together, and to reflect Starting New Ministries; Spiritual “Da-da”, everyone reacts to the sible? capacity. on leadership and relationships. Formation; What Students baby saying Daddy’s name. The • What new culture is created Time – Cultural change takes You will have space to be away Have to Offer; Leadership baby keys in on the reaction, and in response? time. The best culture is meant to from the pace of the daily routine. Identification; Mentoring; although it was unintentional, he Aspects of culture that can be last, not come and go in a genera- A Gift to You: RENEW Preaching/Worship; Mission thinks, “I think I just made sense,” reviewed by the questions could tion. Only the people who know retreats are a donated gift to you. Ministry and he works to better develop the be interstate highways, Facebook, about history have the patience to The only cost to participants is New York Times best selling- language. The earliest cave paint- or your own local church. be in it for the long haul. It took travel to and from the location. author and popular blogger, ings took planning for scaffolding, “Cultural discernment is not William Wilberforce’s entire adult Receive 13 contact hours toward Rachel Held Evans reminds us, lighting, materials and artistic about do I like Interstates or life to pass the bill against slavery, CEU credits by attending this not all who wander are lost. ability. They are the first traces of don’t like Interstates… we have another 50 years to enforce it, relational leadership experience. Questions? Please contact ancient man, and they make sense interstates. It’s about what was more than 100 years total. Who Choose from 2 dates and loca- Jenny Gragg at jgragg@mou- and are beautiful to us. Crouch made possible and what was made has that kind of patience? The tions: The dates and locations are methodist.org OR (573) 441- then demonstrated the emotion in impossible by interstates,” Crouch people of God. exclusively for single clergy of the 1770, ext. 213. music by playing Prelude #1 in C said. Resurrection - If you really South Central Jurisdiction confer- Major by Bach on a grand piano. Crouch concluded by asking if start to confront idolatry and ences. Select a date and join other MO EXPLO 2013 “It’s all just physics, just strings people thought that culture is just injustice, there is a high chance single clergy for a time of per- How do your passions inter- moving air – but it’s not just about us making our own way in you will die, and a 100 percent sonal growth. Each session can sect with the world’s needs? strings, there is meaning. How a mysterious world until some- chance you will suffer. How many hold up to 10 participants and is The Missouri Annual far away, how tense and distant, day justice is wrought. He said people will do that? You would available on a first-come, first- Conference is pleased to deeply harmonious and resonant,” culture is a human construct, but only do it if you know that Jesus served basis. February 5-7, 2013, announce the MO EXPLO one he said. the tragedy is that our culture has was raised. We know that all has Greystone Estate, Rogers, AR, day event for persons of all ages Culture becomes the world and lost God, and without Christian not been lost. soderquist.org/greystone or May exploring their Christian voca- defines the horizons of the pos- 7-9, 2013, Selah Inn at the Ranch, tion. sible and the impossible. Crouch Mt. Vernon, TX, selahranch.com WHAT: MO EXPLO One Day described his journey to Columbia If you’re interested in attend- WHEN: March 9th, 2013 from Philadelphia, which took a ing contact Sue Axmark: WHERE: Fairview UMC; few hours. 479.238.8755 or saxmark@jbu. 3200 Chapel Hill, Columbia, Mo “My travel here was normal, edu | soderquist.org/renew COST: $10 and was previously impossible,” Sponsored by The Center for he said. “It used to be that rid- SURGE 2013 Pastoral Excellence ing a horse from Baltimore to Making a Connection - seek- Questions? Contact Karen Philadelphia was routine, now it ing to offer a relevant church for Hayden at karen.hayden@mou- would be an epic journey fit for a a relevant people methodist.org or 877-736-1806 reality TV show. Culture is con- 6A Missouri Conference News February 1, 2013

College-age lend a hand to Cherokee Nation

By Beverly Boehmer Coordinator of Youth and College-Age Ministries Fifty one college age persons travelled to Stilwell, OK Jan. 7-12 for a mission trip. We worked with Cherokee Nation on homes, churches and community centers in the area. Adair County is one of the poorest counties in the United States and is about 80 per cent Cherokee Nation related. To be part of the Cherokee Nation you must be able to trace your heritage to the Dawes Role. On Thursday night the Cherokee Nation brought their culture to us. We had Indian tacos. The Cherokee National Youth Choir sang (in Cherokee) and Robert Lewis shared Cherokee stories. There is a resur- gence within Cherokee Nation to educate the Cherokee people in the culture and language of their ancestors. Robert does this with stories that all have morals. Each evening the college This church is very outreaching. need to go elsewhere, when there released from prison. It will serve Your Faith.” age students shared in worship One of the folks from the commu- is such need right here. as short term housing for folks. This summer the youth of together. The theme of the week nity (and not part of the church) One day we worked on an old They have opened a food Missouri Conference will be was “Living Your Faith Through...” shared that this church see its mis- motel which the church is renovat- pantry across the street from the spending two weeks in Cherokee Wednesday night the church sion field there in Stilwell. Their ing for a shelter for women, people motel. The group formed new Nation in the community of Vian, where we stayed had a concert comment was our church does in recovery from substance abuse friends and came back with a new OK. This will be the eighth year and shared in fellowship together. missions, but we think we don’t and women who have just been sense of what it means to “Live we have gone to Cherokee Nation. February 1, 2013 Opportunities 7A Conference Calendar Job Date Event Location Phone/E-Mail Contact 2/9/2013 Lay Servant Training Event Hope UMC (660) 647-2354 Nancy Mountain Postings 2/16/2013 Lay Servant Training Event Hope UMC (660) 647-2354 Nancy Mountain Director of Business 3/1/2013 Bishop Days Saint Louis (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Operations Church of the Shepherd in St. 3/2/2013 Mark Twain Lay Learning Training Camp JoOta (573) 822-9010 Tom Bannon Peters, MO is accepting applica- tions for the position of Director 3/2/2013 Ozarks District Lay Training Houston UMC (573) 808-6045 Ann Decker of Business Operations. The Director of Business Operations Baptist Hill Camp - 3/7/2013 Show me the Way Walk to Emmaus - Men’s Walk #64 (618) 340-2722 Norma Brandt will be responsible for executing Mount Vernon operational and administrative 3/9/2013 MO EXPLO Fairview UMC (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden oversight in the areas of human resources, information technolo- Baptist Hill Camp - gy, finance, and facilities. A bach- 3/14/2013 Show me the Way Walk to Emmaus - Women’s Walk #65 (618) 340-2722 Norma Brandt Mount Vernon elor’s degree and experience in professional management, lead- 3/16/2013 Team Leader Training Kingsway UMC (573) 474-7155 Audrey Phelps ership, financial oversight and/or employee supervision is desired. 4/5/2013 CCYM Meeting TBD (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer See complete job description 4/5/2013 UMW Conference Office (417) 437-9628 Paula Ackerson at www.coswired.org. To apply, send your resume to pastorpar- 4/13/2013 SURGE Missouri UMC (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden [email protected].

