TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW July 25, 2008
Articles in this issue of THE REVIEW
1. Award winning radio show “WE BELIEVE” taped at Belmont United Methodist Church this summer.
2. Anna Birdsong Hensley Leaves Bequest for the Tennessee Annual Conference.
3. UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings for each local church in the Tennessee Conference. Mark down the date of the training event in your district.
4. Local Youth, Local Mission, and Local Miracles-- this June about 100 youth from the greater Nashville Area discovered what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ to those nearby.
5. Health Concerns and Funding Threaten Adult Education Center
6. Licensed Local Pastors 2008 Annual Conference
7. Associate Members 2008 Annual Conference.
8. John Wesley Fellowship Welcomes Bishop Richard Wills.
9. 2008 Journal of the Tennessee Conference to be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt.
10. Community Care Fellowship Wish List, listing of needed items to help fulfill the CCF ministry with the homeless
11. Urban Ministries Grace Assistance is in need of the following items—a listing of items needed for the Urban Ministries Grace Assistance ministry to the working poor
12. Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarships, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
13. “Wandering the Earth,” local church adult Sunday School classes explores what it means to ‘go green.’
14. Living Beyond the Barriers--Lay Speaker Stacey Robinson refers to her physically handicapping condition (blindness) in reflecting on the barriers we face in life—and watch next month for an article by her guide dog Chesley.
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Award winning radio show “WE BELIEVE” taped at Belmont United Methodist Church this summer
James Walsh’s award winning radio and television show, “WE BELIEVE,” arrived at Belmont United Methodist Church to be the program for “Summer Nights at Belmont.” “Summer Nights” is now in its 27th year and was held on Thursday nights this year. Live recordings of “We Believe” began June 5 and continued through the summer with the final recording scheduled for August 14th.
Left to right The Rev. Dr. Richard Shriver and Catholic Deacon James Walsh. Photo by Harold McBrayer.
For several years, the television show has won awards as “Best Religious Programming” and “Best Talk Show” in both regional and national competition among Community Access TV programs. Since 1986, Jim Walsh has hosted his Roman Catholic sponsored show with his permanent guest partner, Belmont’s Richard Shriver.
General Walsh (Assistant District Attorney General for Metro, Retired – and also a Roman Catholic Deacon and theologian) screened DVDs of the television show for the Belmont group, and taped new radio programs at the Thursday night sessions, followed each night with question and answer and discussion time with the class members.
The topic for the summer is “Ecumenism, Catholic and Protestant” and will explore the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and the corresponding beliefs of Protestantism in general and Methodism in specific.
Belmont church member Richard Shriver, who has a long connection with both the radio show, and Belmont UMC, feels the programs on Thursday nights have been marvelous! “Each week,” he notes, “we have Catholic theologian James Walsh coming in from Bellevue to lead the program. Mr. Jim Swann, Catholic Media Production’s audio engineer and show director drives in from Antioch with all his equipment to record the radio show live. I drive in from Gallatin, organize and introduce the program, provide song/hymn books and start the evening with group singing, set up for and provide tea and refreshments, and clean up afterwards. We watch a video, record a radio show, live, with Belmonters posing questions and entering into the discussions. And then we have tea, more informal discussion, and close with a sung benediction.”
Dr. Hal Ramer (Volunteer State College president, retired and Belmont UMC member) at the microphone asking a question of Marty Mulloy who substituted one session for James Walsh. A Ken Davidson photo.
“The question and answer sessions have been lively,” says Shriver. “The topics discussed have been varied and constantly vital and profound, with an emphasis on the Sacraments, but covering many areas of theological importance in a deep, friendly ecumenical atmosphere. I have never witnessed better church programs or seen a more pleased audience, and there is never an evening that the enthused discussions wouldn’t go on for another hour, if I didn’t run everyone out. It is an exceptional experience – the result of a lot of hard work and dedication each week.”
"We Believe" appears on Nashville Cable TV Channel 19, 7:00 P.M. each Wednesday, and on WNQM AM Radio, 9:30 A.M. each Saturday, plus many other TV and Radio stations across the country. The radio version also goes all over the world weekly on WWCR Short Wave. Recorded programs are available in DVD and CD.
Anna Birdsong Hensley Leaves Bequest for the Tennessee Annual Conference
Miss Hensley and part of her 1961 5th grade class
The Tennessee Conference was blessed with a generous bequest from the estate of the late Anna Birdsong Hensley. Miss Hensley, who was 98 when she passed, was the last surviving daughter of Maud and the Reverend Gilbert Hensley, whose 41 years of faithful service were foundational for Miss Hensley. According to his memoir in the 1946 Journal of the Tennessee Annual Conference, “Brother Hensley never received more than a $1,200 salary, and most of the time far less than that; but like many other itinerants he was a miracle worker, caring for his family and educating his children.”
Miss Hensley taught school until her retirement. A photo of her with one of her classes was found among her possession. It reflects 37 smiling 5th graders in her 1961 class!
Miss Hensley’s gift was comprised of her house and lot in the Joelton area, valued at around $70,000; and cash of around $240,000. The house is not historic, and has required significant effort to prepare it for sale. District Superintendent John Casey and his wife Ruth took this project on, and organized a small crew of dedicated Christians to help them with the work. It is anticipated that the property will be ready for sale later in the summer of 2008. To this end, the Conference Board of Trustees asked the Conference to authorize the sale and use of the property to fund the Board’s operations, and to fund grants which it may approve in the future grants to conference entities.
The annual conference approved the trustee’s resolution concerning the Anna Birdsong Hensley estate, which authorized the sale of the house and distribution of the gift. According to Rev. Jim Hughes, newly-elected chair of the Tennessee Conference Board of Trustees, at their meeting on June 17 the trustees approved a request presented by Rev. Dickie Hinton, Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries, for funds for capital improvements at the camps. The board authorized disbursement of $34,875 for work at Beersheba Springs. The board also authorized up to $30,000 for improvements at Cedar Crest, subject to the submission of a plan.
