John Shugart came from Tennessee in 1860 to what is now Gardendale, Alabama, to plant a new church. Those early brush arbor services soon became Shugart Methodist Episcopal Church, South. That was the beginning of what today is Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Next year, we will celebrate our 150th anniversary in ministry.
Just over a decade later, Frances R. Havergal wrote a song that became the theme song for the church. No, it was never adopted as the church’s song. But the song “Take My Life” certainly captures the focus of this church family through the generations. Those early believers who built that first wood frame facility, gave their lives to Christ saying, “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.”
Beginning in January we will have a year long celebration of these 150 years of ministry in North Jefferson County. One of the things I’ve noticed as we look over the history is the commitment of God’s people to give their lives whole-heartedly to Christ and the building of Christ’s Church. They have lived the song, “Take My Life.” That is the reason I suggest it could well be the theme song of this church. We are blessed with this present location and facilities, because of people who did more than sing, “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.” What about you and me? Are we willing to make such a commitment?
The many ministries that take place today, happen because of people who continue to live the song, “Take my will, and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my life, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Penny War
Have you noticed the change wagons around the church? The Child Enrichment Center and Children’s Ministries are having their 2nd Annual Alabama verses Auburn Penny War. This year the funds will go to upgrading the Playground. Presently, Auburn is in the hole. You might ask how a team gets in the hole. Pennies score for your team. Silver change and dollar bills in your team’s bucket are a penalty against your team. For example, someone put a $20 dollar bill in the Alabama bucket in the office. That means $20.00 of pennies will have to be taken out of Alabama and put in the Referee’s bucket. So there are two ways to help your team. Put pennies in your teams bucket and other change and bills in the other teams bucket.
Last year, Alabama won, but the real winner was the Church. 72,500 pennies were raised and that went toward the pay off Principle on our Debt. This year, it seems that some Big Ten involvement has joined with Auburn. I understand one particular Big Ten supporter has been collecting money to help Auburn. So Bama fans, you have your work cut out. You know you don’t want to see Orange in the pulpit the Sunday before the real Alabama-Auburn game.
Last year, Alabama won, but the real winner was the Church. 72,500 pennies were raised and that went toward the pay off Principle on our Debt. This year, it seems that some Big Ten involvement has joined with Auburn. I understand one particular Big Ten supporter has been collecting money to help Auburn. So Bama fans, you have your work cut out. You know you don’t want to see Orange in the pulpit the Sunday before the real Alabama-Auburn game.
Church Facilites - Place of Ministry
September 23, 2009
Church Facilities – Place of Ministry
One of my images of the Church is the “Training Facilities” to the Body Christ. We gather in the Church facilities to worship Christ and to grow as disciples.
When many of us think about church, our mind goes to Sunday when the Church gathers for worship and learning. Some of us also think about Wednesday evening when a couple of hundred gather for G.R.O.W. opportunities. But these facilities are the place of many more ministries of which you may not be aware.
I’ve been thinking about all the ministries that took place on the campus this past weekend, September 18, 19 and 20th. Here are some of which I’m aware:
Friday, the Open Door Sunday School Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Land family, before Mary Land’s memorial service.
Friday and Saturday, pictures were being taken for our next Pictorial Directory. If you have not registered to have your picture taken, contact the office. We have had a great response, so some additional dates in October have been opened.
Friday evening the Chapel was the site of a wedding for some of our church family.
Friday evening the Fellowship Hall and Family Ministry Building were used for a Youth Fifth Quarter. In spite of bad weather that caused football games to be delayed and even canceled, 110 youth came to Fifth Quarter. A variety of activities were offered, food, of course and two of our youth (Haley Brown and Gregory Payne) shared their testimonies.
Saturday, a Prayer Vigil was held in the Chapel from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday Morning the Sanctuary was used for the visitation and Memorial Service for Charles Scroggins. Then the Fellowship Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Scroggins Family.
