TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW December 28, 2007

In this issue of THE REVIEW
1. Epiphany Prayer from The Book of Worship
2. More Than a Shawl for Christmas
3. West Nashville United Methodist Church Reaches out to immigrant neighbors
4. Tadpoles, Frogs, Yumps , A Major Part of Church Renewal at Nolensville First UMC
5. Pastor experiences racial threats, cross burning.
6. 61st Avenue United Methodist Church Sheltered Reality Drumming Program,
7. Unleashing IRA Potential for the Church and Its Ministries. Dr. Vin Walkup presents some insights
8. Just One, meditation by evangelist Cinde Lucas
9. I Have Been Rewarded with New Friends in Christ at New Chapel UMC,-- Pastor Kevin Marston shares his thoughts on being appointed to a congregation with a vibrant Hispanic ministry.

___________________________


Everlasting God, the radiance of faithful souls,





you brought the nations to your light
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all the nations;
Through him who is the true light and the bright and morning star,
Even Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.


Latin Sacramentary, 5th-7th Century, The United Methodist Book of Worship #297





More Than a Shawl for Christmas

l. to r. in the photo: Rev. Carole Modlin, Allene Tandy, Mary Ann Matthews

Ninety-two years ago, Johnny B. and Lula Perry were blessed with their own special gift on Christmas Day…a precious daughter whom they named Allene.

Born in Alabama, she and her parents packed up their wagon with everything they owned and headed for Tennessee when Allene was not quite three years old. She remembers that just before crossing the state line, “We got out of the wagon, and Mama spread a picnic lunch on the ground by the roadside.” Her father gathered Allene, an only child at the time, into his arms and prayed, asking God to bless their life in this “new land of promise” to which they were headed.

When Pleasant Grove United Methodist Women attended the Pulaski District 2006 Fall Meeting at Prospect UMC, there were three prayer shawls which had been given to the Pulaski District UMW*. Immediately Allene’s name was mentioned as someone who might like to have one. The wool shawl went home with a Pleasant Grove UMW member who lined it with soft material and put pockets on the front… “for tissue or about anything else,” Allene said. Allene’s cousin, Mary Ann Matthews, and Carole Modlin, pastor of Summertown UMC, later presented the shawl to her. At that time, she was living in Magnolia Manor in Lawrenceburg. She still enjoys wrapping herself in the comfort of her shawl, and often expresses her thanks for it.

“To know Allene is to know a master gardener,” Mary Ann says. “She can almost make an old dry stick bloom.” She remembers when Allene’s house was always surrounded by a bounty of beautiful botanicals. Although Allene no longer tends her outdoor flowers, her green thumb touches an array of hale and hearty indoor plants in her assisted living apartment at Bowling Green Retirement Village, KY. Mary Ann tells that “when she was younger, Allene was a strong, active woman who worked along side her husband, tackling almost any task on their farm—jobs that normally were designated to men.”

Allene is not one to let her keen mind become idle, either. She still is an avid reader, and in her early 70s, she took a horticulture class along side one of her grandsons. She also has been an active member of several community organizations, and is a life-long member of Pleasant Grove UMC and UMW in Lawrenceburg.

Allene and her husband, Herbert Tandy, reared not only their own two daughters, but helped with the upbringing of their grandsons, and she is pleased to have a great-granddaughter who carries her namesake.

Yes, Christmas has always been a special day for Allene. It offers a day of double celebration for her and for her friends and family…that is, her own birth and the birth of the Savior whom she loves and has served all these years. Happy Birthday, Allene, and Merry Christmas!

*Prayer shawls came from the United Methodist Women National Assembly where they were prayed over before being distributed to the districts.


West Nashville United Methodist Church Reaches out to immigrant neighbors

Laura Feliciano (left) and Angela Flanagan work with church volunteers to meet one of the goals for the Spanish language program—“Help to heal people who have been spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially wounded—and to do so through a loving and caring discipleship.”

It’s been a long time! Given hurdles placed in the way one wouldn’t blame West Nashville UMC for giving up, but a look at the old neighborhood convinced them to continue trying to launch an Hispanic congregation.

West Nashville United Methodist Church was one of the Churches established when the West Nashville Community was laid out around 1889. Through the years it has been strongly involved with the community—everything from special community meals every Thursday night of the year (including holiday Thursdays such as Thanksgiving) to providing meeting space for community groups. When the neighborhood began to change and the number of immigrants increased dramatically, West Nashville UMC continued its involvement with the community – this time a changing community featuring language and culture from around the world. Many of the newcomers were Hispanic with the largest number coming from Mexico.

During English as a second language (ESL) classes Angela Flanagan works with children of the participants.

For over a year the congregation sought to enrich its ministries with special Spanish language programs, and a search was begun to find the right person to head up the ministry to Hispanics. Finally, after a wait of more than a year, District Superintendent John Collett and Bishop Wills found and appointed a person to serve part-time in West Nashville’s Hispanic ministry, Laura Feliciano. Feliciano, who also works for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, was open to the new opportunity for ministry. A native of Puerto Rico, she has been a member of Hamilton United Methodist Church and before that attended the Hispanic Fellowship when it met at Arlington United Methodist Church. She is a certified Lay Speaking Minister and is seeking certification as a candidate for ministry.

Certified ESL teacher Rebecca Rutledge


To assist with seed money for the Hispanic Ministry program, West Nashville UMC applied for and received a Congregational Development Grant from the Tennessee Annual Conference New Church Development and Hispanic Ministries Committees. The grant was given partially based on the commitment of the West Nashville congregation and partially due to a sociometric study of the west Nashville area, where the Hispanic community has grown substantially in recent years, and is most likely to continue rapid growth over the next few years.

The Hispanic ministry started with Sunday worship in Spanish at 2:00 p.m. each Sunday using the church’s chapel. Each Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the church hosts a free English-as-a-Second language class with Rebecca Rutledge as teacher. Laura Feliciano and Angela Flanagan, an intern from the Vanderbilt Divinity School, provide child care during class. After a 5:30 p.m. snack the children study Bible stories and learn songs to be performed during the weekly Hispanic worship service.

.Rosita Mayorga, (2nd from the left), representing the national Methodist Hispanic organization, welcomed West Nashville’s new Ministry

On November 25, Rev. Rosita Mayorga, secretary of Methodist MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa de Hispano-Americanos) visited West Nashville United Methodist Church, gave a warm greeting to the new Hispanic ministry, and pledged MARCHA’s support. Rev. Mayorga is the pastor El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church in Waukesha, the Wisconsin Annual Conference.

