TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW August 22, 2008
Articles in this edition of THE REVIEW
1. Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust Building Homes for Low Income Families
2. Tennesseans Help Continue the Dream at Africa University
3. Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC Holds Last Service
4. A Brief Report of the Murfreesboro District Hispanic Ministry
5. C. Don Ladd awarded Francis Asbury Award
6. Ernestine Hawkins Recognized for Service to Outreach Ministry
8. Martin Methodist Students Experience the UMConnection
9. Learning from the Eagle
10. A Guide Dog's Tale
12. Four Persons Receive Order of St. Andrew Awards
13. First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, is Part of The United Methodist Church’s Connection and Presence In the World
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Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust Building Homes for Low Income Families
UMNS Feature
By Linda Green*
A United Methodist congregation in Tennessee wants to help eliminate poverty by providing affordable housing to low-income families and individuals.
Blakemore United Methodist Church in Nashville created the Blakemore Housing Trust in 2005 to implement ministries for low-income families. The organization operates under the theme, "Building the Walls That Unite Us," with a focus on community.
The Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust, along with partner congregations, built this home in Nashville, Tenn., for a low-income family. A UMNS photo by Helen R. Allen.
"This project represents an effort to meet a critical need for affordable housing in our community while building community within Blakemore United Methodist Church and the community at large," said Ron Merville, who directs the outreach ministry. "We see this as a way to put our energies into a project that is rewarding for our members and the family that purchases the home."
Last July, the trust, along with partner congregations, built a two-story, 1,216-square-foot home in an inner-city neighborhood in Nashville. The home was received in February by the three-member Thompson family. Blakemore was supported by Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church, located in the neighborhood of the newly constructed home.
"I was excited to receive a new home," said Benita Thompson, 36, the mother of two sons, 16 and 10. "It was a long process, but owning a home is exciting. There is nothing like it in the world."
According to the Rev. Paul Gardner, Blakemore's former pastor, the value of a ministry like the housing trust is that any congregation, without a lot of capital, can move someone into homeownership. "The structure of it is such that one borrows money and collects on the back end," he said. "Any church can do this."
Affordable housing model
The trust seeks to become a model for both the denomination and its Tennessee Annual (regional) Conference of how to provide affordable housing to the working poor. It is also an example of The United Methodist Church's emphasis to engage in ministry with the poor.
Gardner, now pastor at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville, near Nashville, said the trust and the construction of the house created an atmosphere in which the Blakemore congregation and the homeowner were able to work together, "not just as the provider and the needy but (it) helped show that we were very real people with the same hopes and dreams."
Blakemore's ministry, he said, is an example of how putting creative minds to a task can create solutions. "Taking people from renting a house or apartment to owning a home represents a different kind of thinking to meet the needs that we see."
"Going from renting to owning a home felt good," Thompson said. Without the assistance from the housing trust, she said, "I could not have afforded a new home and I would still be renting." She would have eventually acquired a home, "but it would have been nothing as nice as the Blakemore Housing Trust provided for me," she said.
Breaking the cycle
The ability to buy an affordable home allows the recipient family to break the cycle of poverty through the accumulation of home equity, Merville said.
Through federal grants obtained by the trust, the recipient family is provided with a down payment assistance of $17,500. The trust sells the house to the recipient family at 80 percent of market value.
Ron Merville
Home financing is arranged by Blakemore United Methodist Church through third-party lenders and government grants in order to convey the property to the eventual home buyer, Merville said. The trust works with a local community organization to identify and select a family that has completed a series of financial counseling sessions for home buyers.
Construction of a second house will begin soon, and two lots have been purchased, Merville said. "We look forward to beginning construction ... and building new relationships with other congregations and home buyers."
A home is constructed in four and one half months. He said the trust will build one house at a time and plans to continue as long as the need for affordable housing exists.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennesseans Help Continue the Dream at Africa University
By Cathy Farmer and Tom McAnally
United Methodists in Nashville, Memphis and middle Tennessee are coming together in two significant events to help continue the dream at Africa University. A Nashville area celebration is planned Saturday night, September 6, at First United Methodist Church in Murray, Ky., to honor the late Mickey Carpenter, a clergyman in the Memphis Conference, and his wife Marsha Dorgan, whose passion for United Methodism's African University has transcended the distance between the two continents.