Saturday evening we hosted a Volunteer’s in Mission group from Ohio. This was not their first time to stay with us on their way to the Gulf Coast where they were helping people who are still recovering from the Hurricanes of the last few years. We tend to forget that recovery on the Gulf Coast is still taking place following the destruction of Katrina.
Sunday began with worship teams rehearsals, the Prayer Walk and preparations for hospitality.
The Volunteer’s in Mission Team from Ohio worshipped with us at the 8:30 service, where we had prayer for them.
We had new members join in two of our three Sunday morning services.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a training for Girl Scout Leaders in the Fellowship Hall.
On Sunday evening there were rehearsals for youth choir, Sonrise Team and Ladies ensemble.
Youth Small Groups and an Adult Living the Good Life group meet.
The weekend closed with the Evening Grow Service.
This was not a typical weekend, but not totally out of the ordinary either. The facilities here are used seven days a week to provide a variety of ministries. All of these ministries take place because of those who honor God by bringing their tithe to the storehouse.
The Fellowship Hall had to be cleaned and reset four times during this past weekend. The gym had to be set up for Crossfire Worship on Saturday, instead of Friday, due to Fifth Quarter. When you arrived Sunday morning, you found the facilities looking good and ready for fellowship, worship and study. This does not happen by accident. This variety of ministry happens because of dedicated custodians and committed volunteers who labor to have things looking good each week. And it happens because of persons who bring their tithe to the storehouse.
Church Facilities – Place of Ministry
One of my images of the Church is the “Training Facilities” to the Body Christ. We gather in the Church facilities to worship Christ and to grow as disciples.
When many of us think about church, our mind goes to Sunday when the Church gathers for worship and learning. Some of us also think about Wednesday evening when a couple of hundred gather for G.R.O.W. opportunities. But these facilities are the place of many more ministries of which you may not be aware.
I’ve been thinking about all the ministries that took place on the campus this past weekend, September 18, 19 and 20th. Here are some of which I’m aware:
Friday, the Open Door Sunday School Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Land family, before Mary Land’s memorial service.
Friday and Saturday, pictures were being taken for our next Pictorial Directory. If you have not registered to have your picture taken, contact the office. We have had a great response, so some additional dates in October have been opened.
Friday evening the Chapel was the site of a wedding for some of our church family.
Friday evening the Fellowship Hall and Family Ministry Building were used for a Youth Fifth Quarter. In spite of bad weather that caused football games to be delayed and even canceled, 110 youth came to Fifth Quarter. A variety of activities were offered, food, of course and two of our youth (Haley Brown and Gregory Payne) shared their testimonies.
Saturday, a Prayer Vigil was held in the Chapel from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday Morning the Sanctuary was used for the visitation and Memorial Service for Charles Scroggins. Then the Fellowship Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Scroggins Family.
Saturday evening we hosted a Volunteer’s in Mission group from Ohio. This was not their first time to stay with us on their way to the Gulf Coast where they were helping people who are still recovering from the Hurricanes of the last few years. We tend to forget that recovery on the Gulf Coast is still taking place following the destruction of Katrina.
Sunday began with worship teams rehearsals, the Prayer Walk and preparations for hospitality.
The Volunteer’s in Mission Team from Ohio worshipped with us at the 8:30 service, where we had prayer for them.
We had new members join in two of our three Sunday morning services.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a training for Girl Scout Leaders in the Fellowship Hall.
On Sunday evening there were rehearsals for youth choir, Sonrise Team and Ladies ensemble.
Youth Small Groups and an Adult Living the Good Life group meet.
The weekend closed with the Evening Grow Service.
This was not a typical weekend, but not totally out of the ordinary either. The facilities here are used seven days a week to provide a variety of ministries. All of these ministries take place because of those who honor God by bringing their tithe to the storehouse.
