Reflections

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

May 24, 2012

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

WOW!!! What a night.  110 Kindergarteners and 4- year-olds graduated from our Child Enrichment Center Tuesday night.  They recited scripture; Psalm 100, John 3:16 and Psalm 23.   They also lead us in praise to God as they concluded their musical time with songs of worship and praise.  What a powerful moment it was when those 110 voices sang, “How Great Thou Art.” 

The Bible tells us that we are to pass on the faith to the next generation.  In Psalm 78 we read:  “He gave laws to the people of Israel and commandments to the descendants of Jacob.  He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.  In this way they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.” (Psalm 78:5-7; Good News)

I thank God for the staff of our Child Enrichment Center who seek to do just that, pass on the faith to the next generation.  And the children are getting it.  My 4-year-old grandson heard the name Mary the other day and responded, “That is Jesus’ mother.”   He went on to tell about Jesus’ birth, then His dying on the cross and rising again and living in our hearts.  I thank God for the teachers and staff who are helping pass on the faith so the children “will put their trust in God…”

I also thank the many persons who helped make Tuesday night a great success.  By the time the families and friends of those 110 children got into the sanctuary, it was packed.  Pews that comfortably seat about 12 adults had 13 to 15 persons on them.  Extra chairs filled every spot in the balcony.  Micah Dorman had a group of youth who helped the parking ushers.  And Marcia Cuellar had her faithful ushers and greeters showing hospitality.  I will not attempt to name all that served with them, but thanks to all who gave of their time last night.  Also thanks to Bob Bradley, Susan Payne and Alan Riethmaier for serving in the sound and media booth.    

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee and the Child Enrichment Center Board knew that finding the person God was calling to lead this vital ministry was critical.  The Interview Team worked through about 20 resumes.  There were some excellent candidates.  After working through the interview process, everyone agreed that the person that could best continue to move this ministry forward, as a ministry, is Kay Moman.  In another week, Kay will move into the role of Director.  Undergird Kay with your prayers as she assumes these new responsibilities and seeks, with the SPRC and CEC Board, the support staff who will be part of the administrative team. 

The Child Enrichment Center is just one part of our ministry to children.  The Children’s Choirs, under the direction of Stacy Curl and Carrie Gilmore, blessed us on Sunday night.  As Stacy said, they were worship leaders Sunday evening. 

  

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org. 

Reflections

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

May 16, 2012

 

SOWING IN TEARS

 

The title comes from this morning’s “Today God is First” devotional by Os Hillman.  Os reminded his readers that the “most difficult place to keep moving in faith is the place of extreme pain.  Extreme pain, especially emotional pain, can become immobilizing to the human spirit if it is allowed to overcome us.”  (TGIF, 5-16-12)

The Psalmist faced painful moments.  But he also knew a shepherd who walked with him through the valley.  In Psalm 126, he gives us a “remedy for overcoming painful circumstances that will result in joy.  We are to sow in the midst of these times.  You cannot do this if you live by feelings alone.  It is an act of the will.  This act requires that we go outside ourselves in pure faith.”  (TGIF)

 

As I read that devotional I remembered something I learned a long time ago:  Expression and Depression have the same root word, but they are total opposites.  You cannot have expression and depression at the same time.  Depression happens as we turn inward.  Expression cannot happen without turning outside of ourselves.  That is what the Psalmist is saying, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”  (Psalm 126:5)  He goes on in the next verse; “He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”  (Psalm 126:6)

 

Os Hillman concluded his devotion; “Pain can become a source of joy if we take the first step by planting seed.  There is a harvest that will come if we sow in the midst of tears.”  (TGIF)

This Sunday morning we will recognize our High School Seniors during the 11:00 service then with a meal after the service.  I’m going to be preaching a sermon titled, “Here’s the Way – Follow Him.”  You might want to look at John 14:1-7 in preparation for worship. 

On Sunday evening, 6:30 PM, our Children’s Choir will be leading us in worship.  We should fill the sanctuary in support of these young disciples.

Royal Family Kids Camp is just 2 months away.  Pam Ansardi and her team need our prayers as they finish training and especially for the registration of children.  Pray that God will open the doors for the kids who need this camp the most to be able to come. 

Moving day for the Greer’s is just under a month from now.  Be in prayer for Terry, Lisa and Suzanna as they finish packing and saying goodbye to the people of Decatur.  Terry has met with our staff and Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The SPRC is working with Terry as he plans to become the Senior Pastor here at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon.  His first Sunday will be June 17^th.   

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org. 

Reflections

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

May 9, 2012

A MOTHER’S PRAYER

Susana Wesley was the mother of Charles and John Wesley.  She played a major role in their faith development.  This prayer reveals why she was such an influence on Charles and John becoming the spiritual leaders they became:

God, I give You praise for days well spent.