To say that Laura Feliciano is excited about the new Hispanic Ministry is an understatement, and probably the thing that motivates both she and intern Angela Flanagan the most is the response of the congregation. “We keep getting asked ‘what do you need for the ministry?’ or ‘how can we help more?’” they both note. There is also enthusiasm that West Nashville UMC is not made up of two congregations—“it is a single congregation,” says Feliciano, “we are not an Anglo congregation and an Hispanic congregation, we are, in fact, a multi-lingual church..” The congregation had been ethnically diverse even before the start of the Hispanic ministry, with membership including several second generation Hispanic families as well as African American families. The congregation even works with the nearby Global Education Center to celebrate cultural diversity. “Just last week,” adds Pastor Dennis Meaker, “we participated in the Center’s program which featured Hindu dance, Mexican folk dance and African drumming.

There is a sense that a real team has emerged including pastor Meaker, Director of Community Ministries Sherry Woolsey, a gifted and certified ESL teacher Rebecca Rutledge as well as Feliciano and Flanigan. “It’s always good to have qualified people available,” Meaker says , “and, when they come together at the same time in the place where they are most needed, there is a powerful sense that this effort has God’s Blessings. We are very encouraged.”

Vandy intern Flanigan, fluent in Spanish, has a gift of working with children, and shakes her head in wonder at all that has happened in two months. “I couldn’t have planned a better internship placement—helping to start a new program like this.”

There is no telling what the future will hold, but additional programs are already being proposed. Feliciano feels strongly that ultimately the congregation must offer tutoring services for the children. There is talk of an additional Spanish language time of worship, bible study, and prayer—possibly on Thursday evening; and some special joint services between the Anglo and Hispanic worshippers. The team has also been in contact with an individual who has a background in classical and sacred dance—so there may be a sacred dance group emerging involving both the Anglo and Hispanic young people.

You’ll probably not leave an interview with Laura Feliciano without her reminding you that September 15th through October 15th of each year is National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is her hope that every congregation of the United Methodist Church will celebrate the month in some special way.

Part One (to be continued)
Tadpoles, Frogs, Yumps , A Major Part of Church Renewal at Nolensville First UMC

Nolensville First UMC is know as the church with the red steeple and is a town landmark

New Church Development studied congregations around the world in a variety of contexts. The goal was to discern common areas of congregational life that crossed all racial, ethnic, and contextual lines. The research identified eight common areas of congregational life.

The second of the eight essential quality characteristics is “Gift-Based Ministry. When Christians serve in their area of their spiritual gifts, they generally function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary?” What is measured? To what extent are the tasks in our church distributed according the spiritual gifts of individual Christians?

In the spring of 2007 Nolensville First United Methodist, with Loyd Mabry as its guide, took the New Church Development Assessment survey. Upon completion of the church wide survey, it seemed obvious to church leadership that they needed to make a priority of the area related to passion for ministry—the second essential, deepening spiritual gifts.

Pastor Sandy Shawhan (right) and Children’s Ministry Director Carol DeMumbrum

During the summer a small task group was developed to study about their gifts together, and then to guide the church in developing a short program to teach about gifts and to help each person better discern their gifts and find ministries to use those gifts. To date the small group has learned about their gifts and is in the process of formulating a strategic plan to implement deepening of spiritual gifts throughout all areas of the church.

In conjunction with this study the congregation is also in the process of re-designing the administrative body (Council of Stewards) from one that focuses on reporting the past into a leadership body that provides vision and direction for the guidance of the church in its focus and mission for our community.

This January First UMC will begin the reforming of its council with a gifts study and then a process of listening and design of a vision and direction for the church.

“Our goal,” notes pastor Sandy Shawhan, “in this whole process is to become a church united by its vision for the future. Within the process we will also become stronger in making and training disciples through a gift based ministry program.

Nolensville First United Methodist Church is an historic congregation, and the church building with its red steeple is a landmark in the Nolensville Community. It wasn’t too many years ago that Nolensville was the hub of a thriving dairy industry and was surrounded by farms and the familiar sight of grazing dairy cattle. In 2007 most of the farms are gone, and the city of Nolensville is one of the fasting growing communities in Tennessee. Just in the area of children’s ministry it is obvious that the church’s focus on “Gift-Based Ministry” has unleashed a great deal of creativity: Children’s ministry focuses on experiential learning through the Live B.I.G. curriculum. The children are divided into three groups: kids from infant to 3-years-old are the “Tadpoles”; Children from 3 ½ years of age through 3rd grade are the F.R.O.G.S (acronym for “Fully Rely on God”); and 4th-5th graders are the “Y.u.m.p.s, an acronym for “Young United Methodist Persons.” Fun, devotional time, and learning are mixed together—but there is a strong outreach component for all children.

“With a growing Nolensville community,” says Children’s Director Carol DeMumbrum, “the children wanted to welcome new neighbors with welcome bags. Thirty bags of useful items and information were created and taken out to newcomers.”

Helping others was a major theme as children along with their families, served dinner and prepared lunches for the homeless men spending the night at the church as part of Room in the Inn. Over $1600 was collected for the Annual Conference Children of Kamina offering in 2007, and the children visited Ronald McDonald House of Nashville, taking with them aluminum soda pop tabs (sale of the tabs is a major fund raiser for Ronald McDonald House).

“Ones for the One” collection site reminds church families to bring a dollar to support the congregation’s outreach and children’s missions

Through “Ones for the One” fund the children and the church are able to reach out to children in the community and beyond. Each Sunday church families are asked to bring a dollar to support our outreach and children’s missions. This year the congregation supported a child named Samuel through Compassion International. Nolensville children are enjoying writing and receiving pictures and letters from Samuel.

Nolensville First United Methodist also sponsors the Jacob’s Ladder Pre-School for 3-5 year olds. This non-profit cooperative preschool continues to increase in enrollment and has increased in size to 47 children.

As an evangelistic outreach of the church, Jacob’s Ladder continues to introduce children and their families to the love of Jesus Christ. All aspects of the curriculum reflect God’s gift of creation and desire to be in relationship with His people. Participating families and staff take part in other aspects of the church program such as VBS, mission events, and children’s program.

Next Month: The Bloomery and other Nolensville First UMC programs


Pastor experiences racial threats, cross burning
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
Dec. 13, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)

The Rev. Robert Utley is recovering from a heart attack after finding a burning wooden cross and noose on his front porch Dec. 10.

The Rev. Robert Utley

Utley, a resident of Nashville and pastor of Clark United Methodist Church, McMinnville, Tenn., reported hearing someone banging on his door shortly after midnight. When he investigated, he found a small wooden cross on a stack of newspapers burning on his porch. On his gutter a thin white rope had been tied into a noose.

The Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, a close friend and mentor, said the shock of the incident sent Utley to the hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered a small heart attack. Hayes is pastor of Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tenn.

Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. Nashville Metro Police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said a note left at the scene contained "threats of a racial nature" toward Utley and a co-worker. Utley is a supervisor at Caremark, a pharmaceutical services provider.