The Fellowship Hall had to be cleaned and reset four times during this past weekend. The gym had to be set up for Crossfire Worship on Saturday, instead of Friday, due to Fifth Quarter. When you arrived Sunday morning, you found the facilities looking good and ready for fellowship, worship and study. This does not happen by accident. This variety of ministry happens because of dedicated custodians and committed volunteers who labor to have things looking good each week. And it happens because of persons who bring their tithe to the storehouse.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
August 5, 2009
Being the Body of Christ
The song says “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” The Church is not a place we go, as we often say. The Church is the followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
I’ve seen the Church being Christ to one another this week. The Church grew during our 11:00 service on Sunday as three joined the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon Family. Members of the family were there to stand with and welcome these new members of the Family.
I witnessed the Church (Sharon Stephens) inviting family to worship. They filled most of a row of chairs in last Sunday’s 9:45 Service.
I witnessed the Church (Wallace and Jo Dickenson) spend a hot August day cutting shrubs, getting the Campus ready for Back to Church day.
I witnessed the Church get excited about the opportunities of a spiritual growth campaign, being called “Living the Good Life.” Tables were full Monday night with Ministry Team members planning the fall. Some spent over three hours planning. It is going to be an exciting fall.
I witnessed the Church there for the Burbage family during their journey in the valley. As I left the Funeral Home Monday evening, people were already lining up to weep with them. Then on Tuesday members of the Church provided a wonderful meal for them.
At the request of Sidney, Ginny Hughes was the Church as she blessed the congregation with the song, “Find Us Faithful.” Even in death, Sidney was reminding the Church to be the Church. And I witness the Church (Men’s Ensemble) turn out to have a part in celebrating Sidney’s homegoing.
I witnessed the Church (a generous follower) put some money in the hand of a father. I’ve witness this servant being there for others going through the family, cutting grass or providing some needed resources.
Yes, “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” Where have you been the Church lately?
Our Church is headed to Kenya on Thursday, as David Salters joins a Volunteers in Missions Team that will be serving with Michael Agwenda. We are haveing a prayer time for David and the Team on Wednesday night, August 5th, 6:15 in the Chapel.
Your staff continues to study the Book of Acts, attempting to learn what it means to be the Church from the early Church. Monday we were in Acts 4, where those early believers prayed for greater boldness in being witnesses. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be evidence of the Holy Spirit.
This Saturday, the Church will come together to pray for signs and wonders to take place in the Church. If you have not signed up for a 30 minute time of prayer in the Chapel, you can still come and pray. The Book of Acts confirms that something powerful happens when the Church comes together to pray. The Prayer Vigil runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday is Back to Church Day. I was in the hospital on Tuesday, visiting one who had surgery on Monday. As I was leaving she said she would be in worship Sunday. I said, “It’s Back to Church Day. I hope you willing be feeling like staying for lunch and afternoon activities.” She turned to her mother and said, “We want you to come with us Sunday.”
Who will you bring with you to Back to Church Day? It could be a family member, a neighbor, friends or some other association. Ask God to lead you to the person(s) God wants you to bring with you Sunday. The Good News we will be considering Sunday is “New Life is Possible.”
Every time you come onto the campus, you have the opportunity to be the Church in prayer. Become a Weekday Prayer Intercessor. Come 15 to 30 minutes early or stay a little later, and spend time in the Chapel praying for those who have made a commitment to invite someone during August and those they will be inviting. A prayer box is on the altar with instructions about praying for those who are planning to invite someone to worship during our Reach 2009 – August Camp Meeting Services.
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It is this Saturday, August 8th. You need to register today for this afternoon of fun. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Being the Body of Christ
The song says “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” The Church is not a place we go, as we often say. The Church is the followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
I’ve seen the Church being Christ to one another this week. The Church grew during our 11:00 service on Sunday as three joined the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon Family. Members of the family were there to stand with and welcome these new members of the Family.
I witnessed the Church (Sharon Stephens) inviting family to worship. They filled most of a row of chairs in last Sunday’s 9:45 Service.
I witnessed the Church (Wallace and Jo Dickenson) spend a hot August day cutting shrubs, getting the Campus ready for Back to Church day.
I witnessed the Church get excited about the opportunities of a spiritual growth campaign, being called “Living the Good Life.” Tables were full Monday night with Ministry Team members planning the fall. Some spent over three hours planning. It is going to be an exciting fall.