But I am yet unsatisfied,

Because I do not enjoy enough of you.

I apprehend myself at too great a distance from You.

I would have my soul more closely united to You by faith and love.

You know, Lord, that I would love You above all things.

You made me, You know my desires, my expectations.

My joys all center in You and it is You that I desire.

It is Your favor, Your acceptance, the communication

Of Your grace that I earnestly wish for more than anything in the world.

I rejoice in your essential glory and blessedness.

I rejoice in my relation to You, that You are my Father, my Lord, and my God.

I thank You that You have brought me so far.

I will beware of despairing of Your mercy for the time which is yet to come,

And will give You the Glory for Your free grace. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

(Susanna Wesley)

(Shared by Kenny Baskin – Arab First UMC Newsletter)

This Sunday we will recognize mothers during our worship services.  Those of us who have/had mothers like Susanna Wesley need to take the opportunity to say thank you for their faithfulness. 

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org. 

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

May 2, 2012

INWARD OR OUTWARD FOCUSED?

I received an email this morning from Bob Brewis.  It contained an article written by Thom S. Rainer.  The title of Thom’s article was “The 10 Warning Signs of an Inwardly Obsessed Church.”  In the article, Thom points out that any “healthy church must have some level of inward focus.  Those in the church should be disciples.  Hurting members need genuine concern and ministry.  Healthy fellowship among the members is a good sign for a congregation.” 

 Then came the “But”;  “But churches can lose their outward focus and become preoccupied with the perceived needs and desires of the members.  The dollars spent and the time expended can quickly become focused on the demands of those inside the congregation.  When that takes place, the church has become inwardly obsessed.  It is no longer a Great Commission congregation.”      

Thom Rainer is a church consultant and, in his working with churches, he developed the following list of potential signs that the church may be moving toward inward obsession.  He suggests that a church that manifests three of more of these warning signs is on the way to become an inwardly obsessed church.  

1.    Worship wars. One or more factions in the church want the music just the way they like it. Any deviation is met with anger and demands for change. The order of service must remain constant. Certain instrumentation is required while others are prohibited.

2.    Prolonged minutia meetings. The church spends an inordinate amount of time in different meetings. Most of the meetings deal with the most inconsequential items, while the Great Commission and Great Commandment are rarely the topics of discussion.

3.    Facility focus. The church facilities develop iconic status. One of the highest priorities in the church is the protection and preservation of rooms, furniture, and other visible parts of the church’s buildings and grounds.

4.    Program driven. Every church has programs even if they don’t admit it. When we start doing a ministry a certain way, it takes on programmatic status. The problem is not with programs. The problem develops when the program becomes an end instead of a means to greater ministry.

5.    Inwardly focused budget. A disproportionate share of the budget is used to meet the needs and comforts of the members instead of reaching beyond the walls of the church.

6.    Inordinate demands for pastoral care. All church members deserve care and concern, especially in times of need and crisis. Problems develop, however, when church members have unreasonable expectations for even minor matters. Some members expect the pastoral staff to visit them regularly merely because they have membership status.

7.    Attitudes of entitlement. This issue could be a catch-all for many of the points named here. The overarching attitude is one of demanding and having a sense of deserving special treatment.

8.    Greater concern about change than the gospel. Almost any noticeable changes in the church evoke the ire of many; but those same passions are not evident about participating in the work of the gospel to change lives.

9.    Anger and hostility. Members are consistently angry. They regularly express hostility toward the church staff and other members.

10. Evangelistic apathy. Very few members share their faith on a regular basis. More are concerned about their own needs rather than the greatest eternal needs of the world and community in which they live.

How many of these signs to do you see in Gardendale-Mt Vernon?  There is certainly not a perfect church, because every local church is composed of imperfect people like you and me.  But, is Gardendale-Mt Vernon manifesting too many of these signs?

I’ve been asked about a place to keep up with actions at General Conference.  This is a very important day there as the restructuring plan is being dealt with.  The petitions related to human sexuality are also expected to come before General Conference today.  A good place to keep up with what is happening there is The Confessing Movement web page.  (www.confessingumc.org)

Tomorrow, May 3^rd, is the National Day of Prayer.  We will hold a Community National Day of Prayer Service tomorrow night at 6:30 pm.  The Rev. Larry Dodd, from The Church Revived, will share a meditation and we will spend most of the service in prayer.  See you tomorrow night.

Don’t forget, the CEC Golf Tournament is this Saturday, May 5^th.  The money raised will go toward the next phase of making the playground handicapped accessible.  You can go to the website www.gmvumc.org for registration and sponsor information.

         

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org. 

Reflections

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

April 25, 2012

IN WHAT DIRECTION ARE WE FOCUSED?