"There is some thought that the incident may be related to his work (at Caremark), but that is still under investigation," Mumford said.

Hayes said he also thought the incident was related to Utley's job at Caremark. "He and a couple of other people at work received white envelopes containing white powder a month ago," he said.

Hayes describes Utley as a "very generous, very giving man."

"We decry any form of racism and violence against other people," said Bishop Richard Wills Jr., episcopal leader of the Memphis and Tennessee Annual (regional) Conferences.

"I have a zero tolerance for racism or gender bias against any of our churches or any of our people. This act was so blatant and easy to see. My experience is that racism is still around but has grown more subtle and harder to identify," he added.

"This is a terrible thing to be happening in this day and time," Hayes said. "We have to look at different ways of venting our frustrations and not through hatred and not through any means of sending messages of this nature. This kind of thing is not of God and is not something God's people will tolerate."

Bishop Richard J. Wills

Wills noted that several superintendents and laity in leadership roles will be at Lake Junaluska, N.C., this weekend for a training event on diversity.

"We are trying to make sure all people in leadership are aware of the importance and values of diversity and those forces which try to block our efforts to be God's people in an imperfect world."

* Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.


61st Avenue United Methodist Church Sheltered Reality Drumming Program

The 61st Avenue Sheltered Reality Drummers

Scott Frech is a member of Brentwood United Methodist Church, and is part of the Family Covenant Sunday School Class that supports the ministry of 61st Avenue United Methodist Church with resources and volunteers. In his role as volunteer at 61st Avenue UMC Frech arranged for two friends, percussionists from Iowa, to give a performance at the church. The percussionists-- Steve Schlosser and Jordan Fratt--were so impressed with the neighborhood programs at 61st Avenue they felt that this would be an ideal spot to begin a Nashville section of a National Program—a program that blends music and drumming with what is basically a religious message. The primary message is that we can all succeed if we:

• Take a chance
  
• Never give up.


• Believe in ourselves.


• Are willing to do whatever it takes
  
• Believe in God
  

With involvement from young people (and a few adults) in the 61st Avenue neighborhood, the Sheltered Reality Drumming Program was launched. The program now numbers some seventeen drummers (ages 7years and up) Nita Haywood, 61st Avenue Children and Youth Director is amazed at the changes she sees in those who participate in the program: “It is awesome to see the growth in the children as they learn how to vent frustrations through drumming. It is loud, meaningful, takes dedication and practice to learn the various drum routines. Together the children and adults absorb a valuable sense of hope through the lessons and are able to implement the guidelines for successful living into their daily existence. Everyone is also encouraged to make a difference in the community through outreach and mission opportunities.

The Sheltered Reality Drummers practice twice per month not counting any performances that might be scheduled. Each practice runs for 2 ½ hours. One practice is locally run by Scott Frech, the Brentwood volunteer who originally brought the two talented percussionists to 61st Avenue UMC. The second practice is handled by either Steve Schlosser or Jordan Fratt from the national Sheltered Reality program headquartered in West Branch, Iowa. Schlosser and Fratt’s original performance at 61st Avenue has had a definite impact on many neighborhood families –through an increased love of music and a number of young drummers who have grown in self-esteem.

If you would like further information about the program contact Nita Haywood, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, 61st Avenue United Methodist Church, 6018 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209. 615-292-7184


Unleashing IRA Potential for the Church and Its Ministries

Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup, President of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation reminds you that the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2007, allows person 70½ and older to give directly from a traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Account to a church and/or charitable ministry. How can a person unleash this potential? This may be done, with consultation from the administrator of the IRA, an accountant or other professional advisor, by transferring the amount that is required to be withdrawn this year (or any other amount up to a total of $100,000) to the church, the ministry, or institution.

Dr. Vin Walkup

Gifts must fully qualify for the charitable deduction and generally may not be made to a private family foundation or advised fund. Also, they cannot be used to fund a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity and still qualify for the tax-free status of the gift.

Are there any special procedures? Yes. It is important that tax-free gifts not be withdrawn by the individual, but instead be distributed directly to the church, ministry, and/or institution. We suggest that the individual check with the administrator of the IRA or other advisors for more information.

If a person directs a portion of an IRA or other retirement assets to his/her church, to ministries, or institutions related to the church, as part of an estate plan, will that help save taxes? Yes. Funds remaining in retirement accounts at death are considered part of an estate for federal tax purposes and could be subject to estate taxes. Unlike most other assets left to heirs, retirement funds that remain after estate taxes will also be subject to income taxes. Many well-advised people will choose to avoid this “double-taxation” by funding charitable gifts with such funds. Once again, your Foundation recommends that you check with your financial advisors to see the best ways in which you can maximize your estate giving and minimize the taxes your estate and heirs will pay.

The purpose of sharing this is to provide general gift, estate and financial planning information. This is not intended to provide legal, accounting, or other professional advice. You may contact Vin Walkup at the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation, 304 S. Perimeter Park Dr., Suite 3, Nashville, Tennessee, 37211, (615)259-2008, or by email at vwalkup@nashaumf.org. He continues to be available for stewardship programs, general gift-planning seminars and to work with individuals and their advisors to discern ways to extend the love of Christ across time.


Just One
By Cinde Lucas*

James 1:27 says that pure religion is to reach out to the homeless and loveless, in their plight and for us to keep ourselves unspotted from the influences of the world. While this verse is used most often in reference to orphans and widows, I prefer the Message version of this verse, homeless and loveless. In our efforts to evangelize the world, we must be careful not to overlook the homeless and the loveless in our own families and communities.

Cinde Lucas shares her testimony in song during the Laity Luncheon, 2007 Tennessee Annual Conference

The word homeless (orphans) can also mean one who is without a teacher or leader. The homeless and loveless are those that are stranded, abandoned and forgotten, much like the victim that the Good Samaritan happened upon in Luke 10. This story reminds us that if we're not careful, our religion can cause us to overlook people. The Priest and the Levite, both of whom represent the religious community, couldn't fathom helping this guy who had been beaten, robbed and left for dead. They deliberately turned their eyes away, because their hearts were calloused and unloving. But the Samaritan, who understood what it was like to be rejected and forgotten, had compassion for the man. He went to where he was, bandaged his wounds, and took him to an inn. The Love of God should compel us to reach out to those that have fallen victim to evil influences of this world, not turn away from them. This may mean ministering to them BEFORE they come to church.

All along the paths of our daily lives, we meet and see people that have experienced the cold blows of life. We blame the government and poor upbringing, but the truth is that the CHURCH is called and anointed to reach out to them and teach them God's way. We become doers of the word when we DO IT, not when we study it! We seem to be willing to go to Africa and other countries, which indeed we should. But I wonder what would happen if we'd just look for the ONE on the side of road that God wants us to become personally involved with? I wonder what impact we could have if every Christian became a living example to JUST ONE?