I witnessed the Church there for the Burbage family during their journey in the valley. As I left the Funeral Home Monday evening, people were already lining up to weep with them. Then on Tuesday members of the Church provided a wonderful meal for them.
At the request of Sidney, Ginny Hughes was the Church as she blessed the congregation with the song, “Find Us Faithful.” Even in death, Sidney was reminding the Church to be the Church. And I witness the Church (Men’s Ensemble) turn out to have a part in celebrating Sidney’s homegoing.
I witnessed the Church (a generous follower) put some money in the hand of a father. I’ve witness this servant being there for others going through the family, cutting grass or providing some needed resources.
Yes, “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” Where have you been the Church lately?
Our Church is headed to Kenya on Thursday, as David Salters joins a Volunteers in Missions Team that will be serving with Michael Agwenda. We are haveing a prayer time for David and the Team on Wednesday night, August 5th, 6:15 in the Chapel.
Your staff continues to study the Book of Acts, attempting to learn what it means to be the Church from the early Church. Monday we were in Acts 4, where those early believers prayed for greater boldness in being witnesses. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be evidence of the Holy Spirit.
This Saturday, the Church will come together to pray for signs and wonders to take place in the Church. If you have not signed up for a 30 minute time of prayer in the Chapel, you can still come and pray. The Book of Acts confirms that something powerful happens when the Church comes together to pray. The Prayer Vigil runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday is Back to Church Day. I was in the hospital on Tuesday, visiting one who had surgery on Monday. As I was leaving she said she would be in worship Sunday. I said, “It’s Back to Church Day. I hope you willing be feeling like staying for lunch and afternoon activities.” She turned to her mother and said, “We want you to come with us Sunday.”
Who will you bring with you to Back to Church Day? It could be a family member, a neighbor, friends or some other association. Ask God to lead you to the person(s) God wants you to bring with you Sunday. The Good News we will be considering Sunday is “New Life is Possible.”
Every time you come onto the campus, you have the opportunity to be the Church in prayer. Become a Weekday Prayer Intercessor. Come 15 to 30 minutes early or stay a little later, and spend time in the Chapel praying for those who have made a commitment to invite someone during August and those they will be inviting. A prayer box is on the altar with instructions about praying for those who are planning to invite someone to worship during our Reach 2009 – August Camp Meeting Services.
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It is this Saturday, August 8th. You need to register today for this afternoon of fun. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
That Old Time Religion
In the year 1860, a Circuit Rider from the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, began holding services in what is now Gardendale, Alabama. His name was John Shugart. He most likely began his ministry here with a series of evangelistic services known as a Brush Arbor or Camp Meeting. Since there was not a building when Brother Shugart arrived, a Brush Arbor was most likely built where the people would gather for fellowship and evangelistic worship.
August has become for us a “modern-day” month of evangelistic worship. Our settings for worship are much more comfortable than the old Brush Arbor. But like those old Camp Meeting services, this month will be a great time to invite your undiscipled friends, relatives, neighbors and social connections. All of our services during August will be informal, with causal dress. Even the 11:00 worship leaders will take off the robes and dress more causally. There will be inspiring music, lay testimonies and Good News preaching.
Speaking of Good News preaching, our world is in need of some good news. We live in a time when bad news is very prevalent. Residents of Jefferson County got more bad news this week with the announced closing of the Courthouse satellites. In the midst of the bad news, we Christians have some great news to share with the world. It is the Good News of God’s love, mercy and grace. I encourage you to invite your undiscipled friends to join you in worship as we celebrate some Good News each week.
Have you identified an undiscipled, unchurched person that God wants you to invite to worship? Have you made a commitment to answer Jesus’ prayer for laborers in His harvest? It is not too late to participate in Pray-Invite-Reach. Ask God to direct you to that person for whom you will pray and invite to worship, or invite to Back to Church on August 9th.