In addition, nine United Methodist churches in Middle Tennessee and one in Kentucky will participate in an Africa University Saturation Event Sunday, September 7.
With her husband’s enthusiastic support, Dorgan, an agriculturist, traveled to the campus in Zimbabwe where she proposed and helped develop a “Dream Dairy” and made plans for an innovative “Dream Farm.” The Dream Dairy, related to the school’s Faculty (College) of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has already proven valuable during difficult economic times by supplying milk and other products to the students and faculty.
Gloria McCutcheon and graduate student Walter Manyangarirwa examine squash for signs of insects. Manyangarirwa, a member of the agriculture faculty at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, is a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences at Clemson (S.C.) University. His doctoral studies grew out of the partnership between Africa University and Clemson University aimed at improving crop yields and protecting the environment in Zimbabwe. A UMNS photo from Clemson University.
Now, after Carpenter’s recent tragic death, United Methodists of the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences are being offered the opportunity to “help continue the dream.”
Carpenter, who served as a pastor and district superintendent in the the Paris District of the United Methodist Church drowned in April while fishing at Bush Lake, near Huntington. He was 60. He and Marsha, married 33 years, have twin girls.
Speaking about the upcoming celebration, Dorgan said, “I hope everyone will come and listen to the speakers talk about Africa University, what it does, who it prepares for life, and what some graduates have done, so that they can understand where the money goes when they pay their apportionment for Africa University.”
She explained that 70 percent of the AU students are on financial aid or full scholarships. About 1,300 students are currently enrolled and more than 2,700 have graduated since classes began in 1992.
“I believe students at Africa University today are the future leaders of the continent of Africa tomorrow,” she said. “Some of our graduates have already gone on to serve in responsible governmental positions."
Dorgan is hoping for a full house--500 to 600 people--at the celebration in Murray. “Those who come will have the opportunity to see what the university does and how they can be part of making a difference in the future.”
Clergy and lay people from across the two-conference area are invited to participate in the event being sponsored by Nashville Area and the Development Office of Africa University. Among guest speakers will be Fanuel Tagwira, interim vice-chancellor of AU and dean of its Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources and an AU graduate.
Money raised at the celebration will go to the Dream Farm, a demonstration and training project for farmers, or to an endowed scholarship in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Congregations and individual donors are asked to mark their check for either the Dr. Mickey Carpenter Scholarship Fund or the Dream Farm.
Sunday's saturation event will be in the form of sermons, presentations in classes, or in congregational mission moments. Connecting with the bi-annual meeting of the Africa University Advisory Development Committee, several committee members will be speaking at the following United Methodist congregations in middle Tennessee: Bethlehem Franklin, Belmont, Christ Church Franklin, Connell Memorial, First Church Franklin, First Church Hendersonville, First Church Murfreesboro, Forest Hills, and Madison Street.
Prof. Fanuel Tagwira will speak at First Church, Murray, Ky. Among other presenters are Bishop Ernest Lyght, Rev. Yollande S. Mavund, , James H. Salley, Elaine Jenkins, and Rev. Lloyd Rollins. Their purpose is to thank the congregations for their support and to introduce the university to others. Presenters want to emphasize the success of AU and its critical role in the future of Africa and explain why Tennessee Christians should care about what happens globally.
About Africa University
Africa University, located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, is a private, Pan-African institution. An extraordinary example of good news out of Africa, the United Methodist-related university has produced more than 2,400 graduates in its brief, 15-year life, however many people don't even know it exists. The university is not only thriving, it is spreading wings, making partnerships with major institutions including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Health Care of Memphis, and Chevron of Africa.
More than 350 students from 16 African countries graduate June 7 from United Methodist-related Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The school now has more than 2,600 alumni at work as agriculturalists, pastors, educators, businesspeople, health workers and other professionals in communities across sub-Saharan Africa. A UMNS photo by Andra Stevens.
In 1984, two African bishops, with the support of thousands of African Methodists, issued a call to create Africa University. It opened in 1992 with 40 students in 10 temporary buildings.
The university has expanded dramatically over the years. It is unique with 25 African countries represented among the 1,300-member student body, 32 buildings on campus, including student residences, staff and faculty housing, and 119 faculty and staff from 14 countries. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Management and Administration, and Theology.
Africa University is supported by individuals and congregations across the globe. To attend one of the saturation events, please contact the Africa University Development Office at 615.340.7438; email: audevoffice@gbhem.org. To learn more about Africa University, log on to http://www.africau.edu/.