The board also considered a proposal for video conferencing hardware, and computer hardware and software for use by the Tennessee Annual Conference and the Conference offices. Trustee Deborah Owens will chair a task force comprised of conference staff to consider a comprehensive plan for the conference’s electronic communication needs, with the intention of requesting a grant for funding of the needs identified by the task force.
Anna Birdsong Hensley’s gift is currently invested with the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation.
UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings for each local church in the Tennessee Conference
By Jason Brock
The Tennessee Conference is averaging a major disaster every 20 months as well as numerous tornadoes and severe flooding that have impacted smaller areas. Our geographic area has experienced recent damage so intense that two Presidential Declarations were mandated.
In addition, the New Madrid earthquake fault line in West Tennessee “is our Katrina.” We know an earthquake along the fault line is over due. We know it is going to happen and know it will be devastating in our sate and five or six others. We will see moderate damage in Middle Tennessee, but much more severe damage in Western Tennessee. We will be asked to house evacuees, respond with loving care to those who remain, and be a major partner in the decade long (or longer) recovery.
I say this to let each United Methodist Church in the Tennessee Annual Conference know that it MUST prepare for disaster response. To assist the disaster response process throughout the conference the Emergency Response Committee and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have scheduled a series of district workshops for local church leaders.
UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings
This day of training will provide basic disaster knowledge, understanding of how UMCOR works, and focus heavily on how to develop a local church disaster response plan (how the church will take care of its members, facility, and community).
Pulaski—September 6
Clarksville—September 13
Cumberland—September 27
Nashville—October 18
Murfreesboro—November 1
Columbia—TBA, early 2009
Cookeville—TBA, early 2009
For more information contact Rev. Jason Brock, Dir. Mercy, Mission, and Justice. JBrock@tnumc.org or 615-329-1177.
Local Youth, Local Mission, and Local Miracles
By Josh Vegors*
Work team at Glendale United Methodist Church. From left to right are Maria Ghianni, Megan Rogers, Jennifer Green, Ellen Gaines, Meredith Medlin, Jared Murillo, and Harrison Hawthorne..
There is no denying that a local mission experience isn’t nearly as appealing to youth as a trip to Mexico, Jamaica, or even Colorado. But this June about 100 youth from the greater Nashville Area discovered what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ for those just around the corner. The week long camp was called “Missionfest 2008: In the name of Love,” and the youth that worked so hard to help stayed true to the theme of that camp.
Christ United Methodist, Calvary United Methodist, and Nolensville First United Methodist Churches gathered from June 22nd - 27th to bring help to those in need from Fairview and Franklin to First and Second Avenue. Churches like West Nashville United Methodist and Glendale United Methodist received some much needed help, as did the homeless, tornado victims, special needs adults, and local impoverished families. After a week, the impact on the lives and hearts was undeniable. And not just on those who were helped, but also on those who did the helping.
Youth mission team helps with tornado clean up.
You could see it on the tired faces of the roofing crew when they took an unexpected Popsicle break. You could see it in the cookies made by the lovely ladies of Glendale Methodist when they threw a “Thank You” party for the crew that had spent the week there. You could see it in the neighborhood by the fairgrounds when a crew mulched an entire quarter mile long path in just about 8 hours, a job that was supposed to take them three days. And you could see it in the face of the two Hispanic men that saw those kids mulching, and decided that getting their own shovels and helping was the right thing to do.
In the evening, the youth and adults returned to Overbrook School just off of Harding Road. There they enjoyed a hot meal, a hot (or cold) shower, and worship led by the Worship Band “Jacob’s Road” and speaker Chad Kingsbury (who hails from Columbus, MS).
Mulching crew taking a well deserved break.
By the end of the week, all were tired. And yet, all were somehow refreshed in the knowledge that being the body of Christ didn’t take a long plane ride to a third world country. It didn’t take an eight hour bus trip to some other city. It didn’t even take going to the other side of the state and being deep in the Smokies. All it took was rolling up our sleeves, and looking for “the least of these” that were right under our noses all along.
Mother Teresa put it best I think, saying “Calcutta is everywhere if you only have eyes to see.”
*Josh Vegors is in charge of youth ministry at Nolensville First UMC
Health Concerns and Funding Threaten Adult Education Center
They have helped low-income Nashville residents improve their future, but now Better Tomorrows Adult Education Center needs help to secure its future. This nonprofit organization offers free classes in literacy, GED preparation, and computer skills in order to help local residents in and around the Dickerson Road area further their education and increase their employment value. Yet soon it may be forced to close its doors due to health, relocation, and funding issues.
Better Tomorrows (BTAEC) is a nonprofit organization founded four years ago to help underserved Nashville adults earn a GED, increase literacy levels, and develop computer skills. The organization currently serves 75 students and plans to expand its operations to help serve the 68,000 Nashvillians without a high school diploma and the 20% of Nashvillians with low literacy skills, including 100 students on their waiting list (according to the 2000 U.S. Census). “We have just been inundated with people that want desperately to learn and improve their lives,” said co-founder Tammy Unruh. “Right now, we have 50 volunteer tutors that encourage students, provide one-on-one attention, and help remove as many barriers as possible to student success.”
BTAEC fills a desperate need for adult education services in East Nashville where almost half of all adults lack a high school diploma. Currently, they offer eight classes in GED, Literacy, and Computer Skills. Each class is free and provides a flexible schedule for students juggling education goals with hectic work and family responsibilities.
“You can tell they really care,” says GED student Anastasia Batey, “They’re always encouraging.” Vera Perry, yet another GED student, chimes in, “You get more one-on-one attention here. I’ve learned a lot.”
The center’s future plans had included the opening of Satellite Education Centers in other depressed areas of the city in order to reach a larger number of Nashville residents who need job training and literacy help. Progress was also being made toward moving into a facility that could accommodate more students, more computers, and more classrooms. Currently based out of the Ray of Hope Community Church on Meridian Street, the organization was looking forward to its eventual move across the street into Fountain Blue, a 6,000-square-foot historic home built in the 1840s by early Nashville settler James McGavock. The church, which owns the building, has generously leased the historic building to the non-profit organization for $1 a year. Plans are already underway to renovate Fountain Blue for Better Tomorrows, with volunteers pitching in and in-kind support offered by Sara Gillum Interiors and the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee. The additional space will allow for more classes to be taught and more students to attend.