Weekday Prayer Intercessors are needed to spend some time in the Chapel praying for those who will be offering invitations during August. Numbers made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach during worship last Sunday (July 26). Those cards are now on the altar in the Chapel. When you are here on campus, go by the chapel and spend some time praying for those who have made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach and also pray for those they will be inviting. There is a guide you can us for that prayer time.
In the fourth chapter of Acts, we read where the early church prayed for greater boldness in their witnessing. That would be a good prayer for us to be praying. I cannot imagine the power that could be released if all of us would come by the Chapel sometime during the week and then participate in the Prayer Vigil on Saturday, August 8. The fourth chapter of Acts mentions thousands coming to faith following that prayer for greater boldness. Could it happen here? It really is up to us and our willingness to make this place a “House of Prayer.”
Invitation Cards are available to help you invite persons to Back to Church, August 9th. Studies show that personal invitations are the best way to connect persons to Christ and His Church. Pick up several of the Invitation Cards and use them to invite someone Back to Church.
Volunteers are still needed for our Back to Church event. For a list of areas, contact the church office, Linda Lawrence linda.lawrence@wachoviasec.com or Heather Lebischak hlebischak@constangy.com
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It will be on August 8th. You can find more information in the last Connection. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
Most of The Unexpected Adventure, small groups begin this coming week. If you have ever made an excuse about sharing your faith, these groups will be a great opportunity to become more confident. There are small groups Sunday through Thursday evenings and a few in the day time. If you are leading one of the groups, a Leaders Guide can be picked up in the office.
In addition to the Small Groups, I will be teaching on Faith-Sharing during the evening services in August. Join us at 6:30 on Sunday evenings for a time of worship and growing as a witness for Jesus Christ.
I believe God has something special in store for us during our Reach 2009-August Camp Meeting. He has brought teaching about faith-sharing, prayer and powerful evangelistic services together in order to change lives. Could we be on the verge of another Pentecost?
In the year 1860, a Circuit Rider from the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, began holding services in what is now Gardendale, Alabama. His name was John Shugart. He most likely began his ministry here with a series of evangelistic services known as a Brush Arbor or Camp Meeting. Since there was not a building when Brother Shugart arrived, a Brush Arbor was most likely built where the people would gather for fellowship and evangelistic worship.
August has become for us a “modern-day” month of evangelistic worship. Our settings for worship are much more comfortable than the old Brush Arbor. But like those old Camp Meeting services, this month will be a great time to invite your undiscipled friends, relatives, neighbors and social connections. All of our services during August will be informal, with causal dress. Even the 11:00 worship leaders will take off the robes and dress more causally. There will be inspiring music, lay testimonies and Good News preaching.
Speaking of Good News preaching, our world is in need of some good news. We live in a time when bad news is very prevalent. Residents of Jefferson County got more bad news this week with the announced closing of the Courthouse satellites. In the midst of the bad news, we Christians have some great news to share with the world. It is the Good News of God’s love, mercy and grace. I encourage you to invite your undiscipled friends to join you in worship as we celebrate some Good News each week.
Have you identified an undiscipled, unchurched person that God wants you to invite to worship? Have you made a commitment to answer Jesus’ prayer for laborers in His harvest? It is not too late to participate in Pray-Invite-Reach. Ask God to direct you to that person for whom you will pray and invite to worship, or invite to Back to Church on August 9th.
Weekday Prayer Intercessors are needed to spend some time in the Chapel praying for those who will be offering invitations during August. Numbers made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach during worship last Sunday (July 26). Those cards are now on the altar in the Chapel. When you are here on campus, go by the chapel and spend some time praying for those who have made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach and also pray for those they will be inviting. There is a guide you can us for that prayer time.
In the fourth chapter of Acts, we read where the early church prayed for greater boldness in their witnessing. That would be a good prayer for us to be praying. I cannot imagine the power that could be released if all of us would come by the Chapel sometime during the week and then participate in the Prayer Vigil on Saturday, August 8. The fourth chapter of Acts mentions thousands coming to faith following that prayer for greater boldness. Could it happen here? It really is up to us and our willingness to make this place a “House of Prayer.”