The General Conference for United Methodist began yesterday (Tuesday, April 24^th) in Tampa.  This morning Bishop Peter Weaver gave the Episcopal address.  Many have been passing on quotes from his address by Facebook and Tweeter.  In the words of Adam Hamilton, pastor at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, “Bishop Weaver nailed it!  Stirring Episcopal Address! Resurrection Revolution!”

Dr. Leonard Sweet passed on this statement of Bishop Weaver’s address: “Too many have swapped the ‘Let's Go!’ of the Great Commission for the 'status quo' of no mission.”  That is the reason many churches are not growing.  They have made the church all about themselves. 

Years ago Dr. Herb Miller shared that he was challenged to ask his congregation to raise their hands if they had brought someone to Christ.  Then he backed off, fearing no one would raise their hand.  But that is the critical question – have I introduced anyone to my Savior? Since the early days of the church, people have brought people to Jesus. 

In today’s culture, it often begins with an invitation to worship or some event at the church.  We send a questionnaire to all first time worship guests.  One of the questions asked; “How did you hear about Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC?”  Over half of those who return the questionnaire say they were invited to our church.  Sometimes they even write in the name of the person who invited them. 

In Second Corinthians, Paul calls us to be Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).  An ambassador is one who is sent out.  We cannot be ambassadors without going.  Yet, as Bishop Weaver said, we are often more interested in the “status quo” than in Christ’s mission of reaching the world.

 Shortly after we began the 9:45 service, one blamed me because his family was no longer sitting together during worship.  Some were going to the 9:45 service instead of sitting on the family pew at 11:00.  Today, the 9:45 service is not only our largest, but more baptisms and professions of faith take place in that service than the other two.  It is accomplishing what Bill Easum said, when he challenged us to begin a contemporary service at that time frame.  For those who don’t know the name Bill Easum, he is a United Methodist Church consultant who worked with our church about a decade ago.     

Bishop Weaver, in his address to General Conference also said; “None of this is for the preservation of the institution! But all of this is for the transformation of the entire world.”  Yet, the preservation of the institution, as we like it, is often our focus.  We tend to forget that this is not our church.  It is Christ’s Church.  And this church of Christ exists to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

I encourage you to continue to pray for General Conference as the business part of the Conference will soon begin.  It is my prayer that the mission of Christ will become the dominating theme of the congregation. 

Thanks to everyone who gave items, purchase items and served during the Mission Yard Sale.  Over $5,000 was raised to help send our Volunteers in Missions Team out.

Don’t forget, the CEC Golf Tournament is Saturday week, May 5^th.  The money raised will go toward the next phase of making the playground handicapped accessible.  You can go to the website www.gmvumc.org for registration and sponsor information.

    

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org. 

Reflections From Brother Rudy

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
April 18, 2012

MAINTENANCE OR MISSION?

Sometime back, Bishop Willimon shared a piece in his weekly
message entitled “Maintenance or Mission?”
It was an excerpt from an article by Harold Percy that had been shared
with him from the website http://www.crossmarks.com
The article has some important insights during this time of transition:
MAINTENANCE OR MISSION?
1. In
measuring the effectiveness, the maintenance congregation asks,
"How many pastoral visits are being made?” The mission congregation asks,
"How many disciples are being made?"
2. When
contemplating some form of change, the maintenance congregation
says, "If this proves upsetting to any of our members, we won't do
it." The mission congregation says, "If this will help us reach
someone on the outside, we will take the risk and do it."
3. When
thinking about change, the majority of members in a maintenance
congregation ask, "How will this affect me?" The majority of members
in the mission congregation ask, "Will this increase our ability to reach
those outside?"
4. When
thinking of its vision for ministry, the maintenance congregation
says, "We have to be faithful to our past." The mission congregation
says, "We have to be faithful to our future."
5. The
pastor in the maintenance congregation says to the newcomer,
"I'd like to introduce you to some of our members." In the mission
congregation the members say, "We'd like to introduce you to our
pastor."
6. When
confronted with a legitimate pastoral concern, the pastor in the
maintenance congregation asks, "How can I meet this need?" The pastor
in the mission congregation asks, "How can this need be met?"
7. The
maintenance congregation seeks to avoid conflict at any cost (but rarely succeeds).
The mission congregation understands that conflict is the price of
progress, and is willing to pay the price. It understands that it
cannot take everyone with it. This causes some grief, but it does not keep it
from doing what needs to be done.
8. The leadership
style in the maintenance congregation is primarily managerial,
where leaders try to keep everything in order and running smoothly. The
leadership style in a mission congregation is primarily transformational,
casting a vision of what can be, and marching off the map in order to bring the
vision into reality.