*Farmer is Director of Communications for the Memphis Conference. McAnally is retired director of United Methodist News Service.
Getting There
The Dream Farm project event will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 6 p.m. with reception to follow. First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky. All are welcome.
Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC Holds Last Service
Sets up memorial scholarship in name of Mary Chaffin
From May 23, 2008 Cumberland District REVIEW
On June 8th the last service was held at Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC before the congregation merged back into First UMC, Lebanon.
Miss Mary in her robe. She had just married a young couple in the Upton Heights Church. Photo from the 1970s.
Many of you know of this 50 years of Mission Work in Upton Heights, a federal project area in Lebanon, Tennessee. The Rev. Dr. Mary Chaffin lived and ministered here for 19 years. Her name has been borne by the church for 20 years. The congregation does not want the work of “the saint of Lebanon” to be forgotten. Therefore a scholarship has been created in her name for a woman going into preaching ministry.
The Rev. Dr. Mary Ensor Chaffin was in the first group of women admitted on trial in the Tennessee Annual Conference in 1971. The scholarship has been placed with the Nashville Area Foundation and will be administered by the Board of Ordained Ministry. Persons wishing to help keep her dream alive can send gifts to the Nashville Area Foundation, c/o Vin Walkup, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 3, Nashville, TN 37211-4166.
A Brief Report of the Murfreesboro District Hispanic Ministry
By Rev. Enrique Hernandez*
Manchester Hispanic Congregation Celebrating 5 de Mayo. Rev. Cathie Leimenstoll, Murfreesboro District Superintendent, with members of the congregation.
One of the highlights this year is the growing fellowship we started last year in Shelbyville. There is a family that had been going to a Hispanic fellowship in another church. A few weeks after they arrived we had our Cinco de Mayo celebration in Manchester. We invited everyone to come and the churches in Franklin County provided food. We had a great time with some worship and the preaching of the word in English and Spanish. Children and adults had a great time playing and visiting.
A week later this family said to me “Pastor Enrique, this is the very first time we have felt welcomed among Americans” I asked why and they said that the church they used to attend only invited the pastor and his family, but never the congregation to their celebration. The Lord says that we need to welcome the sojourner, and many times as we welcome them we welcome angels, this family is the most active in sharing their faith with others.
Missionary/Evangelistic team from the Methodist Seminary in Monterey, Mexico, visiting door to door in the Shelbyville area.
Another highlight was the participation of a missionary team that came from Monterrey, Mexico, during Easter and shared the gospel in Bedford and Franklin Counties. Pastor Felipe Medina and 8 people from his church drove for about 30 hours to come and share God’s love with our American churches and Hispanic fellowships. We visited 5 churches on Sunday morning after driving straight from Mexico and arriving at 4:30 a.m. They led the worship time and preached in our Hispanic groups and we visited door to door in both areas where our fellowships are. Their testimonies and lives were a great blessing to those that met them. People asked, “when are they coming back?”
*Rev. Enrique Hernandez is Missionary to the Murfreesboro District
C. Don Ladd awarded Francis Asbury Award
A surprised Don Ladd responds after receiving the Francis Asbury Award. A Horace Wilkinson photo.
C. Don Ladd, a member of Forrest Hills United Methodist Church, was awarded the Francis Asbury Award for his contributions to Higher Education in the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Ladd was a member of the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, 2000-2008, and served on the Board’s Budget Committee. From 2002-2006 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee State University Wesley Foundation and was instrumental in the building program that resulted in the new TSU Wesley Foundation facility.
He has provided substantial leadership to the Tennessee Conference Laity and served the Conference as Director of Lay Speaking Ministry up until 2007. He led the Annual Conference Lay Delegation at the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, and will lead the Lay Delegation at July’s Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
Ladd is married to Michelle and the couple has one daughter, Amanda. He is a Senior Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, for Ameriprise Financial. He heads up C. Don Ladd and Associates.
A most dedicated and committed Christian, Ladd lives his faith in all of life and certainly his work. He is very successful in his field and is excellent in helping persons in their financial planning and investments. He loves the Church, the United Methodist Church, the Annual Conference, and his local congregation. He listens, is so very warm and caring. In regard to the Francis Asbury Award, Ladd had demonstrated his support and commitment to Christian Higher Education, the Wesley Foundations, and Martin Methodist College. He has the insight and ability to bring people of differing perspectives and theological (and, yes, even political) points of view together, build consensus, and enable persons to see the common ground, our unity and, as well, affirm our diversity.