Invitation Cards are available to help you invite persons to Back to Church, August 9th. Studies show that personal invitations are the best way to connect persons to Christ and His Church. Pick up several of the Invitation Cards and use them to invite someone Back to Church.
Volunteers are still needed for our Back to Church event. For a list of areas, contact the church office, Linda Lawrence linda.lawrence@wachoviasec.com or Heather Lebischak hlebischak@constangy.com
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It will be on August 8th. You can find more information in the last Connection. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
Most of The Unexpected Adventure, small groups begin this coming week. If you have ever made an excuse about sharing your faith, these groups will be a great opportunity to become more confident. There are small groups Sunday through Thursday evenings and a few in the day time. If you are leading one of the groups, a Leaders Guide can be picked up in the office.
In addition to the Small Groups, I will be teaching on Faith-Sharing during the evening services in August. Join us at 6:30 on Sunday evenings for a time of worship and growing as a witness for Jesus Christ.
I believe God has something special in store for us during our Reach 2009-August Camp Meeting. He has brought teaching about faith-sharing, prayer and powerful evangelistic services together in order to change lives. Could we be on the verge of another Pentecost?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Talk to others about Jesus
Sunday, July 12th, Gina, Bethany and I began the day with worship on the beach. The Foley United Methodist Church holds a worship service on the beach at the Gulf Shores State Park. It was a beautiful morning and a wonderful experience of worship. The message asked the question, “Why I Love Jesus.” The seagulls joined in the praise of God as we sang. As the benediction concluded, a dolphin leaped off shore, as if it was dancing before God.
Later that day, we stopped by the grocery store. As I was waiting for Gina and Bethany to pick out some fruit, I entered into conversation with one of the employees. He greeted me, and as we often do, he asked how I was doing. I responded by saying, “It’s a great day. I began the day with worship on the beach.” At that he stopped straightening up the cans and said, “I hope to go to worship when I get off.” A brief conversation followed. It all happened because I made a simple reference to worship.
On the next isle I got ahead of Gina and Bethany again. As I stood waiting for them, an employee asked if he could help me. I told him I was waiting on my wife. He made a comment about having to wait on females that lead to the statement, “Can’t live with them and can’t live without them.” I responded, “But they are God’s gift.” He looked kind of shocked. Before I could go any further, another shopper asked him where to find something, so he turned and walked away.
I was open to those two encounters because of what I have been learning from the book, The Unexpected Adventure, by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg. Lee and Mark have reminded me that I have daily opportunities to enter into faith conversations if I simply look for an entrance point. The book has been more aware of seizing the little openings that have the potential of turning into the unexpected adventure of sharing Jesus. It is amazing how a simple reference to “worship on the beach” can turn into a conversation about Jesus.
This Sunday you will have the opportunity to purchase the book The Unexpected Adventure and sign up for a Small Group to study the book. Most of the Small Groups begin the week of August 2nd. We have groups Sunday through Thursday nights and some during the day. If you have ever made an excuse about witnessing, this study could be a blessing in your life.
I will also be doing some teaching about this adventure of faith-sharing the first 4 Sunday nights in August. I hope you will join us for worship and growing as a witness for Jesus Christ.
I believe God works in the timing of opportunities in His Church. I was lead to “The Unexpected Adventure” last spring. Only God knew that our Prayer Team would later decide to have the emphasis Pray-Invite-Reach or that the Evangelism team would lead us in a Back to Church Day. The timing must be a God work, for your participation in The Unexpected Adventure studies, can help you follow through with these other opportunities.
This Sunday, July 26, you will have the opportunity to make a commitment to the Pray-Invite-Reach emphasis. You are encouraged to make a commitment to pray for one to five unchurched/undiscipled persons who you will later invite to worship during Reach 2009-August Camp Meeting and/or Back to Church Day, August 9th. If you were in worship last Sunday (July 19) there was a Pray-Invite-Reach card in your bulletin. Pray-Invite-Reach cards will also be available this Sunday. I encourage you to prayerfully consider your friends, relatives, associations and neighbors, who God is leading you to invite to worship. There will also be Invitation Cards available to use in inviting persons to Back to Church Day.