Now, the organization and its innovative plans are in jeopardy as each co-founder faces radical life changes. Co-founder Mary Humber was recently diagnosed with cancer. While her treatment is going well, she still needs to continue to focus on her health and recovery. Tammy Unruh, the only other staff member, is moving to Kentucky as her minister husband transfers to a new church.
“The board would like to hire individuals to build on Mary and Tammy’s success,” says BTAEC board member Eddie Gwock, “but we are hampered by a serious shortage of funding despite generous donations from foundations and corporate sponsors such as Dollar General, Gannett and The Community Foundation.” For most of the four years of Better Tomorrows’ existence, Humber and Unruh have chosen to direct available funds toward meeting students needs before paying salaries. Therefore, funds must now be raised in order to hire a replacement staff as well as to continue the program expansion.
Better Tomorrows Computer Skills graduate and literacy tutor Larry Holt sums it up well, “If we have a literacy problem in this city, then places like this don’t need to be closing. It’s just going to keep the welfare system overloaded. A lot of people in this community are dependent on this program. I benefited from it, and now I’m turning around and helping someone else.” Batey agrees, “Their volunteers are so nice. It’s inspired me to find a place to volunteer my time.”
For more information about Better Tomorrows’ needs and how you can help, call Development Director and Co-Founder Tammy Unruh, 228-6525.
In Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County:
68,000* adults aged 25 and over lack a high school diploma
5,000‡ youth aged 16 to 24 lack a high school diploma
80,000† adults reading at lowest level of literacy
Licensed Local Pastors 2008 Annual Conference
The following Local Pastors were licensed at the 2008 Annual Conference. Front section (from left to right) Rick Dixon,David Rash (front), Tommy Flood (back)Willie Lyle, Jackie McMurry, and Elizabeth Williams.; second section (from left to right) Drew Shelley, Jin Kim, Ann Hatcher, Cathy Cowan, Stacy Cowan (back), Michele Morton, William Rogan (back) and Jason Estes; third section, Gloria Scott, Kimi Brown, Judy Stevenson, Sherry Woolsey, Wynn Batson, and Brian Marcoulier. Missing when the photo was made Lynn Willis, Don Logan, Bryan Wilson, and Ronnie Melton. A Horace Wilkinson photo.
Associate Members 2008 Annual Conference
Elected as Associate Members of the Tennessee Annual Conference were (left to right), Brad Gran and Earl Davis. A Horace Wilkinson photo.
John Wesley Fellowship Welcomes Bishop Richard Wills
Bishop Wills receives a plaque from Ingram Howard commemorating his induction into the John Wesley Fellowship. A Horace Wilkinson photo.
On Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2008, on behalf of the United Methodist Men of the Tennessee and Memphis Annual Conferences, Ingram Howard announced that Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr. has been honored with membership in the Society of John Wesley.
Bishop Wills becomes the 630th person inducted into the Society and is the 33rd Bishop to be so honored.
Howard, president of the Tennessee Conference Men’s organization, pointed out that the Nashville Area United Methodist Men were honoring Bishop Wills for his strong support of United Methodist Men’s activities and projects.
2008 Journal of the Tennessee Conference to be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt
From material supplied by Diane Neeley
The 2008 edition of the Tennessee Annual Conference Journal will be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, Clarksville District.
Martha Hitt truly defines what it means to be a Christian and servant of God. She has been a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church for 48 years. During her membership she has served as church treasurer for 40 years, has been a member of the United Methodist Women for 40 years, and has taught Sunday School for over 20 years. She has also been Mt. Lebanon’s lay delegate to Annual Conference for 20 years.
She has coordinated Bedford County’s Shoebox ministry and serves as an officer for our country Laity Club. Even though she has been retired for many years, she volunteers as a Pink lady at our local hospital. Martha will pick up and carry a ride to whatever function is going on, she will carry meals to the sick, and a host of other services for her family and friends.
After the award ceremony Martha Hitt (2nd Row Center) is greeted by family members.
Martha is an inspiration to her fellow church members. She never complains but goes quietly about her work—and never seeks any type of praise or even a “thank you.”
The honor given to Martha Hitt was announced on Sunday afternoon, June 8th, as the 2008 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference was just getting underway. Mixed in with the Annual Conference delegates were many family members, and members of her Mt. Lebanon church family—all wanting her to know how very important she is to her family, to her friends, and to the church. “Each of us,” says fellow church member Diane Neeley, “would like to be more like her in our walk with the Lord and our fellow man. We all love her a great deal!”
Community Care Fellowship Wish List
Individuals living on the streets have personal care needs, yet often do not have resources necessary to provide for these needs. Here, Vonn, our volunteer coordinator, helps Isaac, one of our guests, with items needed. Volunteers in our hygiene room distribute items needed for showers (towels, soap, shampoo, etc.; clothing such as socks, t-shirts, and undergarments; shaving needs; foot powder; first aid supplies such as bandaids, aspirin, and antiobiotic ointment.
+Acetaminophen
+Allergy/sinus medication
+Baby powder
+Bleach
+Ibuprofen
+Jelly
+Liquid laundry detergent
+Men’s briefs (all sizes)
+Peanut butter
+Petroleum jelly
+Shampoo
+T-shirts (all sizes)
+Toilet paper
And, of course, financial contributions can be used at any time to help accommodate the growing number of homeless persons in the Nashville metropolitan area. The Community Care Fellowship is located at 511 South 8th Street, Nashville, TN 37206, 615-227-1953.