9. The
maintenance congregation is concerned with their congregation, its
organizations and structure, its constitutions and committees. The mission
congregation is concerned with the culture, with understanding how secular
people think and what makes them tick. It tries to determine their needs and
their points of accessibility to the Gospel.
10. When
thinking about growth, the maintenance congregation asks, "How
many Lutherans live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?"
The mission congregation asks, "How many unchurched people
live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?"
11. The
maintenance congregation looks at the community and asks, "How can
we get these people to support our congregation?" The mission
congregation asks, "How can the Church support these people?"
12. The
maintenance congregation thinks about how to save their congregation.
The mission congregation thinks about how to reach the world.
The Mission Yard Sale
helps our Volunteers in Missions Teams reach out to the world. The resources raised will help with Team
member’s costs for travel, room and board.
The sale is this Friday and Saturday, April 20-21. They will
receive items for the sale this evening. If you would like to help, they will be
setting up the Fellowship Hall following the evening meal and working all day
Thursday. You can bring your items
tonight or Thursday or call the office if you need someone to pick up items for
the sale.

The CEC Golf Tournament is just two weeks away. The money raised will go toward the next
phase of making the playground handicapped accessible. You can go to the website www.gmvumc.org for registration and sponsor
information.


As always,
your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

The Palm Sunday Parade

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

THE PALM SUNDAY PARADE

This morning in chapel with the children of CEC, we talked about parades. The Palm Sunday parade was not much of a parade compared to the Gardendale Christmas parade or Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day parade. There were not bands or floats, but there was a welcoming crowd, as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

On my first trip to Jerusalem, a parade of “scouts” suddenly drew the attention of everyone in the Old City of Jerusalem. For about ten minutes, young persons in uniforms marched through those old streets to the beat of drums. Those streets are so narrow we had to step into some of the shops to get out of their way.

I imagine the Palm Sunday parade created a similar disruption in Jerusalem. As Jesus
entered the gates of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, a crowd welcomed Him with singing and the waving of palm branches. Those who were in the city that day were suddenly aware of this little
parade. At least for a few moments, this little parade had gotten their attention and changed what they were doing. Some may have joined in the welcome of Jesus. Others were probably upset that their shopping had been disrupted. And we know the religious leaders were angered by the reception Jesus had received.

Jesus still comes to interrupt our daily lives. He wants to be allowed into our daily activities. Jesus never meant discipleship to become simply a Sunday experience. In talking about discipleship, He said it involved a daily response: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23; NRSV)

Jesus is looking for more from us than fans who sing “Hosanna” on Sunday. Jesus is looking
for committed followers, who seek to put Him first each day. As we approach this Palm Sunday are you a fan or follower of Jesus?

Don’t forget the Easter Egg Hunts that are coming up Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday,
March 31, Clyde and Brenda Cork will be leading the Easter Egg Hunt for the children
of our United Methodist Children’s Homes. Be in prayer for these children and those who
will be giving leadership. This will be held at Camp Sumatanga.

Then on Sunday, April 1, we have the Community Easter Egg Hunt at Blackcreek Park.
It kicks off at 4:00 PM. Invite the children in your neighborhood to the Egg Hunt. If it rains, the Hunt will be moved to the Church.

Also on Saturday, March 31 our Family and Leisure Team is having a Bunko Party. It begins at 7:00 PM. The cost is $5.00, with the money going to the Handicapped Playground. Walk-ins are welcomed.

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

Connection Between Relationship with God and Others

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

CONNECTION BETWEEN RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD AND OTHERS

Our staff has been studying the letter of First John. One thing is very apparent in the
letter: “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8; NRSV) In many different ways, John teaches us that love for God and love for others are connected.

This morning’s “Daily Hope” (March 21, 2012) devotion by Rick Warren, came at this same truth from a different way. His scripture was Isaiah 26:3; “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3; NLT) He opened his devotional with this statement; “I have made an amazing discovery: The more time I spend alone with God, the better I get along with other people. I can count on it!”

Dr. Warren went on to make this application of the scripture from Isaiah: “When you spend time with the Lord, you turn your thoughts to him. Then, you get along better with others, because he keeps perfect peace in your heart, andyou’re not as irritable.”

I have witnessed this recently in my own home. Gina and I will be tense and frustrated and let those feeling come out in the way we talk to one another. Then, we go back and read our
devotional and pray and our attitude changes.

Dr. Warren went on to say; “The more you spend time with God, the more you will enjoy the rest of your time. It will be more productive and more beneficial. You’ll get along better with
others and have fewer arguments because you’re drawing closer to God.”

This raises a question; What am I doing to draw closer to God on a daily bases? Sometimes we think we are too busy to prayer and read the Bible. Those who seemed to have drawn closer to God, like John Wesley and Martin Luther, would say, “We are too busy not to pray.” Bill Hybels has written a very helpful book on prayer by that title: TooBusy Not To Pray. I commend it to
you.