Ernestine Hawkins Recognized for Service to Outreach Ministry
Ernestine Hawkins, a member of Old Hickory United Methodist Church, was recently recognized for her 22 years of service as chairman of the board at the Christian Community Outreach Center in Old Hickory, an ecumenical ministry of 12 churches in the community that was launched in 1986. Hawkins is pictured with the Rev. Bill Reding, Ruth Ensor United Methodist Church, who presented a plaque of appreciation to her at the recent annual benefit fashion show and luncheon hosted by the Outreach Center. In 2007, the Outreach Center provided food boxes, utility assistance, clothing, and referral services to approximately 2,800 people.
Martin Methodist Students Experience the UM Connection
The United Methodist Church has long been proud of its connectional elements, and this year, students at Martin Methodist College have experienced many of those connections firsthand. “The entire basis of the UMC, as I have come to find out, is one of connectionalism,” says Amy Novakoski, an MMC student from Virginia. “As a United Methodist, you automatically have a bond with other people of faith across the globe.”
General Conference
Eight Martin Methodist College students, along with MMC President Ted Brown and Campus Minister Laura Kirkpatrick, attended the 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in Ft. Worth, Texas. Members of the MMC group were able to participate in the Higher Education Dinner; listened to a children’s choir from Africa; and heard a speech from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia.
“Being able to see the Tennessee delegation make decisions with churches in Zimbabwe, Iowa, and Korea was definitely a great testimony to the connectional system!” remarks Daniel Smith, a recent MMC graduate.
Group photo of the MMC students who went to General Conference 2008, along with Campus Minister Laura Kirkpatrick and MMC President Ted Brown.
Lyndsay Millo, a sophomore at MMC, states, “My experience at General Conference changed my thought process, changed my views of The United Methodist Church, and strengthened my belief in what the Methodist Church represents. I never thought there could be such amazing relationships with others all around the world. I think the Methodist Church does an amazing job at connecting God’s people.”
Martin Methodist College students who participated in the trip were Brandi Belcher, Hermitage UMC; Daniel Smith, Pleasant Grove UMC; Matthew Johnson, Olivet UMC; Stephanie Woolam, Dickson FUMC; Lyndsay Millo, LaVergne FUMC; Courtney Lancaster, Killen UMC (North Alabama); Doug Fuqua, Christ UMC; and Amy Novakoski, New Creation UMC – Aldersgate Campus (Virginia).
Student Forum
Another example of The United Methodist connectional system is The United Methodist Student Movement (UMSM) Forum, which is held every year – this year at American University in Washington D.C. Attending from Martin Methodist College were Daniel Smith and Mariellyn Dunlap, MMC’s Assistant Director of Religious Life, also a GBGM US-2.
One day of this year’s Forum was set aside for ‘immersions’ into social justice issues in locations around D.C. Issues included homelessness, healthcare, religion & politics, HIV/AIDS, and many others. Smith comments, “I am always challenged by the experiences that I have (at UMSM Forum). I’m sure that this experience, along with a few others…has made me into who I am today.”
The United Methodist Student Movement allows young adults to have a voice within the church, as well as to work together to create a new generation of Christian leaders. The 2008 UMSM Forum combined worship, education, and leadership development in a unique way. Each worship service joined cross-cultural elements with a traditional United Methodist service; songs were sung and Scriptures were read in a variety of languages. Students traveled from as far away as Hawaii and the Philippines to attend the Forum.
Summer Internships
Beersheba: Daniel Smith working at The United Methodist Assembly in Beersheba Springs, TN.
Additionally this summer, several Martin Methodist students and graduates are working in United Methodist-affiliated settings. Daniel Smith is spending his summer working at The United Methodist Assembly at Beersheba Springs, TN, where many church and youth groups come for retreats and conferences. Senior Stephanie Woolam is interning at Bethlehem UMC in Franklin, TN, as a youth worker, and Senior Matthew Johnson is working with First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville.