Urban Ministries Grace Assistance, Clarksville, is in need of the following items:
Volunteer Warren Evans sorts food from a recent food drive for Urban Ministries
+peanut butter
+pop-top foods for homeless
+macaroni & cheese
+canned fruit
+rice
+oatmeal/cereals
+powdered milk
+spaghetti & sauce
+tuna
+canned meals
+crackers
+toothpaste & brushes
+personal hygiene supplies
+hand operated can openers
Additionally, financial donations are always needed and allow for client benefits to be offered such as utilities, medication, shelter, transportation and other services to families in crisis. Financial donations made be mailed to:
Urban Ministries Grace Assistance
P.O. Box 324
Clarksville, TN 37041
Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarships, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
The Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church presented two 2008 graduating seniors with the Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are given in memory of Mr. Wayne Lentz, a long time member of the church. He was interested in education for youth and music ministry. He served his church faithfully by teaching Sunday School and singing in the church choir.
Paul Gambill, Chairman of the scholarship committee and the Reverend James Sorrells, pastor of the church presented the scholarships to Meghan Crowell, daughter of Danny and Vicki Hull, and to Katie Woods, daughter of Debbie Woods.
Meghan will be attending Tennessee Tech in Cookeville and Katie will be attending MTSU.
First in a Series on Stewardship of the Environment
“Wandering the Earth”
by: The Wanderers Sunday School Class of Pleasant View UMC
Concern over environmental stewardship is often politicized in our society. When issues like global warming or drilling for oil come up, we draw our political lines. However, as Christians, is this the only way to address environmental concerns? Does environmental stewardship have to go to one of the extremes? Shouldn’t environmental stewardship be something that all Christians are concerned with?
A member of the Wanderers Sunday School Class checks the newly installed 275 gallon rain barrel at the Pleasant View UMC parsonage.
The Wanderers Sunday School Class of Pleasant View UMC thinks Christians should be concerned. The class gets its name from a line in J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, Lord of the Rings, where the comment is made that “all who wander are not lost.” This is the motto of this class that seeks to wander around from topics, issues, and questions; not as a sign of being lost, but rather as a means of seeking out and finding truth in life and the life of The Church. Recently the class began wandering around on the issue of environmental stewardship. Members of the class initially disagreed on some of the pre-conceived ideas surrounding this topic. As they wandered around a little more, the class began to realize that this is an issue that should be important to all Christians. From the very beginning, humanity is given the charge to “be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves over the face of the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, The Message) Adam was put into the garden to care for it, not to exploit it (Genesis 2:15). It is this care that, as Christians, we need to do a better job. Christians must, as a whole, do a better job of ruling over God’s creation wisely.
Out of this, the comment was made that “we need to study ways in which we can be better stewards.” The discussion wandered a little further to the idea that “if this ended, and we move on without implementing anything, what have we really accomplished?” From there, the class concluded that stewardship of the environment must begin at home , move to our church, then finally go beyond the walls of our church into the community.
The first question that needs to be answered in regards to environmental stewardship is why should Christians care about stewardship of the environment? Jesus offered that the whole of the law is summed up in loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and also in loving our neighbors as ourselves. Environmental stewardship shows a love of God by caring for and ruling over wisely God’s creation that was pronounced good. A disregard for the state of God’s creation shows a lack of love for the creator. Environmental stewardship also demonstrates loving neighbor as self as the impact of being good stewards of the environment goes beyond self, showing a love for not only those who we share the earth with now, but also those who will inherit the earth. Disregard for our water supplies, air we breathe, and the food supplies of the earth show a lack of love for neighbor.
In the next few issues of The Review, the class is going to share their struggles and finding as they seek to implement better environmental stewardship practices in their homes and in Pleasant View UMC. These will be based on the basic tenets of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It will span the areas of recycling, using renewable and reusable resources, and will talk about the impact that it can have on the garden of God’s creation. These articles aim to show practical ways individuals and local congregations can make a difference. Will you wander with us?
(The Wanderers Class would like to hear how individuals and churches are being good stewards of the environment. Please send your stories to wanderers@pvumc.info.)
Living Beyond the Barriers
By Stacey Robinson*
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, `You are our gods,` will be turned back in utter shame.
18 "Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!
19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD?
20 You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42: 16-20 (NIV)
Stacey Robinson and guide dog Chesley
I have lived with barriers all of my life, but that has not affected my relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, it may have made it stronger. I am blind and have been sense birth. I am sure it was difficult for my parents at times, but my mother and father knew that God was always with them.
We all face barriers of one kind or another in our lives. Yours may not be as large as mine, but I'm sure they are there. Do they affect your relationship with Jesus and how you reach out to others in your church? Do they affect your participation in church? Do they affect how you relate to those around you who are not like you? The answers to these questions will be different for each of you, but I would guess that it might be yes to at Least one.
I have been very fortunate. My small church has been very good about helping me break down barriers related to church participation. As a child, I was given a hymnal in Braille at the time when most kids receive their first bible. I didn't have a hymnal of my own and loved having it. After that, our minister at the time would call me to give me the hymns for the next week. I felt like I was a part of the service. A lot of time passed and I grew up. I became a lay speaker because God told me to. I face barriers with classes because books are only in print, but that doesn't stop me. I do what needs to be done.
In the book of Romans Chapter 14 Verse 13 from the TNIV says, "13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." What do we as a church put in the way of members with disabilities or members who are elderly? Are you reaching out to them or are you holding them back and keeping them out? Jesus came into the world and died for all of us not just the able bodied people. He didn't die for just the ones who have all they need and more. In Matthew 5 Jesus says Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs in the kingdom of heaven. He is saying that although they may have little they are welcome in his kingdom. Are we that welcoming to people in our churches? If not, we should be.
Is God telling you to go out and welcome people to your church? Is he telling you to visit people or to fix a meal for someone? In the book of Isaiah we hear these words, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” I will close by saying, don't let any barrier in your life stop you from showing Jesus to others. You may be just the one to bring him to them. Amen.
*Stacey Robinson is a certified Lay speaker and attends Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, College Grove, TN. The Rev. Allison Gilliam is pastor. Watch next month for an article by Stacey’s guide dog CHESLEY!