Speaking of prayer, we have a new Sunday School class that is beginning this week using the Prayer Guide for General Conference. General Conference, the major policy making body for United Methodist around the world will begin in about a month (April 24 – May 4). Upper Room Ministries has developed this prayer guide. Here is the link to download
a copy of this prayer guide: http://50daysofprayer.upperroom.org/

Don’t forget the Easter Egg Hunts that are coming up March 31 and April 1. Clyde and Brenda Cork are leading the Easter Egg Hunt for the children of our United Methodist Children’s Homes. You can help support this mission by marking your check for, Children’s Home Egg Hunt.



Then on April 1, we will have our Community Easter Egg Hunt at Blackcreek Park. It will begin at 4:00 PM. Amy Sizemore, our Children’s Director, share that a person donated 1000. The
Children’s Team will fill these plus one’s they already had with candy and other prizes. There are bins around thechurch where you can place candy for this Easter Egg Hunt.

This Saturday, March 24th, there are two outreach opportunities: A Team will be painting at the Women’s Center, beginning at 8:00 AM. You can contact Danny Dunson if you would like to volunteer to help. ddunson@pinnacleptg.com

Also this Saturday, The Hispanic Team will pass out flyers in 100 Oaks Trailer Park. The flyers will announce the Easter Egg Hunt on April 1 and a new Hispanic Bible Study that will begin on April 4. If you would like to help with this outreach, meet here at the church at 8:30 AM.

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

JOIN IN THE GREATER WORK OF PRAYER

Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer does not equip us for greater works; Prayer is the greater work.” Our Prayer Team kind of took that as their motto several years ago. It is a reminder of the importance of prayer. But I wonder, does our practice of prayer say we believe it is the greater work?

Our Ministry Team on Prayer has decided they needed to do more praying than meeting. So each month, on the Third Thursday, they join together in the Chapel for prayer. Anyone is invited to join them at 5:45 for this time of prayer. The purpose is to make this more of a House of Prayer, seeking God’s direction and power for His Church here at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon.

This Friday marks the beginning of another Prayer Opportunity. Upper Room Ministries has developed a Prayer Guide for General Conference. General Conference is the major decision,
policy body of the United Methodist Church worldwide. It meets every four years. It will meet April 24 through May 4 in Tampa.

In preparation for General Conference, Upper Room Ministries has developed a 50 Days of Prayer Guide for us to use before and during General Conference. The Guide begins this Friday, March 16 and continues through May 4, the last day of General Conference. You can down load the prayer guide at http://50daysofprayer.upperroom.org/

The 988 Delegates from United Methodist Conferences around the world will gather to act on issues that will determine the direction of the United Methodist Church for the next four years and even beyond. There are those who believe some of the decisions that will come before
this General Conference have the possibly of dividing our connection.

The Prayer Guide could be used in your personal prayer times and also with a group. This could be a good time to form a small prayer group who would get together each week and use this Prayer Guide to lead your prayer time. If you would like help in forming such a group, Marcia and I would be happy to help you.

Don’t forget the Easter Egg Hunts that are coming up March 31 and April 1. Clyde and Brenda Cork are leading the Easter Egg Hunt for the children of our United Methodist Children’s Homes. The children will gather from across the state at Camp Sumatanga. You can help support this mission by marking your check for, Children’s Home Egg Hunt.

Then on April 1, we will have our Community Easter Egg Hunt at Blackcreek Park. It will begin at 4:00 PM. The Children’s Team needs candy to fill over 1000 Easter Eggs for the Hunt. There are
bins around the church were you can place your candy. The sooner the better, so they can start
filling eggs.

This Saturday, March 24, the Hispanic Team will been passing out flyers in 100 Oaks Trailer Park about the Community Easter Egg Hunt and a new Hispanic Bible Study that will begin Wednesday, April 4th. If you would like to help with this outreach,be here at 8:30 AM.

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

Time With Jesus

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

TIME WITH JESUS

Are you using the Lenten Devotional Guide that was developed
by our Prayer Team? I have been blessed
each morning as I have read the devotional thought that was shared by one of
our Church Family. This morning I was
reminded by a devotional written by Danny Dunson to “Make Christ the
masterpiece around which everything else in your life is ordered.”

One way we keep Christ at the center of our lives is to pray. We live such busy lives and prayer can easily
be pushed out of our lives if we are not very intentional. I remember how Christ-followers like Martin
Luther and John Wesley guarded their morning prayer time and when they were
expecting an extra busy day, they would spend extra time in prayer preparing
for the day.