Jesus said in Matthew 25 that when we reached out in love to ONE of the least, we were in essence reaching out to Him. True discipleship is coming alongside someone, meeting them where they are, and sharing our lives with them. Jesus was only in close relationship with a handful of men and women. His willingness to be in close relationship with them and teach them His ways empowered them to become His followers after His death. Most of us are not called to minister to hundreds. But we are all called to minister to ONE and that one may be right in our own back yard. Maybe it's a family member or a coworker. Perhaps it's a teenager that needs a mentor. I'm thankful for those that God brought to my rescue. My heart's cry is that the Church will open her eyes and see the homeless and loveless and begin to minister to JUST ONE!

I want to encourage you to be on the look out for those that are stranded and abandoned; the homeless and loveless. Don't be like the Priest and Levite who turned their heads and went the other way. Step out in faith, reach out in love, and allow the compassion of God to touch them through you. The greatest reward you will ever receive comes when you abandon yourself and reach out to JUST ONE!

Prayer: Dear Lord, open my eyes to see the one that You would have me reach out to. Use me to speak a word of encouragement that will lift their spirit and brighten their day. I ask You to empower me with Your heart of compassion to reach out in love. Guard me against judgment and criticism. Help me to be a DOER of Your Word to Just One today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
*Cinde Lucas is an singer, song writer, and evangelist. She ministers through Cinde Lucas Overflow Ministries. Find out more about her through the website http:llwww.cindelucas.com



I Have Been Rewarded with New Friends in Christ at New Chapel UMC
By The Rev. C. Kevin Marston

In 2006, I was appointed to New Chapel United Methodist Church in Springfield. Like most pastors, I began to explore what I could about the community and the church. Meeting with the PPR, I learned about the church, its worship styles, projects, programming, and ministries. Most of the activities and ministries were familiar, except Hispanic Ministry. This would be a new experience for me.

Rev. C. Kevin Marston (back) and Joyce McAllister (front center)

The ministry had been the vision of church member Joyce McAllister, a community translator and advocate. The ministry was nurtured into being under the leadership of Rev. Paul Purdue, New Chapel’s former pastor. New Chapel began this ministry in 2004 as a language class for adults and mentoring for school age children, with childcare for pre-school age children. In the first year our Hispanic neighbors participated in VBS and shared in a baby shower.

Recently, I was asked, “What does Hispanic Ministry at New Chapel mean to me?” I have pondered this question quite a bit. For me the answer is reward. I have been rewarded with new friends in Christ. I have been rewarded emotionally and spiritually.

The program remains similar to the original intent. One afternoon a week we meet after school. While Joyce teaches the parents language skills, I and a handful of volunteers help with homework, play games, color, and eat snacks with the kids. This is certainly a reward in a busy weekly personal schedule.

Pastor Marston is one of a handful of volunteers working with children while the parents are involved in the ESL class.

I am also rewarded when I visit the local elementary school and get hugs from the kids. When the parents and I meet in the area businesses, I visit with my new friends and share a special bond.

One my greatest rewards came during Advent of 2006. On the third Sunday of Advent we adapted the “Las Posadas” service from The United Methodist Book of Worship (#266). That day we celebrated as a true representation of the Body of Christ. Between our worship services we ate both Anglo and Hispanic traditional treats and enjoyed the children bursting a Piñata.

The reward which stands strongest in my memory was the closing prayer of the service. My prayer was translated by my 8 yr old friend, Alan. In that prayer, my knowledge of how the Lord hears prayers in all languages became very real.

I could wax theologically and quote scriptures such as Deuteronomy 10:19 “show your love…” But each week at Hispanic Ministry I am transported back to the Sunday School song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”. I am reminded Jesus truly loves us all and calls us to live in this reward of love.

Grace and Peace
C. Kevin Marston

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW December 14, 2007

In the December 14th issue of THE REVIEW

1. Good news of great joy for all the people—the Christmas message.
2. Trinity United Methodist Church set to help transform a community—congregation partners with YMCA in creation of Synergy Center
3. The Light of Jesus Never Grows Dim, reprinted article by missionary to North Carolina Lucy Neeley Adams.
4. The best is yet to be!! God has plans for the United Methodist Church—meet Dr. A .Hill, pastor of Franklin First United Methodist Church and the person our conference has endorsed as a candidate for Bishop.
5. “Eye of The Storm” to be theme of 2008 Warmth in Winter, February 8-10,
6. Church’s year-end statistical report can be filed online—for the first time the year end report can be filed either in paper form or online
7. “857 plus One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Seven,” Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner reflects on the future of the church.
8. United Methodists take Food Stamp Challenge—nationally released article features an interview with the Rev. Sonnye Dixon.

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Good news of great joy for all the people

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Congregation partners with YMCA in creation of Synergy Center
Trinity United Methodist Church set to help transform a community

First row seated (left to right): J Lawrence Exective Director, YMCA Urban Services Center; E.C. Ferguson, Chair of Trustees, Trinity UMC; Ed Mercer, Chair, Administrative Board Trinity UMC. Standing (left to right): Dr. Ben Jordan, Pastor Trinity UMC; Rena Knight, YMCA Urban Services; Lenore Capley (with great-grandson Logan) Trinity UMC; Edna Young, Trinity UMC; James Capley, Treasurer Trinity UMC; Dawana Wade, vice-president of Youth and Community Development for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee: the Rev. John Collett, Nashville District Superintendent.

On Wednesday, November 28th, 2007, officials from the YMCA and leaders from Trinity United Methodist Church gathered to sign an agreement creating what is to be called the East Nashville Synergy Center. The YMCA would lease (for $1.00 per year) a major section of the Trinity UMC second floor for the creation of a center to bring together agencies seeking to enrich the lives of children and youth in east Nashville.

Historically, Trinity United Methodist Church was one of the most vital churches in the Tennessee Annual Conference, but in the 1960s and 70s the East Nashville neighborhood began to change. Membership began to decline through the eighties and nineties and into the 21st Century. At the same time the average age of church members increased substantially and at the 2007 session of Annual Conference the congregation could report an average worship attendance of only 38 persons with no children or youth on the Sunday School rolls. Despite its beautiful historic sanctuary and large multi-storied educational wing, Trinity United Methodist Church seemed to be in a state of institutional decline.

Fast forward to the end of November 2007 with the declining congregation determining that it needs to make a difference in the community. In partnership with the YMCA, and the Salvation Army, Trinity UMC has become a major part of an effort to improve the lives of children and youth in zip code area 37207. Most of the church’s large second floor will house the East Nashville Synergy Center—a clustering together of YMCA programs and the offices of other agencies working to make a difference with East Nashville families.