1. Award winning radio show “WE BELIEVE” taped at Belmont United Methodist Church this summer.
2. Anna Birdsong Hensley Leaves Bequest for the Tennessee Annual Conference.
3. UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings for each local church in the Tennessee Conference. Mark down the date of the training event in your district.
4. Local Youth, Local Mission, and Local Miracles-- this June about 100 youth from the greater Nashville Area discovered what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ to those nearby.
5. Health Concerns and Funding Threaten Adult Education Center
6. Licensed Local Pastors 2008 Annual Conference
7. Associate Members 2008 Annual Conference.
8. John Wesley Fellowship Welcomes Bishop Richard Wills.
9. 2008 Journal of the Tennessee Conference to be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt.
10. Community Care Fellowship Wish List, listing of needed items to help fulfill the CCF ministry with the homeless
11. Urban Ministries Grace Assistance is in need of the following items—a listing of items needed for the Urban Ministries Grace Assistance ministry to the working poor
12. Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarships, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
13. “Wandering the Earth,” local church adult Sunday School classes explores what it means to ‘go green.’
14. Living Beyond the Barriers--Lay Speaker Stacey Robinson refers to her physically handicapping condition (blindness) in reflecting on the barriers we face in life—and watch next month for an article by her guide dog Chesley.
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Award winning radio show “WE BELIEVE” taped at Belmont United Methodist Church this summer
James Walsh’s award winning radio and television show, “WE BELIEVE,” arrived at Belmont United Methodist Church to be the program for “Summer Nights at Belmont.” “Summer Nights” is now in its 27th year and was held on Thursday nights this year. Live recordings of “We Believe” began June 5 and continued through the summer with the final recording scheduled for August 14th.
Left to right The Rev. Dr. Richard Shriver and Catholic Deacon James Walsh. Photo by Harold McBrayer.For several years, the television show has won awards as “Best Religious Programming” and “Best Talk Show” in both regional and national competition among Community Access TV programs. Since 1986, Jim Walsh has hosted his Roman Catholic sponsored show with his permanent guest partner, Belmont’s Richard Shriver.
General Walsh (Assistant District Attorney General for Metro, Retired – and also a Roman Catholic Deacon and theologian) screened DVDs of the television show for the Belmont group, and taped new radio programs at the Thursday night sessions, followed each night with question and answer and discussion time with the class members.
The topic for the summer is “Ecumenism, Catholic and Protestant” and will explore the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and the corresponding beliefs of Protestantism in general and Methodism in specific.
Belmont church member Richard Shriver, who has a long connection with both the radio show, and Belmont UMC, feels the programs on Thursday nights have been marvelous! “Each week,” he notes, “we have Catholic theologian James Walsh coming in from Bellevue to lead the program. Mr. Jim Swann, Catholic Media Production’s audio engineer and show director drives in from Antioch with all his equipment to record the radio show live. I drive in from Gallatin, organize and introduce the program, provide song/hymn books and start the evening with group singing, set up for and provide tea and refreshments, and clean up afterwards. We watch a video, record a radio show, live, with Belmonters posing questions and entering into the discussions. And then we have tea, more informal discussion, and close with a sung benediction.”
Dr. Hal Ramer (Volunteer State College president, retired and Belmont UMC member) at the microphone asking a question of Marty Mulloy who substituted one session for James Walsh. A Ken Davidson photo.“The question and answer sessions have been lively,” says Shriver. “The topics discussed have been varied and constantly vital and profound, with an emphasis on the Sacraments, but covering many areas of theological importance in a deep, friendly ecumenical atmosphere. I have never witnessed better church programs or seen a more pleased audience, and there is never an evening that the enthused discussions wouldn’t go on for another hour, if I didn’t run everyone out. It is an exceptional experience – the result of a lot of hard work and dedication each week.”
"We Believe" appears on Nashville Cable TV Channel 19, 7:00 P.M. each Wednesday, and on WNQM AM Radio, 9:30 A.M. each Saturday, plus many other TV and Radio stations across the country. The radio version also goes all over the world weekly on WWCR Short Wave. Recorded programs are available in DVD and CD.
Anna Birdsong Hensley Leaves Bequest for the Tennessee Annual Conference
Miss Hensley and part of her 1961 5th grade classThe Tennessee Conference was blessed with a generous bequest from the estate of the late Anna Birdsong Hensley. Miss Hensley, who was 98 when she passed, was the last surviving daughter of Maud and the Reverend Gilbert Hensley, whose 41 years of faithful service were foundational for Miss Hensley. According to his memoir in the 1946 Journal of the Tennessee Annual Conference, “Brother Hensley never received more than a $1,200 salary, and most of the time far less than that; but like many other itinerants he was a miracle worker, caring for his family and educating his children.”
Miss Hensley taught school until her retirement. A photo of her with one of her classes was found among her possession. It reflects 37 smiling 5th graders in her 1961 class!
Miss Hensley’s gift was comprised of her house and lot in the Joelton area, valued at around $70,000; and cash of around $240,000. The house is not historic, and has required significant effort to prepare it for sale. District Superintendent John Casey and his wife Ruth took this project on, and organized a small crew of dedicated Christians to help them with the work. It is anticipated that the property will be ready for sale later in the summer of 2008. To this end, the Conference Board of Trustees asked the Conference to authorize the sale and use of the property to fund the Board’s operations, and to fund grants which it may approve in the future grants to conference entities.
The annual conference approved the trustee’s resolution concerning the Anna Birdsong Hensley estate, which authorized the sale of the house and distribution of the gift. According to Rev. Jim Hughes, newly-elected chair of the Tennessee Conference Board of Trustees, at their meeting on June 17 the trustees approved a request presented by Rev. Dickie Hinton, Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries, for funds for capital improvements at the camps. The board authorized disbursement of $34,875 for work at Beersheba Springs. The board also authorized up to $30,000 for improvements at Cedar Crest, subject to the submission of a plan.