Another way we keep Christ at the center of our lives is the
daily reading of scripture. In yesterday’s
devotional, Jackie Phelps reminded us of the importance of reading the
instructions. It is difficult to walk in
God’s Way, if we are not growing in both the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

If you have not picked up a Lenten Devotional Guide, they
are available in the welcome areas around the church. Thanks to the Prayer Team for developing them
and for each who wrote a devotional.

In just over a month we will have our outreach ministries to
Children, two Easter Egg Hunts. For the
Easter Egg Hunt at Blackcreek Park, they need us to bring candy to fill the
eggs. For the Easter Egg Hunt at Camp
Sumatanga for the United Methodist Children’s Home they need our money to
purchase prizes. You can mark you check
for “Children’s Home Egg Hunt.”

Our Missions Faith Promise commitments continue to
increase. 92 have committed $63,348. We need $100,000 to sustain our present
commitments. Have you made your
commitment?

As always,
your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
February 1, 2012

IT IS HERE…

I’m not talking about National Signing Day. That’s where many sports fans are focused
today, on National Signing Day. And for
those who do not follow sports, this is the first day that High School Seniors
can sign to play football at the college level.
When I opened Tweeter this morning, the tweets were already being posted
related to National Signing Day.

What’s here for us is Prayer Walk for Missions. Many of us have been using the daily prayer
emails to pray for those mission agencies that will be joining us for IMPACT
2012. Tonight, between 5:00 and
9:00 PM you are encouraged to join in a Prayer Walk in which we lift up our
mission partners, pray for IMPACT 2012, pray for God’s vision to be caught and
our faithful response to God’s vision.

This Friday, IMPACT 2012 begins. It is about joining the move of the Holy
Spirit in being witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of
the earth. There will be times to
celebrate how God has used us in His mission this past year and times to hear
where God may be calling us this year.

Make plans to join in the excitement. You don’t have to have reservations to come
to any of the events, however, it would help us prepare if you signed up for
those times that have meals.

One list time let me remind you of the opportunities this
weekend. To register for any of the
meals, email Rachel Hodges at rhodges@gmvumc.org

Friday, February 3rd
12:00 Noon Senior
Luncheon
6:00 PM Celebration
Dinner - Gym
6:45 PM Opening
Ceremony – Sanctuary

Saturday, February 4th
8:30 AM Missionary
Breakfasts at Host Homes

If you would like to join a
host home, contact the host for information.

David & Tara Salters –
hosting the Osteen’s with Life for Children - Kenya
Brian & Jennifer Ledlow –
hosting Kipuke’s – Togo
Cory & Heather Lebischak –
hosting Susan Canafaz – UMC Global ministries
Rick & Dee Dee Coley –
hosting Monica Lopez – To Every Tribe
Jackie & Kathy Phelps –
hosting Mark & Robin Howard – Spain
Wayne & Paula Burrow –
hosting Wesley Denham – India
Waller & Jeffreys –
hosting Lennie Allen (Bridges of Peace) and the Guzman’s Mexico
12:00 Noon Communion
Service – Sanctuary
12:30 PM Family
Luncheon – meet the missionaries
1:15 PM Kids:
World Games
7:00
PM Mike’s Chair in Concert
– Sanctuary – tickets required. For
tickets go to http://www.tickets.com/ or follow
link for our web page; http://www.gmvumc.com/

Sunday, February 5th
8:30 & 9:45 AM Missionaries in Sunday School
Classes
8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM Michael
Mozley from the Mission Society preaching.

I encourage you to be in
prayer about your commitment to missions.
Our Missions Faith Promise Budget provides our support to our
mission partners. To sustain our present
commitments requires $100,000. Our
Mission Team feels lead to add some new partners. So the overall goal is $120,000. Remember, this is a second mile commitment,
beyond your tithes and offerings to the Ministry Budget. We find the Apostle Paul encouraging the
Church at Corinthians to receive such an offering 1 Corinthians 16.

Of course, our resources are
just part of the commitment God’s mission requires of us. Like the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8, God
calls us to first give ourselves fully to God.
In doing so, God has some part for all of us to play in His mission of
reaching the world. What part are you
playing?

There has been so much
response to the Tornados that they do not need teams this week. They need roads free so those removing brush
piles can do their work. They will need
teams again on Saturday, February 11.
Jim Jefferys will be leading our team.
You can contact Jim or Betty Langston blangston@gmvumc.org for more
information or to let them know you would like to be part of the team.


As always, your
responses to these Reflections are welcome.
You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

Rules for Life

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

Rules for Life

Kenny Baskins is the pastor at Arab First United Methodist
Church. In his January Newsletter he
shared an article that had been written by Lowell Grisham about a Rule for
Life. Grisham wrote:

One of the church’s ancient traditions
is a Rule for Life. A Rule for Life is
the spiritual counterpoint to a physical exercise plan created by a personal
fitness trainer. Many people will go to
a Spiritual Director for some help in devising a Rule of Life. Most just make some resolutions and promises
to themselves and start trying to live into their better intentions.