J Lawrence, Executive Director, Y MCA Urban Services Center, in proposing the Synergy Program to his Board, indicates what the program is all about: “Webster defines synergy as a cooperative action taken in such a way that the total effect is greater than the sum of the effects taken independently. Utilizing the concept of synergy and applying it to the power of the Holy Spirit, the idea of creating a place that brings a variety of agencies and organizations together to perform “Good works” and share the love of Jesus is the foundational ideology behind the East Nashville Synergy Center.”

Pastor Ben T. Jordan is optimistic about the possibility of church growth and renewal though the congregation is definitely moving through uncharted waters. “Trinity United Methodist Church is excited about the new partnership with YMCA Urban Services. We are a bit like modern day Abrahams as we step off in faith in this venture. We are planting the seed trusting that God will bring much fruit in the years to come.”

“The partnership between Trinity UMC and the YMCA,” notes Nashville District Superintendent John Collett, “offers the church a fresh opportunity to reconnect with its neighbors—children, youth, adults, and families. Through the many programs of the Y the community will come to Trinity. Our hope is, that through these programs, bridges for relationships will be built with the congregation and for a deeper walk in Christian faith. I am very proud of the members of Trinity who stepped up to this opportunity.”

The YMCA/Trinity United Methodist synergy partnership started with a jointly sponsored Vacation Bible School.

Even before official papers were signed creating the Synergy Center, an initial program sponsored by the newly established partnership was launched to “test the waters.” In the summer of 2007 the partnership created a Vacation Bible School using the theme Lift Off! Over 100 children participated. Debbie Short, an employee of the United Methodist Publishing House and a former member of Trinity whose parents are still part of the congregation, was shocked one night to get a phone call from her mother, Dot Reed. “She called me to get some advice because she was put in charge of the VBS craft center. Well, I was a little surprised since Trinity has less than a handful of children and I started asking questions. It turns out that Trinity was partnering with the YMCA to offer the VBS program. You can imagine my excitement when I asked which VBS program they were doing, and she said ‘Lift Off!’ You can imagine her excitement to learn that I had a large part in the Lift Off! Training presented to the Direct Sales staff here at UMPH.”
“So, the perfect opportunity for my ‘Take Time to Give Time’ contribution – I helped in the craft center two of the four afternoons. And I also helped do some work ahead of time to get the crafts ready. I was glad to be in on the first Synergy Center project. It was successful, and much bigger and better things are to come for children in the 37207 zip code I pray for God to lead the organizers as they work toward their Synergy Center vision.”

Questions about the Synergy Center? Email Ben T. Jordan, ben.jordan@vanderbilt.edu, or J Lawrence, jlawrence@ymcamidtn.org


The Light of Jesus Never Grows Dim
By Lucy Neeley Adams*
Permission to use this story granted by The Mountaineer , Waynesville, NC.

It seemed to be a regular night in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Shepherds on the hillsides were caring for their sheep. I imagine it was dark and dreary, because they were astounded when angels appeared with a message: "Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people."

Even more exciting were the words: "For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2: 10-11).The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Baby Jesus lying in a manger, just as they were told. Years later, when Jesus began his ministry, we read in John 8:12 that he said, "I am the Light of the world. All who follow me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life."

There is only One whose light has been the answer to a walk in the dark. When we chose that Light, our lives are filled with His peace, His presence and His power.

But many choose to live on the hillsides of life. They have not, or will not, accept the Light into their lives. They settle for artificial light that comes from different sources. At Christmas, the lights on Christmas trees seem to shout to the onlooker, "Hey look at me, I'm so beautiful." And yes, the Christmas tree lights are beautiful, but they are gone within a few weeks.

Another light that does not last more than a few weeks is described in a joyful song the composer wrote of a reindeer that had a special light on his nose. It has brought laughter and great joy to children of all ages. We can only imagine the little strange nose that was such a great help at this special time of year.

An advertising clerk for Montgomery-Ward in Chicago was working at his desk in the fall of 1939 when his boss walked by and asked: "Can you come up with a new gimmick for the Christmas shoppers this year? Sales were slow last Christmas."

The clerk, Robert May, set to work. The simple request gave birth to an idea that was eventually to explode into the popular-music phenomenon recognized world-wide as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." May drew a cartoon-style reindeer and wrote a poem about its life.

That 1939 creation brought lighthearted laughter to many people and was credited with selling lots of extra toys for the store and mail-order company. Thousands of poems were distributed and the funny little reindeer with a red nose began to acquire a life of its own. Most are familiar with the poem, but few realize that the story is actually auto-biographical. Robert May apparently reached into his own life to portray the personality of Rudolph - the sad little reindeer who was laughed at and not allowed to play with the others.

The author's daughter, Virginia Herz, has revealed that the poem tells a story similar to her father's life. "He was a very shy man and felt like an underdog", she says.

With his shining red nose, Rudolph was the only reindeer who could provide a guiding light to Santa. That Christmas Eve night was dark, and only Rudolph could lead the sleigh. He fulfilled a lofty purpose for his life. Suddenly he was important and his friends changed their attitude. They even shouted out - with glee - that he would go down in history.

Ten years later, the poem became the basis for a short movie cartoon. Rudolph's fame spread when music was added. Popular cowboy singer Gene Autry recorded it and millions of records were sold.

By the time it was made into a television special in 1974, it had become a part of America's Christmas tradition. The original poem with Rudolph memorabilia is on display at Robert May's alma mater, Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.

The light of Rudolph's nose is a joy to behold in pictures. But it is only a symbol of a temporary light that serves a purpose for a little while but is soon gone.

There is a Light that never grows dim. However, there was a period of my life when I did not have that Light, even though I thought I did. I was raised in a Christian home, attended church all my life, married a minister, and we became missionaries in another country.

But one day my whole life was changed when I realized that I did not know how to pray. I was alone in the waiting room of a hospital in New Mexico. Fear enveloped me as I waited while my nine-year-old son, Scotty, had emergency surgery.

I picked up a booklet called Adventures in Prayer. The author, Catherine Marshall, described her experiences in prayer, which did not resemble anything I knew. She prayed as if she were actually talking to God as a real person. That relationship sounded too good to be true, but I longed to experience it. I knew that all of my church attendance since childhood would not sustain me during those anxious moments.

So I began to pray, "Lord, are you listening? I have never known you. But I want to. Help me." I could not imagine what would happen. This was the most exciting prayer I had ever uttered.

Within the week, Light began to flood my soul. Not only was my son well again, but my life would never be the same. I was excited about each new day. I joined a prayer group in my church. Those joy-filled women had the Light of Jesus on their faces as we studied and prayed together. Years have passed, but I continue to walk the path of eternal life as I trust and grow in my Christian faith.