4/19/2013 Confirmation Retreat Blue Mountain (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Cokesbury Sales Representative - St. Louis 4/19/2013 Confirmation Retreat Wilderness (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Serves the primary geographic market by acquiring, developing, 4/26/2013 Confirmation Retreat Camp Galilee (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer and strengthening relationships with congregations, church lead- 4/26/2013 Confirmation Retreat Camp JoOta (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer ers, denominational offices, and key accounts. Through frequent 5/15/2013 Right Start - Clergy on the Move Conference Office (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden visitation, Cokesbury services 5/29/2013 Adult Mission Trip NW Missouri (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer are provided in the areas of cur- riculum sales/education, cus- 6/7/2013 Annual Conference Springfield Expo Center (573) 441-1770 Sherry Habben tom products, and local events/ displays. Assists management in 6/11/2013 Youth Mission Trip Poplar Bluff (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer documenting customer expecta- 6/16/2013 Youth Mission Trip Mobile, AL (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer tions and product/service needs 6/17/2013 Family Mission Trip Branson (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer for the assigned geographic area. Please email cover letter, resume, 6/23/2013 Youth Mission Trip New Orleans, LA (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer and/or any other supporting 6/30/2013 Youth Mission Trip Jefferson City (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer documentation to Employment@ umpublishing.org or fax to (615) 7/8/2013 Youth Mission Trip Cherokee Nation (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer 749-6704. Please include a mini- mum salary expectation with 7/14/2013 Youth Mission Trip Cherokee Nation (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer your submission. Please indicate that you saw this posting in the 7/21/2013 Youth Mission Trip Colorado Springs (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Missouri Conference Review. www.umph.org and www. 7/28/2013 Youth Mission Trip Kansas City (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer cokesbury.com. 8/1/2013 MO Candidacy Summit Camp JoOta (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden Part-Time Director of 8/9/2013 Holy Ghost Party Lake Ozark State Park (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Youth Ministries First United Methodist 8/10/2013 UMW Conference Office (417) 437-9628 Paula Ackerson Church of Blue Springs is seeking a Part-Time Director of Youth 8/26/2013 RIM Retreat Conference Office (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden Ministries. We are looking for a spiritually mature leader who 9/7/2013 SERVE 2013 Statewide (573) 474-7155 Jeff Baker is passionate and creative about 10/19/2013 Festival of Sharing Sedalia (573) 474-7155 Terri Williams ministry with youth. For more Marianist Retreat information, including detailed 10/28/2013 RIM Retreat (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden Center job description and compensa- tion, contact Rev. Choong-Ho Kwon at [email protected]. 8AA Mozambique Initiative News February 1, 2013

This 2008 United Methodist News Service photo shows a swollen Zambezi River that has burst its banks and flooded a village. Flooding is now widespread again. Flooding devastates in Mozambique again The Mozambican authorities cal difficulties to get people to raced to evacuate tens of thou- safety. The altar at The Gathering in St. Louis for the Christmas Eve service. Photo by Kent Gastreich. sands of residents from the flood- Floods have cut access to sev- drenched south of the country on eral areas and communications Mozambique continued from page 1A January 23 before a fresh swell of are difficult. water hits. Emergency teams had to bring incarnate to a world in need La Croix United Methodist work is The Gathering’s ability to The first phase of the emer- tents and food to the border dis- of an alternative; a number of Church in Cape Girardeau made a provide matching funds to other gency operation kicked into gear, trict of Pafuri through neighbor- churches throughout the Missouri commitment to make a difference smaller churches in Missouri who with teams using 10 rescue boats ing South Africa, which itself has Conference decided to seize this in the world during the Advent want to participate in the MI’s to move 30,000 people from the been hit. opportunity by dedicating 100% season. Through their “Christmas safe water projects. Because many worst-hit areas around the district In the neighboring South of their Christmas Eve offerings Unjingled” sermon series, La smaller churches in Missouri are of Chokwe. African province of Limpopo 10 to mission both domestically Croix was able to talk about the not able to raise the full amount “The scenario is critical. people have been killed and four and abroad. Specifically, many real meaning of Christmas and for the cost of a well for their The population is being evacu- are still missing. churches raised funds for the dedicate their entire Christmas partner churches in Mozambique, ated where necessary,” said Rute About 700 houses remain inac- Mozambique Initiative (MI) in Eve offering to mission. They gap funding from The Gathering, Nhamucho of Mozambique’s cessible to the rest of the region, order to support the important raised $254,095 through this raised through this offering, is national water directorate. according to a government work that the MI does through- offering, of which $100,000 will available to assist these churches Up to 55,000 people are spokeswoman. out the country of Mozambique. go to drilling safe water wells in in providing safe water to other thought to be in the danger zone, Local officials, some of whom Congregations across the state Mozambique through the MI. churches in Mozambique. although some may be able to are pushing to declare the region were encouraged to give gener- The Gathering United Finally Waynesville United move of their own accord. as a disaster zone, voiced con- ously to those in need, and this Methodist Church in St. Louis Methodist Church also raised “The immediate plans are for cerns on the possible impact the generosity is now literally chang- has a history of giving 100% of funds during the Advent season 6,000 families -- approximately flood will have on farmers. ing the world! their Christmas Eve offerings to for the work being done through 30,000 people,” to be moved, “From what we’ve seen, it will Although we are unable to pro- mission, and this year was no dif- the MI. During an important Hanoch Barlevi, an emergency be devastating,” said Dieketseng vide an exhaustive list of churches ferent. This year the Gathering time of small group meeting and specialist with UNICEF, told AFP. Diale, a local government official. who participated in giving their raised a totally of $155,511.77 discussion, this congregation Three hospitals were also “It’s a bit too early, but damage Christmas Eve offerings to mis- for mission, of which roughly decided to both raise funds for evacuated, forcing patients to stay will probably be in the millions sion, we wanted to highlight a few $100,000 will go to drilling safe Mozambique and begin plan- in tents. (rand).” stories that really demonstrate water wells in Mozambique. ning to send a mission team Flooding is expected to inten- Back in Mozambique there what Christmas is all about: Another interesting facet of this to visit their partner church in sify in the coming days as the are fears that popular tourist hub Mozambique in 2014. swollen Limpopo River dumps a of Xai Xai on the southern coast It is through radical giving and mass of rains from neighboring may be affected. service like this that our world is South Africa and Zimbabwe on “It is critical to move people changed. These important holi- Chokwe. away from the river so they do days on the Christians calendar “It is difficult to say when, but not stay in low-lying zones. A are a critical time to strategically they are expecting it to get worse. big volume of water like that engage congregations in new and The big wave is to come,” Barlevi can come as a surprise,” said exciting ways. Reach out to the said. Nhamucho. MI to find ways to connect to this As much as 10,000 cubic Please pray about ways that vital ministry and involve your metres per second was flowing in you and your church can be congregation in mission. the river. involved in disaster relief efforts. MI Coordinator: sbollinger@ The sheer volume forced the The Mozambique Initiative will moumethodist.org authorities to open dams, pre- report back soon with specific Website: www.moumethodist. venting a potentially disastrous needs and a disaster response org/mi failure, but spilling water into the plan. You can donate to the surrounding areas. Mozambique Initiative’s disaster But the authorities face a race efforts online here: www.mou- against time and a host of logisti- methodist.org/mi Free Predictions Witnessing semester for 2020 amid diversity

UMC’s Union College offers Seminary president sees Era demands that Christians students a big incentive | 3B Holy Spirit surprise | 6B know more about their faith | 7B

February 1, 2013 Section B

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER The independent source for news, features and commentary about the United Methodist Church Hamilton calls on President When to ‘knock holes undays in the darkness’ B Y M ARY JACOBS Staff Writer Delivering the sermon at the Na- tional Prayer Service for the 57th Swing Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 22, the Rev. Adam Hamilton called on President Barack Obama to lead by showing humility, by casting a strong, unifying vision that focuses on help- ing the “marginalized,” and by perse- vering in the face of criticism and discouragement. Mr. Hamilton is sen- ior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Lea- wood, Kan. President Obama, who did not speak, sat in the front row for the service, along with First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. Some 2,200 people gath- ered at the Washington National Cathedral for the event. The Rev. Kir- byjon Caldwell, senior pastor of Wind- sor Village United Methodist Church

PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN SMITH in Houston, read the Lord’s Prayer at The Rev. Nat Dixon came to United Methodist ministry after a career as a jazz musician and music educator. He still finds ways to work the service. jazz, including saxophone solos, into worship at the church he leads, St. Stephen’s UMC in the Bronx, N.Y. Wearing black robes and speaking calmly, Mr. Hamilton delivered his ser- UM churches find jazz in worship moves the spirit mon, “Compassion, established worship order, but per- found in more than a few United First Modesto UMC in California Vision and Persever- B Y S AM HODGES ance: Lessons from Managing Editor formed spirituals and hymns with Methodist worship settings. began four years ago to offer a improvisation, syncopated rhythms Some informed observers say the monthly jazz vespers service. Since Moses,” which Adam weaved the story of DALLAS—Highland Park UMC and even some scat singing. number seems to be growing mod- 2007, Minnetonka UMC in Min- Hamilton is a tall-steeple church, and within it By the end, the Dallas church’s estly, and in other denominations as netonka, Minn., has had a weekly Moses along with is Cox Chapel, where high church parishioners—most dressed as for- well. jazz worship service, with a band led lessons of the Rev. worship is the norm, including a pro- mally as the surroundings—were “I believe there is a very slow- by retired UM pastor the Rev. Fritz Martin Luther King Jr., and current is- cessional, a recessional and a formal standing and clapping, and a few moving trend toward legitimate sa- Sauer, a trumpet player. sues. approach to liturgy most any Angli- even swayed in the aisles. Happiest of cred jazz,” said Carlton Maaia, former “We’ve had a large number of “Humility and courageous com- can would love. all was the Rev. Jeff Hall, who pre- music coordinator at Memorial UMC people join the Minnetonka church passion for the marginalized and op- One Sunday last fall, worshippers sides over worship at Cox Chapel. in White Plains, N.Y., and co-leader from the jazz service,” he said. pressed are central to the heart and had all this and more. The Dallas Jazz “Enormously pleased,” he said. of the Creating Jazz Liturgy work- Missouri UMC in Columbia, Mo., character of Moses and are meant to Quartet, led by pianist Charles “The room was electric. . . . You had shop attended by UM musicians and last September had its first “Jazz Sun- be central to the heart and character Winslow Jr., a second-career semi- people singing their way to the com- others last year at Scarritt-Bennett day,” timed to a local roots/blues of this nation,” he said. narian at Perkins School of Theology, munion table!” conference center in Nashville. “It’s music festival. The Rev. Amy Along with Catholic and Protestant turned Cox Chapel into a stained- “Jazz” and “Methodism” would part of a larger trend toward offering Gearhart, senior pastor, had been in- leaders, the interfaith service included glass sanctuary of swing. probably never get paired in a word congregations whatever they need in troduced to jazz in worship at her representatives from Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities. But Mr. The ensemble worked within the association game, but in fact jazz is terms of the arts.”  See ‘Jazz’ page 4B  See ‘Inaugural’ page 2B 2B FAITH focus

 INAUGURAL FAITH WATCH Continued from page 1B Hamilton didn’t shy away from citing ize the full potential of this country, to Former UM pastor Jesus in his sermon. be a shining city upon a hill. And convicted of murder “Jesus said at the Last Judgment it when you feel your lowest, don’t give A Pennsylvania jury deliber- all comes down to this—‘How did you up. Wait upon the Lord, he will renew ated just 90 minutes before respond to the needs of the least of your strength, that you might lead us finding former UM pastor these?’” Mr. Hamilton said. “This is as a nation to knock holes in the dark- Arthur Schirmer guilty of the America at her best. At our best, we’re ness.” 2008 beating death of his a humble people. And we remember The Rev. Ben Gosden, associate wife, Betty Schirmer. The the call to have compassion for the pastor at Mulberry Street United Jan. 22 verdict was for first- least of these.” Methodist Church in Macon, Ga., felt degree murder and carries Mr. Hamilton’s words drew laugh- those closing words worked on two a sentence of life in prison, ter and applause at several times, es- levels—speaking to the leaders of the without parole. Prosecutors pecially with remarks aimed at the nation as well as leaders of the de- said he attacked Mrs. President. nomination. Schirmer with a crowbar, “God has given you a unique gift, “It was a perfect call to action for then staged a car accident Mr. President,” Mr. Hamilton said. our leaders and for all of us in our to conceal the crime. Mr. “Unlike any other President we’ve ever local settings,” he said. Schirmer still faces charges had, you have the ability to cast a vi- In an analysis of the sermon, that he killed his first wife in sion and inspire people. You should’ve Maria Dixon Hall, associate professor 1999. been a preacher.” of organizational communication at Bangor seminary Mr. Hamilton shared how his con- Southern Methodist University, said to become institute gregation has worked with the public she found the opening a bit disjointed. Bangor Theological Semi- schools in Kansas City to help 2,284 But she said Mr. Hamilton quickly children in six elementary schools in found his footing and ultimately of- RELIGION NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY DONOVAN MARKS/COURTESY WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL nary of Maine will award its The Rev. Adam Hamilton delivers the sermon during the Inaugural low-income neighborhoods. Some fered a strong Wesleyan message. “He last degrees in June, be- Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 22. coming instead a smaller 2,500 church members have volun- offered us a glimpse of what is possi- training institute for the teered, building playgrounds, tutoring ble when a diverse people come to- continuing education of children, donating books and week- gether in a vision woven by church leaders. The new end snack packs, and even providing God—changed lives,” she said. Excerpts from sermon entity will be called The BTS beds to 300 children who were sleep- Reflecting in an email following Center. The seminary, affili- ing on the floor at home. the service, Mr. Hamilton said he felt In true UM preacher style, the Rev. Adam Hamilton made three points with ated with the United “I mention that not to brag, privileged to preach at the National his sermon. He also drew on the Moses story. Excerpts: Church of Christ, is almost though I’m very proud of my congre- Cathedral. As he ascended the steps  200 years old; but declin- gation,” Mr. Hamilton said. “But to say that morning, he said, “I was thinking On the importance of humility: ing enrollment caused that’s one congregation with one vi- of all the great preachers who had “[The Book of] Numbers tells us that Moses was a humble man, more hum- leaders to decide to end its sion and that unifies us as a church. stepped into that pulpit, particularly ble than anyone else on the face of the earth. God chooses and uses those who life as a degree-granting We’re Democrats and Republicans in that this was where Dr. King preached humble themselves before him and before others. institution. “Each of us in our congregation. We’re left and right, his last Sunday sermon.” “This is what God looks for in the Scriptures from every king, every rabbi, our own way, in varying de- conservative and liberal, but somehow Mr. Hamilton added that he aimed every leader: He looks for those who will take seriously the call to justice, to do grees . . . will grieve the these kinds of visions pull us together to offer words that “would encourage, closing of Bangor Theologi- kindness, to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. James says into the future.” challenge and inspire,” and that he felt cal Seminary,” said the Rev. it this way, “True religion and undefiled before God is to care for the widows Mr. Hamilton concluded with a compelled to speak about the need for Gary DeLong, a trustee and the orphans.” And Jesus says, at the Last Judgment it all comes down to board member. story about a young Robert Louis a shared common vision. this—“How did you respond to the needs of the least of these?” This is America Stevenson. After watching a man “I believe that the current polar- at her best. At our best, we’re a humble people. And we remember the call to Moderate Baptist body lighting lamps on the street, he said, ization and divisiveness in our coun- have compassion for the least of these. chooses female leader “Daddy, I’m watching that man out try may be the most important issue “Humility and courageous compassion for the marginalized and oppressed The Cooperative Baptist there knock holes in the darkness.” to be addressed and, if this can be ad- are central to the heart and character of Moses and are meant to be central to Fellowship, a moderate “There’s a lot of darkness in our dressed to some degree, it will help us the heart and character of this nation. alternative to the Southern world,” Mr. Hamilton said, addressing resolve the other challenges facing our  Baptist Convention, has the president. “Help us re-discover a nation,” he said. On the importance of a unifying vision: chosen Suzii Paynter as its vision for America that is so com- “Professor John Kotter, now retired from Harvard Business School, sug- [email protected] next executive coordinator. pelling it unites us and calls us to real- gested that the average American company struggled with a lack of vision, a She is a layperson and the compelling vision at least. As a pastor, I can tell you the same is true of local longtime leader of the Texas Board of Directors churches. Congregations across the country don’t remember their purpose, and Baptist Christian Life Com- Tom Palmer, Chair Brad Bowen, Vice-Chair they no longer see a compelling vision for the future. And sadly this feels true of mission, the public policy America today. With our two-party system, vision-casting often feels like mere arm of the Baptist General Michael Schaefer, Treasurer www.unitedmethodistreporter.org Karla Abernethy-Thetford, Secretary political rhetoric. And we typically are offered two different visions, competing Convention of Texas. [email protected] John Allen Scott Reese with one another, not one unifying vision. Diocese ruled Alan Heath, CEO Charles Carnahan Gavin Richardson “Proverbs notes this: Without a vision, the people perish. They don’t literally Sam Hodges, Managing Editor Lynn Hamric Hiram Smith perish. They just bicker and fight and become so polarized they can’t get any- not negligent Bill Fentum, Associate Editor Michael Heiskell Martha Taylor A Fort Wayne, Ind., jury Mary Jacobs, Staff Writer Nathan Kirkpatrick Eradio Valverde thing done. We’re in need of a new common national vision. Not one that is has decided that the Fort Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager Lisa Neslony Kristin Van Nort solely Democratic or solely Republican. We need one or two goals or dreams Wayne-South Bend Catholic Dale Bryant, Senior Designer Arthur McClanahan Kim Wheless that Americans on both sides of the aisle can come together and say, “Yes, that’s diocese did not bear re- THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided denominational news coverage since what it means to be American. That’s where we need to go.” sponsibility in the case of its beginning as the Texas Methodist newspaper in 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to  a claim of bullying at a the United Methodist General Conference or to any of the denomination’s general boards or On perseverance as a leader: Catholic elementary school. agencies. This newspaper aims to provide readers with a broad spectrum of information and “Despite great opposition to his leadership, and despite feeling discouraged A boy’s family sued the viewpoints consistent with the diversity of Christians. many times, Moses never gave up. To be a leader is to invite criticism. If you’re a diocese, claiming he was All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted by UMR Communications Inc. unless Sunday school teacher, they’ll criticize you. If you’re a supervisor at McDonald’s, the subject of gay slurs and otherwise noted. Reprint of material from this newspaper must be authorized they’ll criticize you. If you’re a preacher, they’ll criticize you. (Editor’s note— physical abuse. in advance by the Editor, and fees are assessed in some cases. To request reprints, here Mr. Hamilton turned to President Obama.) And I don’t know how you’re e-mail [email protected], or fax a request to (214) 630-0079. Telephone requests —Compiled by Sam Hodges Please recycle. still standing.” are not accepted. We do!