The board also considered a proposal for video conferencing hardware, and computer hardware and software for use by the Tennessee Annual Conference and the Conference offices. Trustee Deborah Owens will chair a task force comprised of conference staff to consider a comprehensive plan for the conference’s electronic communication needs, with the intention of requesting a grant for funding of the needs identified by the task force.
Anna Birdsong Hensley’s gift is currently invested with the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation.
UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings for each local church in the Tennessee Conference
By Jason Brock
The Tennessee Conference is averaging a major disaster every 20 months as well as numerous tornadoes and severe flooding that have impacted smaller areas. Our geographic area has experienced recent damage so intense that two Presidential Declarations were mandated.In addition, the New Madrid earthquake fault line in West Tennessee “is our Katrina.” We know an earthquake along the fault line is over due. We know it is going to happen and know it will be devastating in our sate and five or six others. We will see moderate damage in Middle Tennessee, but much more severe damage in Western Tennessee. We will be asked to house evacuees, respond with loving care to those who remain, and be a major partner in the decade long (or longer) recovery.
I say this to let each United Methodist Church in the Tennessee Annual Conference know that it MUST prepare for disaster response. To assist the disaster response process throughout the conference the Emergency Response Committee and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have scheduled a series of district workshops for local church leaders.
UMCOR--District Disaster Response and Recovery Trainings
This day of training will provide basic disaster knowledge, understanding of how UMCOR works, and focus heavily on how to develop a local church disaster response plan (how the church will take care of its members, facility, and community).
Pulaski—September 6
Clarksville—September 13
Cumberland—September 27
Nashville—October 18
Murfreesboro—November 1
Columbia—TBA, early 2009
Cookeville—TBA, early 2009
For more information contact Rev. Jason Brock, Dir. Mercy, Mission, and Justice. JBrock@tnumc.org or 615-329-1177.
Local Youth, Local Mission, and Local Miracles
By Josh Vegors*
Work team at Glendale United Methodist Church. From left to right are Maria Ghianni, Megan Rogers, Jennifer Green, Ellen Gaines, Meredith Medlin, Jared Murillo, and Harrison Hawthorne..There is no denying that a local mission experience isn’t nearly as appealing to youth as a trip to Mexico, Jamaica, or even Colorado. But this June about 100 youth from the greater Nashville Area discovered what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ for those just around the corner. The week long camp was called “Missionfest 2008: In the name of Love,” and the youth that worked so hard to help stayed true to the theme of that camp.
Christ United Methodist, Calvary United Methodist, and Nolensville First United Methodist Churches gathered from June 22nd - 27th to bring help to those in need from Fairview and Franklin to First and Second Avenue. Churches like West Nashville United Methodist and Glendale United Methodist received some much needed help, as did the homeless, tornado victims, special needs adults, and local impoverished families. After a week, the impact on the lives and hearts was undeniable. And not just on those who were helped, but also on those who did the helping.
Youth mission team helps with tornado clean up.
You could see it on the tired faces of the roofing crew when they took an unexpected Popsicle break. You could see it in the cookies made by the lovely ladies of Glendale Methodist when they threw a “Thank You” party for the crew that had spent the week there. You could see it in the neighborhood by the fairgrounds when a crew mulched an entire quarter mile long path in just about 8 hours, a job that was supposed to take them three days. And you could see it in the face of the two Hispanic men that saw those kids mulching, and decided that getting their own shovels and helping was the right thing to do.
In the evening, the youth and adults returned to Overbrook School just off of Harding Road. There they enjoyed a hot meal, a hot (or cold) shower, and worship led by the Worship Band “Jacob’s Road” and speaker Chad Kingsbury (who hails from Columbus, MS).
Mulching crew taking a well deserved break.By the end of the week, all were tired. And yet, all were somehow refreshed in the knowledge that being the body of Christ didn’t take a long plane ride to a third world country. It didn’t take an eight hour bus trip to some other city. It didn’t even take going to the other side of the state and being deep in the Smokies. All it took was rolling up our sleeves, and looking for “the least of these” that were right under our noses all along.
Mother Teresa put it best I think, saying “Calcutta is everywhere if you only have eyes to see.”
*Josh Vegors is in charge of youth ministry at Nolensville First UMC
Health Concerns and Funding Threaten Adult Education Center
They have helped low-income Nashville residents improve their future, but now Better Tomorrows Adult Education Center needs help to secure its future. This nonprofit organization offers free classes in literacy, GED preparation, and computer skills in order to help local residents in and around the Dickerson Road area further their education and increase their employment value. Yet soon it may be forced to close its doors due to health, relocation, and funding issues.
Better Tomorrows (BTAEC) is a nonprofit organization founded four years ago to help underserved Nashville adults earn a GED, increase literacy levels, and develop computer skills. The organization currently serves 75 students and plans to expand its operations to help serve the 68,000 Nashvillians without a high school diploma and the 20% of Nashvillians with low literacy skills, including 100 students on their waiting list (according to the 2000 U.S. Census). “We have just been inundated with people that want desperately to learn and improve their lives,” said co-founder Tammy Unruh. “Right now, we have 50 volunteer tutors that encourage students, provide one-on-one attention, and help remove as many barriers as possible to student success.”
BTAEC fills a desperate need for adult education services in East Nashville where almost half of all adults lack a high school diploma. Currently, they offer eight classes in GED, Literacy, and Computer Skills. Each class is free and provides a flexible schedule for students juggling education goals with hectic work and family responsibilities.
“You can tell they really care,” says GED student Anastasia Batey, “They’re always encouraging.” Vera Perry, yet another GED student, chimes in, “You get more one-on-one attention here. I’ve learned a lot.”
The center’s future plans had included the opening of Satellite Education Centers in other depressed areas of the city in order to reach a larger number of Nashville residents who need job training and literacy help. Progress was also being made toward moving into a facility that could accommodate more students, more computers, and more classrooms. Currently based out of the Ray of Hope Community Church on Meridian Street, the organization was looking forward to its eventual move across the street into Fountain Blue, a 6,000-square-foot historic home built in the 1840s by early Nashville settler James McGavock. The church, which owns the building, has generously leased the historic building to the non-profit organization for $1 a year. Plans are already underway to renovate Fountain Blue for Better Tomorrows, with volunteers pitching in and in-kind support offered by Sara Gillum Interiors and the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee. The additional space will allow for more classes to be taught and more students to attend.