At our church we invite everyone to
live in a five-part corporate Rule of Life: Worship Weekly, Pray Daily, Learn
Constantly, Serve Joyfully, and Live Generously.

Their five-part Rule of Life sounds a lot like the vows we
made when we joined the church. We made
a promise to be loyal to the church and uphold it with our prayers, presences,
gifts, service and witness.

Kenny Baskin’s offered this five-part corporate Rule of Life
worthy resolution to help believers live a more balanced and meaningful
life. He then offered a short reflection
on each of the five parts:

Worship Weekly. Making
regular time to feed your soul, for it is critical to our emotional
balance.

Pray Daily. Some form of
daily recollection is incredibly valuable.
It is good to begin the day with some intention that reminds you of your
deepest values, your identity and calling.
It is helpful to reflect on the past day and to honor it with
thanksgiving and with intentions to make amends tomorrow wherever you can. In a real sense, to pray is to remember.

Learn Constantly. Education
is life long. It’s great to have a book
in progress and a subscription to some interesting magazine. (And I would add, to have a Bible Study
plan.)

Serve Joyfully. We all need
to have an outlet for offering ourselves to something beyond jour
self-interest. Researchers have found a
remarkable correlation between happiness and lives of service. It is deeply satisfying to find some need
that moves your heart, and then to discover a way to do something to contribute
to that need.

Live Generously. The old
words, “the best way to gain your life is to lost it,” is still true
today. Generosity is the antidote to the
soul-shrinking temptation of self-centeredness and greed.

Those five practices will provide us a good base for growing
“in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter
3:18; NRSV)

Tonight begins our winter session of Wednesday Grow. There are many opportunities to help us “Learn Constantly.” If you have not signed up for a Grow Class, come and find a place.
Children’s Choir and Youth Worship also begin anew tonight.

First Connection
Training is this Sunday. All Church
Leaders are encouraged to come and learn how this Body of Christ seeks to
connect persons to Jesus Christ and His Body and grow disciples to serve like
Jesus. Don’t forget to make your meal
and child-care reservations. You can
email Rachel Hodges to make your reservations:
rhodges@gmvumc.org

I have begun a four week look at The Lord’s Prayer on Sunday
night. Come and join us for worship at
6:30.

As always, your responses to these
Reflections are welcome. You can
email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.