F EBRUARY 1, 2013 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG FAITH focus 3B UM CONNECTIONS UM college offers free final semester

Youth volunteer tremely important. But I want to turn charged with sexual B Y B RUCE S CHREINER the conversation on our campus more Associated Press molestation to—how do we get the students out in A youth volunteer at Univer- LOUISVILLE, Ky.—A small Ap- their fourth year? It’s really more sity Park UMC in Dallas has palachian college is dangling an ap- about that than getting them in.” been arrested and charged pealing offer in front of its freshmen: She hopes the tuition-free offer is with sexual molestation of a Get good grades and volunteer, and the perfect inducement. But it comes child and online solicitation you can skip paying tuition your final with conditions. of a minor. James Ackley, semester as a senior. To qualify for the full tuition 25, met a girl in the congre- gation on a youth retreat Union College President Marcia waiver, students must graduate in four and formed a relationship Hawkins sees the offer as a way to years, maintain a 3.5 grade point aver- with her, sending her explicit boost student reten- age, participate in at least one ex- text messages and photos, tion and graduation tracurricular activity and volunteer at and having sexual contact rates at the private least 75 hours of community service. with her in a truck, accord- liberal arts school in “It’s not just to finish in four years, ing to a Dallas Morning Barbourville in but to get the most out of their experi-

News report on the police southeastern Ken- ence here,” Dr. Hawkins said. PHOTO COURTESY UNION COLLEGE affidavit. The church is co- tucky. It amounts to Students with less-sterling grades Students at UMC-affiliated Union College, in Barbourville, Ky., operating with authorities about $10,500 in can qualify for lower amounts of congregate on the front porch of Speed Hall. Conway Boatman and already had in place a savings based on waivers. Students with GPAs of 3.0 to Chapel can be seen in the background. Safe Sanctuaries policy and current tuition rates. Marcia 3.49 can have three-fourths of their a requirement of back- Slightly more Hawkins tuition paid. Students with GPAs be- half years to qualify for the full waiver. thing back” to the campus and com- ground checks for volunteers than 55 percent of its tween 2.5 and 2.9 can have a waiver “If you’re in college for the right munity. with youth, children and vul- freshmen generally return to campus for half of their final semester tuition reason, you shouldn’t have a problem Dr. Hawkins said she doesn’t ex- nerable adults, spokes- as sophomores and only 14 percent bill. with it,” he said. pect the waiver to cause a revenue woman Nancy Bryan said. graduate within four years, the school Union freshman Donovan Spann On average, students attending shortfall for Union when the offer Children’s ministry says. Nearly a third of its students said he’s excited at the prospect of Kentucky universities and colleges kicks in. She hopes that higher stu- conference looms graduate within six years. shaving thousands of dollars off his pile up more than $22,000 in loan dent retention in the next three years The offer is aimed at putting more college expenses. debt, said Ted Franzeim, a vice presi- will more than offset revenue losses The UMC’s General Board of dent with the Kentucky Higher Educa- when the current freshman class Discipleship will put on its emphasis on spring graduation rates “It’s going to save a lot of money 2013 Conference on Ministry than fall enrollment numbers, said Dr. come the end of my term here,” said tion Assistance Authority, which cashes in on the offer. with Children (formerly called Hawkins, who is in her first full year at Mr. Spann, a computer information administers the state’s student aid Also, Union won’t spike its tuition FOCUS) at Buncombe Street the nearly 1,400-student school affili- technology major from Flemingsburg programs. even higher as a hedge to make up for UMC in Greenville, S.C., ated with the United Methodist in northern Kentucky. “As long as I He applauded Union College’s offer any lost revenue, she said. The school’s from July 22-26. Those wel- Church. keep my head in the right direction, I to ease debt loads and encourage tuition rates have gone up 5 percent a come to participate include “We talk so much about . . . get- should be able to pull that out.” graduation within four years. year on average in the past three teachers, leaders, pastors, ting that [freshman] class in,” Dr. Mr. Spann said that “some jaws “I think anything that a college can years. children’s advocates, pre- Hawkins said in a recent phone inter- dropped” when freshmen learned of do to make college more affordable is If the tuition-free offer does cause school teachers, annual con- view. “You hear that conversation on the offer, though some students later great,” he said. “This has a lot of posi- a revenue crunch, Dr. Hawkins said, ference staff and anyone else every campus: Are we going to make sounded skeptical about maintaining tive incentives for students to make it she’s willing to approach Union’s con- who is committed to the faith the fall numbers? Obviously that’s ex- a minimum 3.5 GPA for three and a more affordable and to give some- tributors to make up the loss. formation of children. The event will include workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities and worship. Auction completed for Lon Morris College Early registration is $380, which includes four meals. “The unique circumstances of the three consecutive payrolls last spring, First UMC in Jacksonville was B Y S AM HODGES Lon Morris College bankruptcy re- leading to the furloughing of most scheduled to host on Jan. 26 (after For more information, contact Managing Editor [email protected]. quired a non-traditional process that employees and cancellation of sum- press time for this issue of the Re- The auction of Lon Morris College called for a lot of flexibility and pa- mer classes. porter) a service of celebration for the Lian joins faculty property ended with a local school tience, and we’re glad that those ef- The school’s leaders had succeeded ministry of the college, with Bishop at Duke Divinity district and office supply company as forts resulted in a successful sale,” said in boosting enrollment in recent Janice Riggle Huie of the Texas Con- Xi Lian has been appointed major purchasers, the firm handling Stephen Karbelk of Oklahoma-based years, in part through adding aca- ference presiding. A Texas Conference professor of world Christian- the auction said. AmeriBid, the auction company re- demic programs and re-starting a press release called the event a final ity at Duke Divinity, a UM Lon Morris, a two-year, UMC-affili- tained to market the properties and football program, but income consis- homecoming, and noted that alumni school, effective July 1. He’s ated college in Jacksonville, Texas that conduct the auction. tently failed to meet expenses. groups would be holding reunions in currently professor of history has been a gateway to higher education Proceeds from the sale will be By last summer, the school was re- connection with the service. at Hanover College and as- for generations of East Texas Methodist used to pay creditors and the school’s vealed to have taken on some $20 mil- sociate in research at the pastors, filed for bankruptcy last sum- former employees, according to Dawn lion in debt, and filed for bankruptcy [email protected] Fairbank Center for Chinese mer after years of running deficits. Ragan of Bridgepoint Consulting, in July. studies at Harvard Univer- New for 2013! sity. Dr. Lian’s areas of re- An auction last month in Dallas re- chief restructuring officer for the The school began as the New Oval Communion Patens sulted in the Jacksonville Independent school’s bankruptcy estate. Danville Masonic Female Academy, search include the rise of Handcrafted by UMC Christian and Christian-in- School District agreeing to purchase “A great deal of work was done near Kilgore, Texas, under the leader- the Wilson Administration Building, with the creditors, employees, ship of Methodist Isaac Alexander. Local Pastor & Potter fluenced public intellectuals Hue Parnell in China. He’s the author of as well as the college’s gymnasium, prospective buyers and many others, The school eventually moved to Jack- Redeemed by Fire: The Rise swimming pool and athletic fields. A and it’s good to see a positive out- sonville and in 1924 was renamed for of Popular Christianity in local office supply company called 11 come,” Ms. Ragan said. A. “Lon” Morris, a Texas banker and China, which won a 2011 × 17, Inc., agreed to buy the academic The sale must be approved by the Methodist lay preacher who Christianity Today Book buildings, Memorial Chapel and stu- bankruptcy court, which has sched- donated to the school. Award. dent residences. uled a hearing on Feb. 4. Famous alumni include country Winning bids for the auction to- Lon Morris, the oldest private two- music star K.T. Oslin and Broadway Order at www.faithvessels.com —Compiled by Sam Hodges taled nearly $2.2 million. year school in Texas, failed to meet dancing legend Tommy Tune. or call 417-840-9693

UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBRUARY 1, 2013 4B FAITH focus

PHOTO BY JOHN LOVELACE ABOVE: Pianist Charles Winslow Jr., leads the Dallas Jazz Quartet, which performed in worship at Highland Park UMC’s Cox Chapel last September. He’s a second-career seminarian at Perkins School of Theology. At left is bassist Bruce Mendosa. RIGHT: The Rev. Dan Damon is a hymn writer and an accomplished pianist who often plays jazz at his church, First UMC in Port Richmond, Calif. “All Sundays swing” there, he says. PHOTO COURTESY DAN DAMON

 JAZZ Continued from page 1B previous church, Central UMC in Some credit the late Rev. John Gar- Louisville and leads a jazz trio (called, mented “worship wars” of contempo- Even hymn texts by Charles Wes- Kansas City, Mo., and knew she cia Gensel of Saint Peter’s Lutheran in fact, the United Methodist Jazz rary (praise band with electric gui- ley—brother of John Wesley, and co- wanted to debut such a service at Mis- Church in New York with bringing jazz Trio) that frequently plays in worship tars) vs. traditional (robed choir and founder with him of the Methodist souri UMC. into worship. In the 1960s through at Mt. Healthy UMC, near Cincinnati. organ). movement—can lend themselves to a She, like Mr. Hall at Cox Chapel, ’90s, he served as pastor to the city’s “Here’s this other genre that can be jazz treatment. was elated with how jazz went over. jazz community, conducting memo- Wesleyan jazz used so beautifully, and use the For the UMC’s recent Worship & “The music was the sermon,” Ms. rial services for musicians and hold- Sacred jazz began a slow growth, hymns that people know,” said Sara Song collection, the Rev. Jackson Gearhart said by email. “Many teas- ing a weekly jazz vespers service. hastened in recent years by an ex- Wentz, director of worship and music Henry, music minister at St. Mark’s ingly told me, ‘Jazz Sunday’ was the “He had a jazz church service for panding openness to innovation in at First UMC in Lawrence, Kan. UMC in Murfreesboro, Tenn., wrote a best sermon you ever preached.’” decades, and lot of the jazz musicians worship, particularly in music. At the Cox Chapel Service, the Dal- new tune in D minor for Wesley’s “Au- would perform, and a lot of them Advocates for jazz in church say it’s las Jazz Quartet—piano, string bass, thor of Life Divine.” The flip side would attend,” said Jim Connerly, who music that appeals across generations saxophone, drums, plus two guest vo- “It works especially well with some Jazz is often described as Amer- teaches jazz piano at the University of and exists outside the well-docu- calists—played “Come Sunday” and more interesting jazz harmonies and a ica’s music, and while the etymology “Hush, Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” jazz/rock fusion style,” said Mr. Henry, of the word remains a mystery, the but also enlivened “Holy, Holy, Holy” who also co-wrote, with the Rev. Joe music itself clearly began with and “Blessed Assurance.” Stobaugh, a jazz setting to “The Great African-American musicians in New The United Methodist Jazz Trio, led Thanksgiving.” Orleans, who drew on spirituals, by Mr. Connerly, did a 2006 CD called Mr. Maaia is in the midst of a blues, ragtime and other traditions. Spirit Songs that includes “Just a years-long project to create jazz Though jazz is studied now in con- Closer Walk With Thee,” “Every Time I “charts” (melody lines and chords) of servatories and regularly played in the Feel the Spirit” and “Sweet, Sweet scores of hymns, and while he hasn’t most refined venues, including New Spirit.” yet adapted “Beecher,” the tune most York’s Lincoln Center, it retains an as- Jamie Dubberly is a trombonist often used for Charles Wesley’s fa- sociation with smoky nightclubs and and leader of the band that plays at mous text “Love Divine, All Loves Ex- other forms of loose living. “The Jazz the monthly jazz vespers service at celling,” he’s sure it can be done. Age” refers to the 1920s, when young First UMC Modesto. There, he said, a “It’s on the list,” he said. people rebelled against Prohibition (a “Count Basie-style, swinging version” Methodist cause) by visiting of “Shalom to You’” is a congregation ‘A new song’ speakeasies and listening and dancing favorite. With jazz music in worship comes to the new music, the young women At First UMC in Point Richmond, what might be called jazz theology— wearing clothes that scandalized their Calif., the Rev. Dan Damon—a hymn an attempt to connect the music to elders. composer as well as a pianist—always matters of faith. But some of jazz’s greatest figures has a Christmas Eve jazz service, fea- Given its rootedness in the have been deeply spiritual people turing fresh versions of “What Child Is African-American experience, jazz is whose music, in select compositions, This” and other carols. At his church, sometimes explained as the music of reflects that. These include John he says, “all Sundays swing,” meaning freedom, echoing the Israelites’ escape Coltrane, Mary Lou Williams and es- he finds ways to work jazz and other from Egypt. Certainly jazz is defined, pecially Duke Ellington, who wrote PHOTO BY JOHN LOVELACE styles into the mix. at least in part, by an emphasis on three Sacred Concerts, as well as The Rev. Jeff Hall of Highland Park UMC’s Cox Chapel oversees Mr. Damon too plays “Come Sun- improvisation and staying “in the “Come Sunday,” found in the United communion as the Dallas Jazz Quartet, with young guest vocalist day.” But, ever the jazz man, he said, “I moment,” including listening carefully Methodist Hymnal. Denzel Cammon, performs. never use the hymnal version.” and responding to what others are

F EBRUARY 1, 2013 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG FAITH focus 5B

PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE DUBBERLY Jamie Dubberly is a seasoned jazz trombonist who oversees music for jazz vespers at First Modesto UMC in California. doing. Jesus and jazz “Jazz represents the best in sponta- Highland Park UMC’s Cox Chapel neous creativity, and in that way coin- will have the Dallas Jazz Quartet for a cides with the work of the Holy Spirit,” return engagement this month, at the Mr. Henry said. insistence of the Rev. Jeff Hall. Others The Rev. Nat Dixon, pastor of St. in United Methodism may have more Stephen’s UMC in the Bronx, definitely experience at articulating the overlap- connects the Holy Spirit to jazz, and ping themes in jazz and Christian from personal experience. faith (Eugene Lowry, a retired profes- He had a thriving first career as a sor at Saint Paul School of Theology music educator and saxophonist, tour- and accomplished jazz pianist, has ing internationally in bands, making often lectured on the subject and records and earning a mention in The speaks of the beneficial “expectancy” Penguin Guide to Jazz for his work as a jazz brings to worship), but Mr. Hall sideman on a 1982 may be the most recording by jazz enthusiastic. legend Sam Rivers. ‘My theory is that He preached on Along the way jazz and faith when Mr. Dixon, an ac- most of the good the Dallas Jazz tive member of Quartet performed Salem UMC in stuff has been at Cox Chapel in PHOTO COURTESY MIKE MAHAN Harlem, felt a call September, calling ABOVE: First UMC in Montevallo, Ala., has an annual jazz communion service. Last year’s service to ministry. “It stolen by the his sermon “Jesus featured music by the band Chuck King and Friends. BELOW: The jazz band that performs in Sunday wasn’t a loud at the Gennesaret morning worship at Minnetonka UMC in Minnetonka, Minn. trumpet call,” he enemy [devil] Jazz Festival.” Jesus, said. “If anything, he concluded, was it was a sweet vio- anyway, so we’re “the first jazz lin that I could great,” someone barely hear. But I just trying to get who mastered the followed it.” Jewish law, as jazz He enrolled at it back.’ musicians master Drew Theological —the Rev. Nat Dixon music theory and School, and even- the technical as- tually became pastor of St. Stephen’s, pects of playing an instrument, but where for years he has run a Saturday understood that true religion isn’t music academy and a mid-week jazz about doing only what’s written on the service. page. Mr. Dixon often brings his saxo- “That’s the theme running phone into the pulpit on Sundays, and throughout Jesus’ ministry, and it has in December 2011 did a special pro- lots of variations,” Mr. Hall concluded. gram at the church, drawing on a “Sometimes loving God means follow- range of his jazz compositions to illus- ing the rules, like the Ten Command- trate his life’s journey. ments, and other times loving God “I was given a directive via the means having to improvise, taking the Holy Spirit, who said, ‘Why not dedi- theme of grace and blending it with cate these compositions to me?’” he peace and justice and mercy and for- recalled. “My theory is that most of bearance, to make a new song, pleas- the good stuff has been stolen by the ing to God.” enemy [devil] anyway, so we’re just trying to get it back.” [email protected] PHOTO COURTESY MINNETONKA UMC

UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBUARY 1, 2013 6B FAITH forum That which becomes real: Looking ahead to 2020 to offer more than we have in the past. look at the population shifts in the livery systems change, the question and schism may be inevitable. We BY PHILIP A. AMERSON In their book The Fourth Turning, small towns of Iowa and the suburbs will be if we can again discover the have too long been captive to theolo- Special Contributor William Strauss and Neil Howe note of Chicago. These “newcomers” bring motivation of our ancestors in the gies that are fear-driven and biblically The idea began with a column by that the next decade will be a time of renewed hope for our neighborhoods faith. Early Methodists gave witness inconsistent. The same folks who cite United Methodist Bishop Michael J. realism and the seeking of fundamen- and congregations. In the next seven by providing for quality educational isolated Scriptures to support their re- Coyner in Indiana. tal change at all levels of society, but years our nation will adopt compre- systems and health care for all—espe- strictive views on homosexuality are As the New Year especially the local level. The Millen- hensive immigration reform so that cially the poor and indigent. strangely silent about apparent bibli- began, he sent out nial generation will bring impatience there will be safe and legal ways for Methodists in the 19th and early 20th cal support for plural marriage or his predictions for for change and will insist on new and such persons to become citizens. centuries started scores of hospitals against all divorce. The research is the year 2020. realistic economic models. Baby 5. New economic models that and more that 120 educational institu- clear that the young folks of almost all Bishop Coyner in- Boomers will regain their reputation emerge as neighborhood and local tions that survive today. Lutherans theological persuasions are bewil- vited his readers to as the “flower generation.” They will enterprises. There are in fact limits to and Catholics, in their own ways, also dered. They ask why there is such an come up with their join with younger folks to call for a growth. Big-box stores will continue, accepted this commitment as a part of emphasis on biblical hermeneutics predictions for Philip shift toward greater dependence on and more and more highways will be a faith imperative. What a treasure! that does more to damage than to trends over the next renewable resources and care for the built; however, more folks will factor United Methodist hospitals are one of heal. Amerson seven years. He had environment. The arguments against in the cost of gasoline and taxes for the great legacies of the deaconess 10. We will learn new patterns of some fascinating climate change will lose their steam as new highways into the price of that movement. The next seven years will organizational relationship and hunches about the future. As I read the impact of storms and draught can of soup or bottle of window offer us new opportunities for these leadership. John McKnight has them I was reminded of the Thomas continue to be studied and under- cleaner “on sale” at the mega-store. In areas of witness—perhaps especially said, “These days we keep focusing Theorem in sociology (named after stood. Baby Boomers and Millennials the meantime a growing number of through the United Methodist order of our efforts on leadership and we miss W.I. Thomas) which asserts that what will join together to find more ecolog- folks will again discover the value of the deacon. There has been no period the critical importance of connectiv- one perceives to be real, becomes real ically sustainable ways to live. local banks, hardware stores, barber/ of history, until today, where this wit- ity.” This connection may come from in its consequences. Churches that miss this trend will beauty shops and congregations. Years ness is more urgent and appropriate. the neighbor down the street or the There is considerable evidence miss a great opportunity to ask the ago, two sociologists (Willmott and 8. The nation will finally take a stranger from around the world. We that shows that what one anticipates Boomers to “give it forward.” Urban Young) wrote about the true cost of few halting steps toward ending the have yet to see ways technology will as possible, gains potential for actual- neighborhoods that are food deserts living in expansive suburbs in their culture of gun violence and the be- connect us (and the threats of this ity. This is also known as the power of will be linked with urban classic study “Family and Kinship in lief in revenge as the first and most technology to civil society). We will self-fulfilling prophecy. So, I thought I gardeners/farms and rural suppliers East London.” What was gained was a appropriate response to the culture learn that authority needs to be would accept Bishop Coyner’s invita- of more nutritious food options. new suburban home but what was lost of killing that seems to permeate earned, that there are many paths to tion. Clearly, my “forecasts” are shaped 3. As congregations discover was a sense of identity and commu- our nation. For decades, the church accomplishing our goals; not just the by personal hopes, past disappoint- again their true identity as the nity. More recently researcher Lisa in many places has offered an alterna- pathway expected because one is act- ments and my theological perspec- seedbed of faith and action, new Gansky has identified the potential for tive vision. The next seven years will ing within a particular tradition or hi- tives; at the same time I want to argue models will emerge. We will see “mesh economics” where new markets be a time when this witness will be erarchy. The leader in this new world that they are grounded in clear trend more neighbor-churches marked by can be set up and do business on a more recognized and valued. will look to discover the gifts of others lines and ample evidence. clear and focused calls to spiritual day’s notice. In places like Oakland 9. The tired old battles over ho- rather than seeking to impose a busi- So then, here are my 10 predictions practices that are linked with active and Seattle, such mesh businesses mosexuality in our society will run ness plan. It will be a leadership based for 2020: discipleship. There will be more atten- have grown into established markets out of steam . . . at least in the wider on mutuality and respect. It is leader- 1. The Holy Spirit will surprise tion to the loving of God and neighbor that build new communities of hope culture. General Conferences may ship that trusts and encourages oth- our church and our nation. Some of and less to institutional preservation. in formerly underserved neighbor- disagree, but civil unions and mar- ers. It is leadership that seeks these surprises will come as the result Mega-churches will be increasingly hoods. riage equality will become the na- communities that thrive over situa- of the ministry of the bright young plagued by the multiple organiza- 6. These new economic and po- tional norm in commerce and tions that can be controlled. leaders currently studying in our the- tional dilemmas of second or third litical models will also be global in government. The church may continue This would be my vision for “that ology schools. Many of these surprises generation institutions. Neighbor- reach and democratic in style. As to give this matter heavy attention, but which becomes real” in the year 2020. will emerge from outside of the nor- churches will know their raison d’être the shifting global economy emerges it will increasingly be seen by the It is rooted in hope, but rooted in real- mally expected church structures. beyond buildings and budgets. Fresh we will see fundamental shifts in the young as an unnecessary wedge issue, ism as well. I will watch and pray and They will happen in public schools, resources for personal and social way we live and work, in our politics a way for some to wield control within learn . . . and act that it may be so. hospitals and businesses, in urban transformation, repentance and for- and in our options. In many places the church. Sadly, unless more humble centers, on farms and in suburban giveness, covenantal living, eucharistic local commerce will be enriched, and grace-filled polity and theology The Rev. Philip A. Amerson is president of United Methodist- settings. The techniques and the pro- celebration and liturgy will be devel- aided by the power of digital commu- on such divisive issues is found by affiliated Garrett-Evangelical grams offered by outside experts will oped. These resources will include nication. Schools, businesses and the 2020, the denomination will remain Theological Seminary in be less and less valued as the gifts songs of lament as well as praise. Con- churches in many places will experi- omnishambled in structure and voice, Evanston, Ill. from the unexpected places (the gregations will be more than happy- ence the generativity of links with “Nazareth places”) of our world are clappy enclaves of the comfortable others in distant lands. The sharing of CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING discovered. The great spiritual hunger and like-minded: They will be places new language, knowledge and insights in our nation (spoken of as those who of learning, of experimentation, of will become more common. Who FUNDRAISERS DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING are “spiritual but not religious”) will challenge and restoration for the bro- could have predicted the power of The United Methodist Reporter offers advertisers the continue to morph and many will be kenness among persons and within Twitter in recent elections? Such dra- MYSTERY DINNER FUNDRAISERS ability to target unique messages regarding led back to traditional expressions of our social and biosphere ecologies. matic change in our business-as-usual Raise FUNDS, have FUN, share FELLOWSHIP! products, services and employment to church Wesleyan Thespians Mystery Dinner Kits. Contact faith. This will be an opportunity for 4. 