Have you seen the line up of Discipleship opportunities that are beginning August 12? In addition to The Unexpected Adventure being offered during Wednesday Grow, there are numbers of others opportunities to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. It would be helpful if you would go ahead and sign up so that books can be ordered in time to arrive by August 12th. You can see a list of opportunities around the church and register by emailing Jeri Hunt jhunt@gmvumc.org.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Sunday, July 12th, Gina, Bethany and I began the day with worship on the beach. The Foley United Methodist Church holds a worship service on the beach at the Gulf Shores State Park. It was a beautiful morning and a wonderful experience of worship. The message asked the question, “Why I Love Jesus.” The seagulls joined in the praise of God as we sang. As the benediction concluded, a dolphin leaped off shore, as if it was dancing before God.
Later that day, we stopped by the grocery store. As I was waiting for Gina and Bethany to pick out some fruit, I entered into conversation with one of the employees. He greeted me, and as we often do, he asked how I was doing. I responded by saying, “It’s a great day. I began the day with worship on the beach.” At that he stopped straightening up the cans and said, “I hope to go to worship when I get off.” A brief conversation followed. It all happened because I made a simple reference to worship.
On the next isle I got ahead of Gina and Bethany again. As I stood waiting for them, an employee asked if he could help me. I told him I was waiting on my wife. He made a comment about having to wait on females that lead to the statement, “Can’t live with them and can’t live without them.” I responded, “But they are God’s gift.” He looked kind of shocked. Before I could go any further, another shopper asked him where to find something, so he turned and walked away.
I was open to those two encounters because of what I have been learning from the book, The Unexpected Adventure, by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg. Lee and Mark have reminded me that I have daily opportunities to enter into faith conversations if I simply look for an entrance point. The book has been more aware of seizing the little openings that have the potential of turning into the unexpected adventure of sharing Jesus. It is amazing how a simple reference to “worship on the beach” can turn into a conversation about Jesus.
This Sunday you will have the opportunity to purchase the book The Unexpected Adventure and sign up for a Small Group to study the book. Most of the Small Groups begin the week of August 2nd. We have groups Sunday through Thursday nights and some during the day. If you have ever made an excuse about witnessing, this study could be a blessing in your life.
I will also be doing some teaching about this adventure of faith-sharing the first 4 Sunday nights in August. I hope you will join us for worship and growing as a witness for Jesus Christ.
I believe God works in the timing of opportunities in His Church. I was lead to “The Unexpected Adventure” last spring. Only God knew that our Prayer Team would later decide to have the emphasis Pray-Invite-Reach or that the Evangelism team would lead us in a Back to Church Day. The timing must be a God work, for your participation in The Unexpected Adventure studies, can help you follow through with these other opportunities.
This Sunday, July 26, you will have the opportunity to make a commitment to the Pray-Invite-Reach emphasis. You are encouraged to make a commitment to pray for one to five unchurched/undiscipled persons who you will later invite to worship during Reach 2009-August Camp Meeting and/or Back to Church Day, August 9th. If you were in worship last Sunday (July 19) there was a Pray-Invite-Reach card in your bulletin. Pray-Invite-Reach cards will also be available this Sunday. I encourage you to prayerfully consider your friends, relatives, associations and neighbors, who God is leading you to invite to worship. There will also be Invitation Cards available to use in inviting persons to Back to Church Day.
Have you seen the line up of Discipleship opportunities that are beginning August 12? In addition to The Unexpected Adventure being offered during Wednesday Grow, there are numbers of others opportunities to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. It would be helpful if you would go ahead and sign up so that books can be ordered in time to arrive by August 12th. You can see a list of opportunities around the church and register by emailing Jeri Hunt jhunt@gmvumc.org.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
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