A Creed for the New Year

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
January 4, 2012
A Creed for the New Year
Jackie Samples
introduced me to a devotional blog entitled “A Holy Experience.” It is
written by Ann Voskamp.
You can check
it out at http://www.aholyexperience.com/
The blog she
wrote on January 3rd was entitled, A Creed for the New Year.
She and her family have committed themselves to recite what she calls the Jesus
Creed every morning and evening. As I read her blog I was reminded
that Jesus was a Jew, who would have recited daily the Jewish Shema, “Hear, O
Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” It is taken from the
instructions of Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4. That verse was repeated
throughout the Jewish prayer time. It is followed by the next verse, “You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
In the
devotional Ann Voskamp offered a modification of the Shema for
Christ-Followers:
“The Lord our God, the Lord is One.
Love the Lord your God with all your Heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
Love your neighbor as yourself
There is no commandment greater than these.”
{Mk. 12:29-31}
Ann made this
application,
“What I’ve been reading aloud to the kids
, this Jesus Creed challenge we’ve taken up — to recite Jesus’ creed when we wake and when we
sleep every day for a month — for year — isn’t this Jesus’ Creed, isn’t it the
essence of koinonia:
Communion with God. Community with God’s people.”
What else is
there?
Relationship
is the essence of all reality. What else is
eternal but love — to God and His people, relationship with God and God’s
people? What can be shaken when we’re holding onto this?
That is a New
Year’s Resolution that is worth making. I’ve accepted the challenge of
this daily reminder of what Jesus called the greatest commandments. Paul
taught us to think on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable…”
(Philippians 4:8; NRSV) I cannot think of anything more true, just and
pleasing to God than what Jesus called the greatest commandments.
Next Wednesday, January 11th, there will be many new opportunities to grow deeper in God’s
Word. Here is a list of Wednesday Grow options. For more
information or to sign up for a class, contact Marcia Cuellar, mcuellar@gmvumc.org
**NEW** The Case for Christ
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 308
This course
led by Rev. Bill Wolfe will dig deeply into the evidence of Christ’s
divinity.
Course Length: 6 weeks beginning January 11 and concluding
February 15.
Book Required: The Case for Christ Participant’s Guide by Lee Strobel,
available in the Discipleship Office for $9.00.
**NEW** Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in the Chapel
This course
led by Rick White will dive into the well know work of Author C.S. Lewis as he
wrote of his understanding and case for the Christian faith.
Course Length: Undetermined - begins January 11
Book Required: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis available in the
Discipleship Office for $8.00.
Kindle edition
available
**NEW** Seeing Gray in a Black and White World
by Adam
Hamilton
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 306
This course
led by Chester Jolly will probe into those areas which so often divide
us and explore the means by which we find common ground despite our sometimes
passionate
differences.
Course Length: 5 weeks beginning January 11th and concluding February 8th.
Book Required: Seeing Gray in a Black and White World Participant’s
Guide, available through the Discipleship Office for $10.00.
**NEW** God Never Blinks
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 209
This course
led by Jimann Edmonds will examine the essays written by Regina Brett in her
book “God Never Blinks” these deeply personal stories of trial and triumph
uplift the soul and bring encouragement for all who have ever struggled in any
journey of life. Single parents may especially find this course to
be a wonderful resource.
Course Length: Undetermined –Begins January 11th.
Book Required: God Never Blinks by Regina Brett, available in the Discipleship
Office for $13.00.
Kindle edition available
**NEW** Good Sense (Biblical Financial Principles
for Transforming Your Finances and Life)
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in the Library
This course
led by CeCe McNeil uses the budget materials
written by
Dick Towner and John Tofilon to guide participants through sound, Biblical,
financial planning. This is a great course for those of any economic
background and can greatly benefit even the most skilled financial planner
through Biblical insight and resources.
Course Length: 6 weeks beginning January 11th and concluding February 15th.
Book Required: Good Sense Budget Course Participant Book available
through the Discipleship Office for $10 each.
(It is highly
recommended that this book is pre-purchased and preliminary homework completed
prior to the first session)
**NEW** The Story
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 320
This course
led by Marcia Cuellar will guide participants on a journey through the
beautiful story of God’s Word. See the heart of Christ from beginning to
end through this journey through scripture. And, see where your own story
fits into God’s grand design.
Course Length: 31 Weeks – Beginning January 11th and concluding August 29th.
Book Required: The Story and The Story Participants Guide both are
available in the Discipleship office for a combined cost of $14.Several
Kindle resources are available
**NEW** James - Mercy Triumphs (Beth Moore
Study)
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 305
This course
led by Cathy Harris will journey through Beth Moore’s latest study on the book
of James. Beth Moore’s exciting and relevant approach to scripture
encourages participants to examine their lives in light of God’s word.
Course Length: 8 weeks beginning January 11th and concluding February 29
Book Required: James Mercy
Triumphs Participant book available through the Discipleship Office for $18
each.
*Bible Study: Revelation
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 310
This course is
an in-depth Bible Study verse by verse on the book of Revelation. Rev.
Ben Hogan takes his students through the scripture exploring the symbolism and
hope found in this book of the divine revelation. This is a course
continuation from the last year but all are welcome to come in and pick up
where the class is currently studying.
Course Length: Undetermined
Book Required: Personal Bible
*Bible Study
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 318
This course
will explore a designated book of the Bible in-depth through expository
teaching lead by Rev. Jeri Hunt. Practical theological application is
explored and God’s Word is the primary text.
Course Length: Undetermined
Book Required: Personal Bible
*Threads and Prayers
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in the Parlor
This is a GROW
service oriented group that uses their knitting talents to create items to
donate to a variety of needs in the community.
Course Length: N/A
Book Required: None
*Conversational Spanish for Ministry
Wednesdays at
6:30pm in Room 317
This course
led by Dean Borden works through the Spanish language by use of CD
memorization, conversation, hymns, and more. Advanced and beginning
coursework are studied simultaneously. This is a great course for those
who are considering missions to Spanish speaking countries or local ministry to
Hispanic populations.
Course Length: Ongoing
Book Required: None
**NEW** Disciple IV (Under the Tree of Life)
Sundays at
5:00pm Room 319
This course
led by Marcia Cuellar goes further into the Disciple Bible Study series with an
in-depth look at the writings of John and Revelation. Disciple I is a
prerequisite to this course as it gives the foundation for further Disciple
Bible Study exploration. Discussion, videos, geographic, and historic
materials are examined in depth. This course requires a commitment of 32
weeks of both home study and 2 hour class attendance. It is well worth it
for the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word you will receive. Space
is limited in this Disciple Bible Study course so those who have completed
Disciple I should reserve their place by contacting the Discipleship Office.
Course Length:
32 weeks – Beginning January 15th and concluding September 16th
Book Required: Disciple IV
Student Manual and Personal Study Bible. Disciple IV manuals will be
available in the Discipleship Office for $38.00.
As always, your responses to
these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.