Now, the organization and its innovative plans are in jeopardy as each co-founder faces radical life changes. Co-founder Mary Humber was recently diagnosed with cancer. While her treatment is going well, she still needs to continue to focus on her health and recovery. Tammy Unruh, the only other staff member, is moving to Kentucky as her minister husband transfers to a new church.
“The board would like to hire individuals to build on Mary and Tammy’s success,” says BTAEC board member Eddie Gwock, “but we are hampered by a serious shortage of funding despite generous donations from foundations and corporate sponsors such as Dollar General, Gannett and The Community Foundation.” For most of the four years of Better Tomorrows’ existence, Humber and Unruh have chosen to direct available funds toward meeting students needs before paying salaries. Therefore, funds must now be raised in order to hire a replacement staff as well as to continue the program expansion.
Better Tomorrows Computer Skills graduate and literacy tutor Larry Holt sums it up well, “If we have a literacy problem in this city, then places like this don’t need to be closing. It’s just going to keep the welfare system overloaded. A lot of people in this community are dependent on this program. I benefited from it, and now I’m turning around and helping someone else.” Batey agrees, “Their volunteers are so nice. It’s inspired me to find a place to volunteer my time.”
For more information about Better Tomorrows’ needs and how you can help, call Development Director and Co-Founder Tammy Unruh, 228-6525.
In Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County:
68,000* adults aged 25 and over lack a high school diploma
5,000‡ youth aged 16 to 24 lack a high school diploma
80,000† adults reading at lowest level of literacy
Licensed Local Pastors 2008 Annual Conference
The following Local Pastors were licensed at the 2008 Annual Conference. Front section (from left to right) Rick Dixon,David Rash (front), Tommy Flood (back)Willie Lyle, Jackie McMurry, and Elizabeth Williams.; second section (from left to right) Drew Shelley, Jin Kim, Ann Hatcher, Cathy Cowan, Stacy Cowan (back), Michele Morton, William Rogan (back) and Jason Estes; third section, Gloria Scott, Kimi Brown, Judy Stevenson, Sherry Woolsey, Wynn Batson, and Brian Marcoulier. Missing when the photo was made Lynn Willis, Don Logan, Bryan Wilson, and Ronnie Melton. A Horace Wilkinson photo.Associate Members 2008 Annual Conference
Elected as Associate Members of the Tennessee Annual Conference were (left to right), Brad Gran and Earl Davis. A Horace Wilkinson photo.John Wesley Fellowship Welcomes Bishop Richard Wills
Bishop Wills receives a plaque from Ingram Howard commemorating his induction into the John Wesley Fellowship. A Horace Wilkinson photo.On Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2008, on behalf of the United Methodist Men of the Tennessee and Memphis Annual Conferences, Ingram Howard announced that Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr. has been honored with membership in the Society of John Wesley.
Bishop Wills becomes the 630th person inducted into the Society and is the 33rd Bishop to be so honored.
Howard, president of the Tennessee Conference Men’s organization, pointed out that the Nashville Area United Methodist Men were honoring Bishop Wills for his strong support of United Methodist Men’s activities and projects.
2008 Journal of the Tennessee Conference to be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt
From material supplied by Diane Neeley
The 2008 edition of the Tennessee Annual Conference Journal will be dedicated to layperson Martha Hitt of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, Clarksville District.
Martha Hitt truly defines what it means to be a Christian and servant of God. She has been a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church for 48 years. During her membership she has served as church treasurer for 40 years, has been a member of the United Methodist Women for 40 years, and has taught Sunday School for over 20 years. She has also been Mt. Lebanon’s lay delegate to Annual Conference for 20 years.
She has coordinated Bedford County’s Shoebox ministry and serves as an officer for our country Laity Club. Even though she has been retired for many years, she volunteers as a Pink lady at our local hospital. Martha will pick up and carry a ride to whatever function is going on, she will carry meals to the sick, and a host of other services for her family and friends.
After the award ceremony Martha Hitt (2nd Row Center) is greeted by family members.Martha is an inspiration to her fellow church members. She never complains but goes quietly about her work—and never seeks any type of praise or even a “thank you.”
The honor given to Martha Hitt was announced on Sunday afternoon, June 8th, as the 2008 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference was just getting underway. Mixed in with the Annual Conference delegates were many family members, and members of her Mt. Lebanon church family—all wanting her to know how very important she is to her family, to her friends, and to the church. “Each of us,” says fellow church member Diane Neeley, “would like to be more like her in our walk with the Lord and our fellow man. We all love her a great deal!”
Community Care Fellowship Wish List
Individuals living on the streets have personal care needs, yet often do not have resources necessary to provide for these needs. Here, Vonn, our volunteer coordinator, helps Isaac, one of our guests, with items needed. Volunteers in our hygiene room distribute items needed for showers (towels, soap, shampoo, etc.; clothing such as socks, t-shirts, and undergarments; shaving needs; foot powder; first aid supplies such as bandaids, aspirin, and antiobiotic ointment.+Acetaminophen
+Allergy/sinus medication
+Baby powder
+Bleach
+Ibuprofen
+Jelly
+Liquid laundry detergent
+Men’s briefs (all sizes)
+Peanut butter
+Petroleum jelly
+Shampoo
+T-shirts (all sizes)
+Toilet paper
And, of course, financial contributions can be used at any time to help accommodate the growing number of homeless persons in the Nashville metropolitan area. The Community Care Fellowship is located at 511 South 8th Street, Nashville, TN 37206, 615-227-1953.