Barry Rich, a recent MMC graduate, and Daniel Green, a senior at MMC, are working at Cedar Crest, another camp in the Tennessee Conference. “Working at Cedar Crest has been one of the most demanding and rewarding ministries I have been a part of,” Green comments. “A lot of people have trouble finding meaning in their job, but what I do as a counselor is overflowing with purpose and abundant reward. As I have stated to some of my coworkers, working at this camp allows us to be ‘trailblazers in the hearts of children.’ Hopefully, it leads toward Christ for some, or makes that path already chosen by some youth a little clearer to walk on.”
Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project) in Altamont, TN, is MMC Sophomore Courtney Lancaster’s home for the summer. Besides meeting young people from all across the country, Courtney prepares for and manages work projects in local communities, and coordinates the work teams that come to serve at Mountain T.O.P. “After this experience, I feel so much more confident of what I can do,” Courtney says. “I know I can be a leader now!”
Courtney Lancaster working at Mountain T.O.P.
MMC Junior Amy Novakoski is working this summer as the UMC Virginia Conference Youth and Young Adults Ministry Intern. “Our annual conference just came to a close, and working behind the scenes of it opened my eyes to a whole new idea of connectionalism in the church. I am very proud to call myself a United Methodist, and I am very grateful for the deep connection I automatically have with other people of faith throughout the world,” Amy declares. “Imagine what could happen if we joined together and made full use of our connections in order to provoke change in the world today by fulfilling our mission to make disciples by transformation. The connections we have with other United Methodists could be very powerful tools if we step up to the plate, unite, and use them to fulfill our God-given calls.”
Joe Williams — Learning from the Eagle
Joe Williams
Joe Williams, the Tennessee Conference’s Lay Leader, opened his laity address before the 2008 Annual Conference by sharing an image from an e-mail he received — the life cycle of the Eagle: “The eagle has the longest life-span of its species. It can live up to 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In it’s 40s, its long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck on its chest and make it difficult to fly. Then, the eagle, is left with only two options: (1) To die, or (2) Go through a painful process of change which last 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons. When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers. After five months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.
Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive we have to start a change process. We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits, and other past traditions. Only freed from past burdens can we take advantage of the present.”
Williams applies the imagery of the eagle to the United Methodist Church.
Now in its 40s, the Church’s attendance and membership declines in a downward spiral that started soon after its birth in 1968.
The denomination is not broken, but seriously bending, because of dissention between groups who interpret many of the Holy scriptures differently, many ineffective clergy, many lackadaisical laity.
Even only in its early 40s, the Church’s desired lifespan is seriously threatened because of the continuous distractions indicating a loss of dedication and unity among its members, which made it impossible to get off to a fast start in the 21st century.
So, the church if left with only two options: (1) To die, or (2) Go through a process of change which needs to be immediate, intentional, and reuniting. This process requires that the Church become of one Spirit through both a reconciliation and a reaffirmation process.’
Williams presents his five recommendations for the revitalization of our denomination:
+ We must revitalize all Churches, but especially those with an average worship attendance of less than 50% of their membership and those churches who rarely ever receive a profession of faith. We must strengthen our outreach for children, youth, and young adults. We must move BEYOND THE WALLS from the PEWS TO THE PAVEMENT to bring them in.
+ The clergy must preach and teach more about the Wesleyan essentials of (1) repentance, (2) jusitification, (3) sanctification, (4) person and work of the Holy Spirit, and (5) holiness (Scotts)
+ All clergy must recognize the laity as equal partners in ministry. (Scotts)
+ All laity must become more intentional in upholding their Church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and WITNESS (added by 2008 General Conference)
+ The power of the Church must be in the local churches — and not in General Boards and Agencies.
A Guide Dog's Tale
By Chesley, GEB
Stacey Robinson shared, in the July 25th REVIEW, a sermon she had preached as a Lay Speaking Minister. Her guide dog Chesley also hinted that he would like to share his feelings through THE REVIEW – so here is a transcript of his words.
“My name is MR .Chesley, if you don’t mind!”
My name is Chesley, and I am a yellow lab. I am not your average pet. I do not chase cars, I do not eat food off the floor, and I absolutely do not drink out of the toilet. I am a guide dog. I wear something called a harness. It has a handle that my person holds onto when I take her places. I have a leash and a collar too. If you see me somewhere with my person, please don't pet me. I love it, but she seems to think it will cause problems with my work. I guess she's right, and I wouldn't want her to get hurt. I love her a lot.