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F EBRUARY 1, 2013 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG FAITH forum 7B WESLEYAN WISDOM Must the old order fade, or can we embrace the dawn? decline, it became quite fashionable to things of this world.” To quote Lyle time of awakening! A member of the preached in the spirit of Moravian B Y D ONALD W. H AYNES applaud loss of membership as an in- Schaller once again, “the ‘ice cube’ is old order, he “set aside” Thomas Coke Peter Bohler who said to Wesley as UMR Columnist dication of the “purification of the melting.” as an old order bishop who was to lay they walked the 43 miles from London Recently I saw the film version of church.” Those pastors spent a career In the recent movie, Lincoln, hands on a new order lay preacher to Oxford in April 1738: “Preach faith Les Misérables, a moving portrayal of of leaving churches smaller and Steven Spielberg depicts so vividly named Francis Asbury! He embraced till you have it; and then, because you the fading of the old weaker than they found them, yet the meeting of President Lincoln and the dawn! Can we? have it, you will preach faith.” order and the rising moved on to larger churches, took ad- Confederate Vice-President Alexander There is a latent spiritual power of the new. At the vantage of the free-enterprise eco- Stephens on a boat on the Potomac Latent power dammed up in United Methodism. barricades in the nomics that they had vilified, and now River. If peace could have been agreed I am being asked by dozens of Some of this spiritual power and en- streets of Paris, the enjoy a rather plush pension. Sadly, on in the winter of 1865, thousands of email writers, “How does Aldersgate ergy is in the Council of Bishops, young and restless my generation also has seen thou- battlefield deaths and maybe an as- relate to our local church’s revitaliza- some is in the personnel of the gen- lost and the old sands of their biological children and sassination conspiracy could have tion?” I am writing a book-length eral boards and agencies, some is in order prevailed for grandchildren leave the church of been avoided. But Stephens balked manuscript that is a “playbook” on the seminary faculties, and much of it another day. But the their family heritage. when Lincoln insisted that the South local church revitalization. The hope is is in local church clergy and devoted Donald forces for change One sad streak of paranoia seems would have to abandon all laws that that its publication will coincide with laity. As Isaiah writes to his people in had a battle cry: that Haynes to pervade both conservatives and lib- institutionalized and legalized the the upcoming 275th anniversary of Babylonian exile, “Look to the rock however black the erals when they caucus. Both stigma- heinous system of human slavery. The Aldersgate (1738-2013). In the book, I from which you were cut and the night, it would soon yield to the dawn- tize the grassroots organizations, the South sacrificed because “keepers of call for the reform but survival of quarry from which you were dug.” ing of a new day. annual conference luncheons, the fi- the keys” refused to open to a new much of the “old order”—a connec- (Isaiah 51:1) The prophet promises I cannot support a division of nancial backing and the overall influ- world. When you wait too long to tional polity, members of annual con- that if they do that, “the desert will be United Methodism. However, divisive- ence of their theological opposites. change, history passes by you. ferences supervised by a bishop and like Eden and the wilderness like the ness, acrimony and socio-theological Each feels disempowered, outmaneu- Diana Butler Bass in her recent “presiding Elders.” The local church Lord’s garden. Happiness and joy will elitism continue to erode our numeri- vered and disrespected. book, Christianity After Religion, doc- lay leaders would be “Stewards.” They be found in her—thanksgiving and cal and financial strength. Long ago a uments that we are in a “time of end- would be defined as “those who love the sound of singing.” prescient Lyle Schaller warned us of ‘Time of endings’ ings.” She also points to streaks of a the church and are capable of admin- Wow. . . . Picture that for your local the silent vote of those who walk United Methodism has declined new dawn and calls it a “time of awak- istering its spiritual and temporal af- church. Picture that for a session of down the aisle and out the door for from almost 11 million U.S. members ening.” John Wesley’s genius was that fairs.” “holy conferencing” at charge, annual their last time, never to return. More at the time of formation to well under he saw in 1784 that political colonial- Itineracy would be preserved, but or quadrennial settings in the years than 700,000 have made that walk in 7.7 million today. One must ask in ism and the old order of churches had not in its present form. The “base of ahead! this young century. honest candor if the major “glue” of faded. Yes, he died an Anglican priest, the pyramid” would be empowered; Only God can measure spiritual the United Methodist Church today is but he bowed to the reality of history pastors and Stewards would be stake- Dr. Haynes is a retired member strength, but it is a sad excuse when the property “Trust Clause” and by ordaining two lay preachers and holders regarding appointments and of the Western North Carolina Conference. He is the author anyone sees sinking quantity as a sign clergy pensions. If so, then our unity empowering them to ordain Francis longevity. Most importantly, the vital of On the Threshold of Grace: of deepened spiritual quality. In my is not in Jesus’ prayer “that they all Asbury upon their arrival in America. breath of Aldersgate’s “experimental Methodist Fundamentals. generation’s early days of numerical may be one” (John 17:21), but in “the He saw the time of endings as also a divinity” would be prayed for and Email: [email protected]. Witnessing for Christ amid growing diversity bears witness to the gospel of Jesus control tempts us to think that we I hope we United Methodists espe- that lies within us. Rather than spend- BY STEPHEN R ANKIN Christ. need social control in order to be cially pay attention to this third point. ing so much time worrying about Special Contributor Some thoughts in light of the trend: faithful Christians. We do not. Survey after survey (I’m thinking es- what we cannot control, let’s work on You may have read or heard that 1. We’ve been here before. I like 2. The more religiously diverse our pecially of Christian Smith’s research what we can—our own demonstra- the 113th Congress just installed its Rodney Stark’s slightly pugilistic style country and culture become, the more team’s work in Souls in Transition: The tion of the truth, goodness and power first Hindu member in his book The Triumph of Christian- knowledgeable we Christians need to Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerg- of the gospel. of the House, its first ity. In the chapter entitled “Assessing be about our faith, at least about the ing Adults and Lost in Transition: The 2. We don’t worry about whether Buddhist senator Christian Growth,” he estimates that basic doctrines and, more specifically, Dark Side of Emerging Adulthood) we have the right evangelism or wit- (who admits that she the church grew from a best guess of about questions that people have shows that mainline Protestant nessing methods. The method is our doesn’t currently 1,000 adherents circa 40 CE/AD to al- about religious faith that those basic emerging adults are the least knowl- life, shared transparently. “practice”) and its most 32 million by the year 350. That teachings address. We have something edgeable of and the least likely of 3. We don’t fudge on the particu- first “none” (no reli- 32-million figure constitutes roughly good and deeply relevant to share. any religious groups to remain com- larities of the gospel. It is about God’s gious affiliation of 53 percent of the population of the As with point #1, we’ve got some mitted to their religious identity. Why? love, to be sure, but God’s love demon- any sort), who is also Roman Empire. He argues, further- work to do. Christians in the United We United Methodists (as a lot) do strated supremely and uniquely in Stephen the first openly bi- more, that this growth did not happen States as a lot are far less theologi- such a poor job teaching our young in Jesus Christ and him crucified (and sexual member of Rankin through a bunch of miraculous events cally/doctrinally knowledgeable than a way that shows that these doctrinal raised from the dead—truly). Not Congress. but, rather, through the normal day- our ancestors, even though we have beliefs really matter. Far too many of boundary-blurring pluralism, but a For good reason, a Washington to-day witness of Christians willing to more easy access to the teachings. us think they don’t. gentle, bold, clear and specific: Jesus Post article describes this Congress as love their neighbors. For example, There is an irony here, to be sure. So, how do we bear effective wit- of Nazareth who came to seek and to the most diverse in history. The in- when the plague hit Rome and people 3. The more religiously diverse we ness to Christ in 2013? save. . . . creasing religious (and sexual) diver- with means mostly left the city, the become, the less plausible the “reli- 1. We don’t worry about who con- I hope 2013 shows us (especially sity of our country is now showing up Christians stayed behind and nursed gions are all pretty much the same” trols the levers of pop culture or who United Methodists) doing a great job, in the highest levels of political lead- the sick, risking their own health in conceit becomes. It is a common re- controls the media or who has the in view of the trend of religious diver- ership. the process. frain among college students espe- upper hand politically, socially or sity, sharing our faith winsomely and Which category is shrinking? This observation reminds me that cially. A certain category of religious morally. (I’m not advocating disen- effectively. Protestant. Am I alarmed? No. But it Christians do not need to maintain pluralists help to perpetuate this sen- gagement, only lack of fretting and The Rev. Rankin is an ordained UM does make me think about how a social control in order to demonstrate timent, even if they don’t mean to do frustration.) We simply need to be elder and chaplain of Southern United Methodist Christian like me effective witness. In fact, having social so (and some of them do mean it). ready to give an account of the hope Methodist University in Dallas.