Lord God almighty, I come into your holy presence because I have been given that honor by your son, Jesus, the Christ. As I celebrate His birthday during this glorious time of the year, continue to guide me to that Perfect Light that never ceases. Steer me away from any temporary lights that dazzle but offer nothing. If the manger was dark before He lay there, it will never be dark again. That is why I lovingly make a manger of my heart.
In Jesus' name,

Amen

Lucy Adams and husband Woody celebrating their 52nd Anniversary at the 2007 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference

*Lucy Neeley Adams has always loved music. She began telling the story of hymns on Christian radio WWGM in Nashville, TN, in the '80s. She then wrote a newspaper column titled "Song Stories" for five years. During that time Lucy's book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions, was published by Abingdon Press in Nashville. Each of the 52 stories contained in the book is written in a devotional format, with the words of the hymn concluding each devotion. Lucy, dubbed "The hymn lady," can be heard on the first Thursday of each month when she discusses hymn stories during a telephone interview with Michelle Mendoza of "Living Christian". The program is aired on station KCIS in Seattle, Washington. Lucy lives at Lake Junaluska, NC, with her minister husband, Woody. They have four children and fourteen grandchildren. She may be reached for comment at lucya424@aol.com. Visit her at 52hymns.com

A reflection by Dr. A. Lynn Hill, the person the Tennessee Annual Conference has endorsed for the office of Bishop
The best is yet to be!! God has plans for the United Methodist Church

(Editor’s Note: In naming Dr. A. Lynn Hill as head of the clergy delegation to the 2008 General Conference and then endorsing him for election to Bishop, the Tennessee Annual Conference obviously feels that he has the spiritual qualities and leadership abilities to help turn the decline in the United Methodist Church around. Past history bears this out—every congregation that Dr. Hill has served has grown in membership. Here are Dr. Hill’s reflections on what needs to happen if the United Methodist Church is to become a viable and growing representative of God’s loving concern for the world. Hill also reflects on his own strengths, faith experiences, and sense of dedication—the personal spiritual background, abilities, and insights he could bring to the office of Bishop of the United Methodist Church.)

The best is yet to be!! Thanks be to God!! I sincerely believe this about the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church. Our best days do not reside in some distant past only to be visited with a sense of nostalgia, but they lie ahead of us as we lean into God’s future expecting God to do more than we could ever hope or dream. God doesn’t promise us that it will be easy. However, God does promise not to leave us in our journey from where we are to where God would have us be.

Dr. A. Lynn Hill

While affirming that the best is yet to be, I am compelled to say that the United Methodist Church stands at a critical crossroad in our long history. We have some clear choices to make if we are to be faithful to God’s call upon our lives. We already know much of what doesn’t work in being the people God wants us to be. To continue following these ineffective ways will only hinder us from attempting new things for God.

If the best is yet to be, we have to admit it will be an awesome challenge seeking to lead the United Methodist people in a single direction. Our beloved church is varied in its theological understanding, forms of worship, and ministry settings. So we must admit there are some things on which we do not agree. Yet, we are to see ourselves as family. When we do, it will become clear that we don’t disown one another when we disagree. It means that we have to work even harder to focus on the greater causes that unite us. While it will be hard, we must commit to love one other, support one other; pray for one other so that our churches may more fully become communities of love, hospitality, compassion, service, and places of justice for everyone. When our theology moves from “me” to “we,” the best is yet to be.

If the best is yet to be, much will be required of those who hold the office of bishop. For the one in this office can provide a unifying force grounded in the love of Christ. As the chief shepherd, the bishop sets the tone for an area: inspiring laity and clergy to love with a radical kind of love and then sending them out to serve in new ways. As a pastor for 32 years, I have begun each day with a prayer asking Jesus to help me, that day, to make a difference in the life of another and to share my faith in such a way that the love of Jesus is more real to them and to me. One who is chosen to be a bishop is to do this even more. The sheep are always to follow the Shepherd. I know who and whose I am. Helping others to know Jesus in traditional and “out of the box” ways has always been my passion. Empowering others to do the same will ensure that the best is yet to be.

If the best is yet to be, then the people called United Methodist must stay focused on the main thing. For me the main thing is found in the command of Jesus in Matthew 28: “…go and make disciples…” To do that as a bishop will involve several things. It will mean getting to know the people, listening to their stories, affirming all the good things that God is doing, and then seeing together how God would have us live our discipleship in service to the world. Our work will be directed to God’s agenda and not our own. While we will have family disagreements, we would never forget that we are family. Therefore, we must treat each other with respect and listen to each other in love. As bishop I would remind myself and others regularly the words of Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” We would then seek to be reconciled to God and each other. Then we would see the best breaking in upon us in ways we had never even dreamed.
If the best is yet to be, then we must keep Christ at the center of everything we do. This is done by holding on tightly to the promise of Jesus to all who would follow Him, “I am with you always…” As a bishop it would be imperative that scripture be the primary foundation on which everything else is built. By staying unswervingly committed to the doctrines and disciplines of our church, we will have a better understanding of what it is that binds us together in a worldwide witness of outreach and mission. Holding to the promise of Jesus’ abiding presence and the historical discipline of our church, the best is yet to be.

If the best is yet to be, then we must, without fear, acknowledge the challenges that face us. We face them unafraid because we do not face them alone or in our own strength. We serve a great God who does the impossible all the time. Sometimes we are just a little slow in seeing it. Sometimes our faith is a little weak in believing it. But thanks be to God, God does it anyway. Then we are encouraged and given hope.

If the best is yet to be, we must name the loss of membership in America over the last 50 years as unacceptable. In some places this loss in membership and failure to make new disciples goes on for generations. Having served all sizes of congregations in rural, suburban, urban, and transitional communities, I have seen firsthand that it is impossible to find a place where people are not seeking the Good News of Jesus we have to give. When this Good News is offered in love, when persons are accepted where they are, but challenged to grow, they will come. They come not to prop up an institution, but to serve a risen Savior who has transformed their lives. They now can testify that the best is yet to be.

If the best is yet to be, we must name the shrinkage of financial support for the General Church ministries. As a member of GCFA, I have seen the painful results of the lack of necessary funding for the worldwide ministries of the UMC. This is more than a financial failure. It means that someone who could have heard the Good News of the love of Jesus didn’t hear it. It means that one who needed a strong voice to call out for justice hears only silence. It means that much of the work of Jesus commands us to do goes undone. Then God’s people continue suffering and God weeps. As a bishop I would seek to encourage cooperation between Boards and Agencies with local congregations. Instead of competition we would seek cooperation so that what each does best is supported by the other. Then we catch a glimpse that the best is yet to be.