I have a blind person to work for named Stacey Robinson. She loves to go all sorts of places including some place called church. I don't know what church is, but we go there once a week and sometimes more. We get out of the car and I hear "Chesley, Forward," blah blah. "Chesley, to the door." blah blah blah. I take her to her seat. She says,"Chesley, down." I lie on the cold floor under the seat. Man, I wish there were beds under the seats. I love to sleep. I get comfortable and then I hear, blah blah blah. What are these people saying. The music starts and I love music. After that, blah blah blah. I don't know what these people are saying. Why don't they talk to me? I'm a good dog. I know, I know, they're not supposed to talk to me while I'm working. More singing and more talking and singing and then church is over. I'm freezing. Man, the floor was cold!"
After church, we go to the back, and there's more talking. "Chesley, down." I plop beside Stacey's chair, and blah blah blah. more talking. What are they saying? Before I even get to sleep good on the carpet, it's time to go again. She says, "Chesley, lets go." Were off again. Oh, the car is so warm. I love to be warm.
Sometimes when we go to church, I don't get to sleep under the pew. I get the pleasure of sleeping on the carpet. I guide Stacey all the way up front and up some steps. She stands in front of a big square thing and talks. "blah blah blah." I stretch out and snore.
Sometimes we don't get to go to our normal good smelling church. We go to churches with new smells and new humans. I don't know why we do this, but it is exciting. I guide Stacey like a big dog should. I sleep while she talks. blah blah blah. I love going to other churches. The new smells are really nice.
After all this going and going, we come home. My harness and leash come off. I get into my play collar and grab a bone. I chew for a while and get a drink, then it's time for another nap. I'm off work and now I'll really sleep. Oh, life as Stacey's eyes is really good. woof. woof
A message from Stacey:
As Chesley has told you, I am his person. We have been a team for just over two years. I got him from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. He is my third guide dog. I hope to work him for many more years to come. The website for Guiding Eyes is: http://www.guidingeyes.org/
Tips when meeting a guide dog team:
1. Do not feed the dog. Guide dogs are fed specific amounts of food at specific. times.They do not get human food or table scraps. This could cause issues with weight as well as other issues.
2. Do not pet the dog or call him. This will cause distractions and could put the team in danger.
3. If you have a question speak directly to the person. Blind people do not bite. We are usually friendly. Remember, we are not from outer space. God created us too.
Four Persons Receive Order of St. Andrew Awards
There were two recipients of the Order of St. Andrew Award from the Cumberland District. Each year the Cumberland District honors one lay person and one clergy with the St. Andrew Award. This past year’s recipients are: Dr. Betty Masters Alexander, who has served the church at every level, and served our conference as Lay Leader for eight years (1996-2004) and Rev. William Eugene Moore, one of the retired elders of the conference. Gene was licensed in 1942 and later ordained an elder in 1950, serving churches across our conference until his retirement in 1985.
Dr. Howard Olds, seen here at a signing for his new book Led to Follow, was one of four recipients honored with an Order of St. Andrew Award. A Horace Wilkinson photo..
The Joyful Noise Sunday School Class of Brentwood United Methodist honored the Rev. Dr. Howard Olds with the Order of St. Andrew Award at his retirement celebration on May 21st. His plaque was presented at that time.
The fourth honoree is the Rev. David Hawkins, who served as a pastor and Director of Administrative Services until his untimely death on October 13 this past year. David served appointments in the Tennessee Conference from 1976 until his death. The Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation and other friends, honor his memory with this award. (Receiving the award was his widow, Melisa Derseweh, and his children Angela and Daniel.)
The Order of St. Andrew endowment honors ministers and laity of the Tennessee Annual Conference who have blessed the lives of individuals in the churches they have served, or of which they have been a member. Income from the Fund provides scholarships for persons pursuing pastoral ministry and enrolled in a seminary.
First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, is Part of The United Methodist Church’s Connection and Presence In the World!
By Barbara P. Garcia
It’s hard to be part of The United Methodist Church right now without being aware of the focus on “Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living”! This little book written by Bishop Rueben Job, lifts up John Wesley’s Rules “Do no harm, Do good, Love God”, and packs more power for Christ-like living into seventy seven pages than dreamed imaginable. It’s like a six word synthesis of John Wesley’s life and volumes reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus!