Urban Ministries Grace Assistance, Clarksville, is in need of the following items:
Volunteer Warren Evans sorts food from a recent food drive for Urban Ministries+peanut butter
+pop-top foods for homeless
+macaroni & cheese
+canned fruit
+rice
+oatmeal/cereals
+powdered milk
+spaghetti & sauce
+tuna
+canned meals
+crackers
+toothpaste & brushes
+personal hygiene supplies
+hand operated can openers
Additionally, financial donations are always needed and allow for client benefits to be offered such as utilities, medication, shelter, transportation and other services to families in crisis. Financial donations made be mailed to:
Urban Ministries Grace Assistance
P.O. Box 324
Clarksville, TN 37041
Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarships, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
The Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church presented two 2008 graduating seniors with the Wayne Lentz Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are given in memory of Mr. Wayne Lentz, a long time member of the church. He was interested in education for youth and music ministry. He served his church faithfully by teaching Sunday School and singing in the church choir.Paul Gambill, Chairman of the scholarship committee and the Reverend James Sorrells, pastor of the church presented the scholarships to Meghan Crowell, daughter of Danny and Vicki Hull, and to Katie Woods, daughter of Debbie Woods.
Meghan will be attending Tennessee Tech in Cookeville and Katie will be attending MTSU.
First in a Series on Stewardship of the Environment
“Wandering the Earth”
by: The Wanderers Sunday School Class of Pleasant View UMC
Concern over environmental stewardship is often politicized in our society. When issues like global warming or drilling for oil come up, we draw our political lines. However, as Christians, is this the only way to address environmental concerns? Does environmental stewardship have to go to one of the extremes? Shouldn’t environmental stewardship be something that all Christians are concerned with?
A member of the Wanderers Sunday School Class checks the newly installed 275 gallon rain barrel at the Pleasant View UMC parsonage.The Wanderers Sunday School Class of Pleasant View UMC thinks Christians should be concerned. The class gets its name from a line in J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, Lord of the Rings, where the comment is made that “all who wander are not lost.” This is the motto of this class that seeks to wander around from topics, issues, and questions; not as a sign of being lost, but rather as a means of seeking out and finding truth in life and the life of The Church. Recently the class began wandering around on the issue of environmental stewardship. Members of the class initially disagreed on some of the pre-conceived ideas surrounding this topic. As they wandered around a little more, the class began to realize that this is an issue that should be important to all Christians. From the very beginning, humanity is given the charge to “be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves over the face of the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, The Message) Adam was put into the garden to care for it, not to exploit it (Genesis 2:15). It is this care that, as Christians, we need to do a better job. Christians must, as a whole, do a better job of ruling over God’s creation wisely.
Out of this, the comment was made that “we need to study ways in which we can be better stewards.” The discussion wandered a little further to the idea that “if this ended, and we move on without implementing anything, what have we really accomplished?” From there, the class concluded that stewardship of the environment must begin at home , move to our church, then finally go beyond the walls of our church into the community.
The first question that needs to be answered in regards to environmental stewardship is why should Christians care about stewardship of the environment? Jesus offered that the whole of the law is summed up in loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and also in loving our neighbors as ourselves. Environmental stewardship shows a love of God by caring for and ruling over wisely God’s creation that was pronounced good. A disregard for the state of God’s creation shows a lack of love for the creator. Environmental stewardship also demonstrates loving neighbor as self as the impact of being good stewards of the environment goes beyond self, showing a love for not only those who we share the earth with now, but also those who will inherit the earth. Disregard for our water supplies, air we breathe, and the food supplies of the earth show a lack of love for neighbor.
In the next few issues of The Review, the class is going to share their struggles and finding as they seek to implement better environmental stewardship practices in their homes and in Pleasant View UMC. These will be based on the basic tenets of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It will span the areas of recycling, using renewable and reusable resources, and will talk about the impact that it can have on the garden of God’s creation. These articles aim to show practical ways individuals and local congregations can make a difference. Will you wander with us?
(The Wanderers Class would like to hear how individuals and churches are being good stewards of the environment. Please send your stories to wanderers@pvumc.info.)
Living Beyond the Barriers
By Stacey Robinson*
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, `You are our gods,` will be turned back in utter shame.
18 "Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!
19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD?
20 You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42: 16-20 (NIV)
Stacey Robinson and guide dog ChesleyI have lived with barriers all of my life, but that has not affected my relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, it may have made it stronger. I am blind and have been sense birth. I am sure it was difficult for my parents at times, but my mother and father knew that God was always with them.
We all face barriers of one kind or another in our lives. Yours may not be as large as mine, but I'm sure they are there. Do they affect your relationship with Jesus and how you reach out to others in your church? Do they affect your participation in church? Do they affect how you relate to those around you who are not like you? The answers to these questions will be different for each of you, but I would guess that it might be yes to at Least one.
I have been very fortunate. My small church has been very good about helping me break down barriers related to church participation. As a child, I was given a hymnal in Braille at the time when most kids receive their first bible. I didn't have a hymnal of my own and loved having it. After that, our minister at the time would call me to give me the hymns for the next week. I felt like I was a part of the service. A lot of time passed and I grew up. I became a lay speaker because God told me to. I face barriers with classes because books are only in print, but that doesn't stop me. I do what needs to be done.
In the book of Romans Chapter 14 Verse 13 from the TNIV says, "13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." What do we as a church put in the way of members with disabilities or members who are elderly? Are you reaching out to them or are you holding them back and keeping them out? Jesus came into the world and died for all of us not just the able bodied people. He didn't die for just the ones who have all they need and more. In Matthew 5 Jesus says Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs in the kingdom of heaven. He is saying that although they may have little they are welcome in his kingdom. Are we that welcoming to people in our churches? If not, we should be.
Is God telling you to go out and welcome people to your church? Is he telling you to visit people or to fix a meal for someone? In the book of Isaiah we hear these words, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” I will close by saying, don't let any barrier in your life stop you from showing Jesus to others. You may be just the one to bring him to them. Amen.
*Stacey Robinson is a certified Lay speaker and attends Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, College Grove, TN. The Rev. Allison Gilliam is pastor. Watch next month for an article by Stacey’s guide dog CHESLEY!
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 8:35 AM
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