UNITEDMETHODISTREPORTER. ORG U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | F EBRUARY 1, 2013 8B FAITH focus Obama’s use of Scripture has elements of Lincoln, King

B Y DANIEL BURKE most Americans, if only faintly. Religion News Service “He is a leader who wants to ap- proach challenges from many differ- President Barack Obama publicly ent aspects of our lives,” Dr. Hunter took the oath of office on Jan. 21 with said. “Not just intellectual, but also Bibles once owned by his political he- moral, and he finds Scripture to be a roes, Abraham Lincoln and the Rev. way of communicating values that Martin Luther King Jr. One Bible was many of us share.” well read, but cited cautiously. The Like many liberal Protestants, Mr. other granted scriptural sanction to Obama often emphasizes Bible pas- the civil rights movement. sages that urge compassion for the When Mr. Obama lifted his hands poor and downtrodden. from the Bibles and turned to deliver “He uses those Scriptures more his second inaugural address, his own than any other type,” said Dr. Hunter. approach to Scripture came into view. “It has to do with assisting those in Characteristically, that approach sits need, rather than moral commands somewhere between the former presi- about sin.” dent and famous preacher. As Dr. Hunter notes, occupying the His faith forged in the black bully pulpit gives presidents license to church, Mr. Obama draws deeply on cite Scripture, and Mr. Obama is far its blending of biblical narratives with from the first to use it. contemporary issues such as racism President Bill Clinton alluded to and poverty. But like Lincoln, Mr. the Psalms while asking for forgive- Obama also acknowledges that Amer- ness during the Monica Lewinsky icans sometimes invoke the same scandal, and President George W. Bush Bible to argue past each other, and cited Scripture to forge a personal that Scripture itself counsels against connection with evangelical Chris- WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY PETE SOUZA sanctimony. tians. President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, surrounded by representations in art of Presidents Mr. Obama articulated this view Mr. Obama uses the Bible a bit Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. most clearly in a 2006 speech, saying more broadly. that secularists shouldn’t bar believers He has quoted the Sermon on the Scripture. ogy of African-American sermons. But the message, which Mr. Obama from the public square, but neither Mount to explain his economic views, Focus on the Family founder Among the skills Mr. Obama used to argue against excessive indi- should people of faith expect America read Psalms to bereaved families in James Dobson has accused Mr. gleaned at Trinity UCC is the ability to vidualism, made perfect sense to Obama of “dragging biblical under- draw modern messages from ancient African Americans, said Dr. Simmons. standing through the gutter.” Former texts, and to condense that message “He was doing what the black com- ‘Any time anybody quotes Scripture, GOP presidential candidate Rick San- into a memorable phrase. It’s called munity does: understanding the rele- torum said Mr. Obama has a “phony “shorthanding” Scripture, Dr. Sim- vancy of the text for our modern they are implicitly saying: If you are a theology . . . not a theology based on mons said. context.” the Bible.” For example, Mr. Obama fre- One more rhetorical tact Mr. person of faith, this is what God is But nothing upset conservatives quently used the expression “we are Obama learned from the black church, quite like Mr. Obama’s citation of the our brother’s keeper” during his 2008 especially from King: Orators can telling us to do.’ Bible to back same-sex marriage. Even presidential campaign. Some evangel- challenge their audience, but should —Jeffrey Siker Dr. Hunter criticized the president. icals were perplexed at the citation, always end on an uplifting note. “You can’t cite one Scripture to inter- noting that it comes from the mouth “When all is said and done,” Dr. to be one vast amen corner. Newtown, Conn., and Tucson, Ariz., pret or negate other Scriptures,” he of Cain, history’s most famous fratri- Simmons said, “you leave people with “He understands that you can ap- and cited the Bible’s Golden Rule to said. “But I know for him that was a cide. a hopeful word.” peal to people on religious grounds,” explain his evolving support for same- moral decision.” said the Rev. Jeffrey Siker, a theology sex marriage. That’s precisely why Mr. Obama from professor at Loyola Marymount Uni- During his 2009 inaugural ad- drew on the Bible, said Mary Frances NEW Adam Hamilton versity in California who has studied dress, Mr. Obama cited the Apostle Berry, co-author of Power in Words: Mr. Obama’s speeches. “But you also Paul’s admonition to “set aside child- The Stories Behind Barack Obama’s Follow His Footsteps have to be able to translate your case ish things,” challenging the country to Speeches, from the State House to the Retrace the path of Jesus’ ministry into arguments that people of differ- tackle its complex problems. White House. in a churchwide 6-week study ent faiths, or no faith, can grasp.” “Any time anybody quotes Scrip- “What he wants is to have moral The Rev. Joel Hunter, a Florida ture, they are implicitly saying: If you authority. Not just to be president, but The Way megachurch pastor and a close spiri- are a person of faith, this is what God to have moral authority,” Dr. Berry Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus tual adviser to the president, said Mr. is telling us to do,” said Dr. Siker. said. “That’s in the black tradition. We Obama often starts the day by reading But like Lincoln, Mr. Obama has talk about the preacher as having Once again, Hamilton approaches his subject matter with thoughtfulness Scripture. also used the Bible for the opposite moral authority: the ability to con- and wisdom in this third volume of his study series on the life of Christ— One “great source of encourage- purpose—to argue that no one fully vince your audience of the rightness just as he did with Jesus’ crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World ment in my life,” Mr. Obama has said, knows the divine design. of what you are saying.” and Jesus’ birth in The Journey. is Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in “The full breadth of human In that tradition, Mr. Obama some- Using historical information, archaeological data, and stories of faith, the Lord will renew their strength. knowledge is like a grain of sand in times bookends big speeches with Hamilton follows Jesus, examining the people he loved, the healing he They will soar on wings like eagles; God’s hands,” Mr. Obama said at the Scripture, Dr. Berry said, wedging a brought, the parables he taught, and the enemies he made. they will run and not grow weary, they National Prayer Breakfast in 2011. challenging message in between. Components Include Published by will walk and not be faint.” “And there are some mysteries in this Despite Mr. Obama’s later es- Adult Study Book Youth Study Book Mr. Obama seldom attends church world we cannot fully comprehend. As trangement from the Rev. Jeremiah DVD with Leader Guide Children’s Study Book since moving into the White House it’s written in Job, ‘God’s voice thun- Wright, his former pastor at Trinity Devotional Book but occasionally alludes to his private ders in marvelous ways. He does great United Church of Christ in Chicago, he faith in public speeches. More often, things beyond our understandings.’” learned at the feet of a rhetorical mas- UMR13664000424 PACP01344561-01 Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789 he cites Scripture to connect with tra- Of course, not everyone agrees ter, said Martha Simmons, co-editor of ditions and arguments familiar to with Mr. Obama’s interpretation of Preaching with Sacred Fire, an anthol-

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