If the best is yet to be, we must name the crisis of low clergy morale. A number of factors contribute to this crisis, but a major one is the failure of the appointive system to keep pace with the dramatic changes of the 21st century on the needs of both pastors and congregations. As bishop I would see that one of my greatest challenges and deepest blessings is to help pastors and congregations be recaptured by the joy of knowing that they are children of God who have been blessed with the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus with the world. Being reminded of God’s love for us, who could be satisfied with simply “going through the motions” of ministry? Who could be content with looking back to some idealized memory of “do you remember when?” Instead, we would be energized with the “wind and flame” of Pentecost. We would reclaim our roots of being a people of heart and mind. A people whose hearts on fire for evangelism in its widest understanding of sharing the love of Jesus with others. Evangelism would become our DNA from which every ministry would be formed. A people whose minds while bound together in love, will be unafraid to struggle together with the difficult questions of faith and theology. Then lovingly struggle together until we get to that place where God would have us to be. Then our churches will become communities of love, compassion, and service that are spiritually alive and doctrinally grounded. Making a difference in the communities of which we are apart and the world we can say with confidence, the best is yet to be.

As a bishop I will set some clear priorities. I will bring new energy to the appointment of pastors acknowledging the issues facing both laity and clergy in the world today. While appointment-making is not an exact science, my experience as a pastoral leader of congregations from 125 members to nearly 3,000 members in many types of ministry settings, as a district superintendent and dean of the cabinet, as a leader serving in various positions on the district, annual conference, and general church levels gives me the insight to the spiritual gifts and abilities needed to lead our church from merely surviving to thriving. I will give a high priority to deploying pastors to match their particular gifts to the particular needs of the church. This can be best done through open evaluation of the gifts God has given and the way they can best be used to strengthen the witness of the church.

John Wesley was a powerful spiritual force in the world of his day. As a bishop I will build teams of clergy and laity to think and act creatively about how we can once again connect with our world today with that same Christ-centered power. My greatest satisfaction as a bishop will come in seeing myself and others to once again be capture by the sheer joy of being a child of God. What greater joy could anyone have than to “go and make disciples” all the while knowing Jesus Christ is with us. Then we will know that the best is yet to be!

To these priorities I will dedicate all of my efforts and energies. My prayer is that God will use me as God sees fit. The one thing I absolutely believe is that in the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church, the best is yet to be! Thanks be to God!

Grace and Peace,
A. Lynn Hill

“Eye of The Storm” to be theme of 2008 Warmth in Winter, February 8-10

By Beth Morris

Has it already been a year? It has and that means it is time for churches and youth groups to begin thinking about Warmth in Winter 2008! Our largest conference youth event will be held on Feb 8 – 10, 2008 at the Nashville Convention Center. It may be large, but there is always room for more. We hope every church will join us!

This year’s theme is “Eye of The Storm”. With music leadership by 3 Mile Road, each session will be geared to help us look at how God is the peace we need and can be the “eye” of the storm our lives tend to be. The irrepressible Don Washburn will also be present for his own magic blend of crazy dances..

Our speaker this year is well known in youth ministry circles. Bob Stromberg has a very unique way of sharing. His ministry is a perfect blend of standup, story and schtick. He will truly bring our topic to life.

Beside our worship times, the Warmth in Winter weekend will also include meals, workshops and mission opportunities, YSF fund raising, district meetings and free time activities. Each youth group will have their own youth group devotional each evening.

Groups can register by mailing in their registration or by going on-line to http://www.tnumcyouth.org/. Event registration and housing options are available on the same site. Don’t wait too late! Get your registration in now while the price is $55.00 per person. After Jan 10, the price goes to $65.00 per person.

Bob Stromberg

More about Bob Stromberg: For over thirty years Bob Stromberg has been delighting audiences of all ages with his unique presentation style. Always clean, his presentation is a disarming healthy blend of knee-slapping comedy and wholesome encouragement.

Bob's remarkable gift is his ability to interact with an audience and facilitate surprising laughter with an arsenal of gifts including physical comedy, a non threatening touch of audience participation and yes...even hand shadows, which the London Metro described as "stunning". Add to this hilarious and tender stories from his own experience and audiences leave amazed, refreshed and different than when they came.

He has been a featured and favorite emcee for many large stadium and arena gatherings. He has written the best selling Why Geese Fly Farther than Eagles, Finding the Magnificent in Lower Mundane and the beautifully illustrated book for families, The Miracle at Stinky Bay. Many recognize Bob from his performance on the award winning TV show Bananas.

Perhaps most notably, he coauthored and starred in the megahit theatrical production Triple Espresso, ( A Highly Caffeinated Comedy). From it's start in Minneapolis, Triple Espresso, described by the Los Angeles Times as "...a triple jolt of inspired craziness" grew to ten casts, has been seen by over a million people in dozens of cities from Seattle to The West End of London.

Church’s year-end statistical report can be filed online

Beginning January 1, churches will be able to file their 2007 year-end statistical reports online. Distribution to pastors of the paper forms began December 3, but churches are encouraged to use the new optional online filing. Instructions for both electronic and paper filing are included in those packages.

“Online filing is part of Rev. David Hawkins’ legacy. David, together with Nancy Pearson in the Office of Administrative Services, began working with GCFA nearly a year ago. David knew that the online system would be more efficient and more accurate. It will also would give pastors, district superintendents, and conference leadership instant access to our churches’ statistical data,” according to Jim Allen, interim conference treasurer and statistician.

Because the online system closely resembles the familiar paper forms, church pastors and treasurers are not being required to attend a training program. The system verifies the mathematical accuracy of entries, and provides online help and hints. For example, if a church enters 50 males, 50 females, and 110 total members, the system will not allow the data to be saved until the discrepancy is corrected. On some fields, it also compares new (2007) data to 2006 data, and it will display a warning if the change seems to be too large.

The traditional paper forms must be created in the local church, retyped into a computer in the conference office, and reviewed in the district. “Every person who touches a form or number may make an error. By giving the local church the information and power to enter and correct the data themselves, error-free statistics will become available more quickly.”

Churches can now login to http://eagle.gcfa.org/ to set their password, identify the primary user, and look at their 2006 data using the “username” and “password” contained in the packages. To see an example, enter the username “BlakemoreUMC” and the word “password” for the password.

The system will be “live” for churches to use on January 1. Churches have until February 17 to submit the forms online. If the church chooses to continue mailing in the paper version, those forms are due in the district office on February 1, 2008.



“857 plus One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Seven”

By Bishop Michael J. Coyner*

Bishop Michael J. Coyner

I have just returned from a wonderful event at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, which was called the “Extended Cabinet Convocation.” As a follow up to our regular meeting of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we gathered District Superintendents, Lay Leaders, and other Conference leaders from all over the world to join us in this special weekend to focus upon the future of our denomination. 857 persons were registered, and including spouses and guest there were nearly 1,000 persons present.

This is the first such gathering which has occurred since 1969 (just after the merger of the former Methodist Church and the former Evangelical United Brethren Church to form The United Methodist Church), and really it is the first such gathering for this purpose since 1808.

What did we do? We had wonderful worship, we gathered in small groups for prayer and support, we met in joint Cabinet meetings (our two Indiana cabinets met with the West Ohio Cabinet since our Indiana Area is just about the same size as West Ohio and we wanted to learn from each other), and we focused upon getting ourselves into alignment to lead this denomination.

Here are the other numbers which we all agreed upon:

One mission statement: “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”

Two breathing lessons – the church and all Christians must breathe in the Spirit of God, and then breathe out in service to the world.

Three simple rules for living as United Methodists: “Do no harm; do good; and stay in love with God.” Those “Three Simple Rules” are available in a wonderful book by Bishop Rueben Job (former World Editor of The Upper Room) which carries that title. We bishops and leaders have committed ourselves to teaching those rules of our United Methodist way of living. I urge all of our pastors and lay leaders to get that book, to reach it, and teach those three simple rules for our United Methodist way of living.

Four focus areas for our United Methodist Church in the next quadrennium. The whole denomination will be asked at General Conference to affirm a budget and a plan which aligns our church in these four areas: Starting New Churches, Developing Leaders, Ministry with the Poor, and Global Health. For the first time, all of the general agencies of our church are aligning themselves to a major focus upon these areas of emphasis. Of course those agencies and all of our local churches and conferences will continue many other good works, but we have agreed and are asking the General Conference to focus on these four areas.

Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. We heard an excellent presentation by Bishop Robert Schnase from his book by that title, in which he emphasized that effective congregations engage in: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. Again, I urge all pastors and lay leaders to get that book and to learn from it. Our two Cabinets have even discussed making those Five Practices the focus of all Charge Conference reports in 2008 – doing away with much of the current paperwork and asking each church to report on how well they are doing with these practices.

Finally, these efforts are all a part of what we in the Council of Bishops have adopted (and the Connectional Table of our UMC has also adopted) as our Seven Vision Pathways to the Future.

These on-going pathways include:
1. Developing New Congregations
2. Transforming Existing Congregations
3. Teaching the Wesleyan Model of forming Disciples of Jesus Christ
4. Strengthening Clergy and Lay Leadership
5. Reaching and Transforming the Lives of New Generations of Children
6. Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
7. Eliminating Racism as we expand Authentic Racial/Ethnic Ministries

I doubt that these numbers or this brief report can fully convey to you my enthusiasm for this past weekend’s event or my hope for the future of our denomination. For the first time in my life and ministry, I sense that the leaders of our church are coming together to lead and guide and model for our church a common and united effort in ministry. You will hear more about these efforts to align our church for the future, and hopefully the numbers will all add up to a faithful and effective United Methodist Church. Please join me in praying that it may be so.

*Michael J. Coyner is Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church


United Methodists take Food Stamp Challenge
By Chuck Long*

For one week in November, the Rev. Sonnye Dixon lived on mostly hotdogs — not hotdogs of particularly high quality, either — in an effort to understand what it’s like to live on $21 a week.
The pastor of Hobson United Methodist Church, Dixon participated in the Food Stamp Challenge, living on the average weekly food stamp allotment provided by the U.S. government.

The Rev. Sonnye Dixon took the Food Stamp Challenge recently, living on mostly hotdogs for a week. A UMNS photo by Ronny Perry.

To draw attention to hunger issues, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs recently invited civic and spiritual leaders across the United States to participate. The exercise first started in the summer of 2006 in Pennsylvania when the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger asked local residents to take the challenge.

Dixon’s hotdog diet wasn’t particularly tasty, but it was illuminating for him in a ministry that includes many lower-income and impoverished people.

"Near the end of the week, because of the diet, I became irritable, my sleeping patterns became messed up, so the whole notion of what happens and the impact that the diet has on the individual, all were made very real to me," Dixon said.

"It sensitized me more to some people who are in my congregation and what they go through on a weekly basis in order to be able to find a good healthy meal."

Scant pantries
In the land of plenty, plenty of Americans are going hungry.

In the United States, more than 10 percent of adults and almost 17 percent of children live in "food insecure" households, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It’s not a healthy diet at all, it’s just sustenance," says Sam Davis, a food stamp recipient in Nashville, Tenn. A UMNS photo by Ronny Perry.

One of Dixon’s congregants, Sam Davis, relies on government aid, and his story echoes that of countless food stamp recipients. When Davis was laid off from his job, he had no income and couldn’t afford to buy food.

Davis is a hulking, genial man who knows his way around his small kitchen. He also knows that the choices on his pantry shelves are limited.

"I get repetitious to what I eat. Basically, I eat the same thing every week," said Davis, whose menu consists of beans, spaghetti, high-fat hamburger meat and, if it's on sale, chicken.

"My steak is hamburger. With hamburger, I can make chili, I can make a hamburger patty or I can put hamburger in gravy," Davis said. "What I eat is a lot of leftovers. I cook up a chicken, well that’s going to be two meals."

An onion is a rare splurge. "Just the other day, I paid $2 for an onion," he said.

Davis is one of more than 26 million Americans relying on food stamps. Subsisting on $1 per meal presents numerous obstacles. Food stamp recipients' diets consist mainly of rice, beans and low-cost starches. There’s very little room in the budget for most meat, dairy products, fresh fruits or vegetables.

"Grant you, it’s not a healthy diet at all, it’s just sustenance," said Davis. "I could go into a store, and I could only buy the sales items and I could only go down certain aisles."

People often suggest that Davis take advantage of free meals by going to Nashville missions, but he doesn't own a car. "In order to go get a meal, it would cost me $5 to ride the public transportation to get the free meal, which is only going to last a big man like me a couple of hours," he said.

Building awareness
Avi Poster, a member of the Nashville Food Stamp Challenge planning committee, is pleased with conversation coming out of the exercise in learning to eat on next to nothing.

"So many people have said, 'Thank you for doing this.' It’s something good for every community to be made aware of," Poster said.

The Rev. Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest who is pastor of St. Augustine's Chapel at Vanderbilt University, is among those who took the challenge. She says everyone can benefit.

"I want people to remember what compassion means," says the Rev. Becca Stevens after participating in the challenge. A UMNS photo by Ronny Perry.

"I want people to remember what compassion means," said Stevens. "Before you’re judgmental about somebody on food stamps or about what somebody is buying or how somebody is living, take a minute to realize just how difficult it is to try to navigate the systems in this country for a poor person."

Food stamp benefits have not been adjusted for inflation in more than a decade. However, legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., would add $4 billion annually to the program through a reauthorized farm bill. Last year's budget was $33 billion. The proposal is currently stalled in the Senate.

*Long is a freelance writer and producer in Nashville, Tennessee.