At the 2008 General Conference in Ft. Worth, delegates quickly learned about this focus on the “Three Simple Rules”, and one morning found a picture postcard at their place with one of the three rules written on a sign and held up by a United Methodist group or congregation. Mine happened to say “No hagas daño”, and was being held by a small congregation in dress typical of the Altiplano in Bolivia. On the back the three rules appeared in seven different languages in the background in addition to English, and also read: I promise to abide by these three simple rules: Do no harm; Do good; Love God; with a line for signature and the date. As part of a covenant service later on, each of the almost 1000 delegates were asked to sign it. It was a profound moment.
Later on I became aware that there were dozens of DIFFERENT congregations around the world holding signs in dozens of DIFFERENT languages featured on the postcards, participating in this marvelous yet simple demonstration that The United Methodist Church is indeed a Global Church!
Children from First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, illustrate one of John Wesley’s three rules, “Do no harm”
My congregation asked that I share with them in worship some highlights of what took place at General Conference, and I wanted for them to get a glimpse of Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules”. When I ordered the postcards to distribute in the service, I glimpsed through the vast assortment, and my eyes stopped suddenly on what appeared to be familiar faces standing in front of a familiar church! …in Nashville! I recognized children and adults of “Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Nashville” at Woodbine UMC! What a poignant moment as I experienced visually and emotionally-- not only that our leadership in the United Methodist Church had chosen to surface again this part of the Wesleyan movement of the Three Simple Rules, or that our United Methodist Commission on Communications had so cleverly designed a way of showing “who we ARE as a UMC around the world”; but more importantly, that the children and adults at “Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida en Nashville” can see in a different way their integral part in the UMC around the world!
The congregation of First Hispanic UMC at Woodbine displays in Spanish John Wesley’s three rules: Do no harm, Do good, Love God”
May we all make the commitment to study Rueben Job’s little book and join in the promise to “Do no harm; Do good; Love God”! I believe this Wesleyan way of living can and will serve as a powerful tool in helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
I am grateful for First Hispanic UMC in Nashville and their poignant presence and part in helping us all to work toward fulfilling our mission as a United Methodist Church around the world!
Note: “Three Simple Rules” by Bishop Rueben Job is available in English and Spanish at Cokesbury [and with a Study Guide and DVD with Bishop Job in English]; and postcards are available at United Methodist Communications at 615-742-5400.
1. Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust Building Homes for Low Income Families
2. Tennesseans Help Continue the Dream at Africa University
3. Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC Holds Last Service
4. A Brief Report of the Murfreesboro District Hispanic Ministry
5. C. Don Ladd awarded Francis Asbury Award
6. Ernestine Hawkins Recognized for Service to Outreach Ministry
8. Martin Methodist Students Experience the UMConnection
9. Learning from the Eagle
10. A Guide Dog's Tale
12. Four Persons Receive Order of St. Andrew Awards
13. First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, is Part of The United Methodist Church’s Connection and Presence In the World
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Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust Building Homes for Low Income Families
UMNS Feature
By Linda Green*
A United Methodist congregation in Tennessee wants to help eliminate poverty by providing affordable housing to low-income families and individuals.
Blakemore United Methodist Church in Nashville created the Blakemore Housing Trust in 2005 to implement ministries for low-income families. The organization operates under the theme, "Building the Walls That Unite Us," with a focus on community.
The Blakemore United Methodist Church Housing Trust, along with partner congregations, built this home in Nashville, Tenn., for a low-income family. A UMNS photo by Helen R. Allen."This project represents an effort to meet a critical need for affordable housing in our community while building community within Blakemore United Methodist Church and the community at large," said Ron Merville, who directs the outreach ministry. "We see this as a way to put our energies into a project that is rewarding for our members and the family that purchases the home."
Last July, the trust, along with partner congregations, built a two-story, 1,216-square-foot home in an inner-city neighborhood in Nashville. The home was received in February by the three-member Thompson family. Blakemore was supported by Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church, located in the neighborhood of the newly constructed home.
"I was excited to receive a new home," said Benita Thompson, 36, the mother of two sons, 16 and 10. "It was a long process, but owning a home is exciting. There is nothing like it in the world."
According to the Rev. Paul Gardner, Blakemore's former pastor, the value of a ministry like the housing trust is that any congregation, without a lot of capital, can move someone into homeownership. "The structure of it is such that one borrows money and collects on the back end," he said. "Any church can do this."
Affordable housing model
The trust seeks to become a model for both the denomination and its Tennessee Annual (regional) Conference of how to provide affordable housing to the working poor. It is also an example of The United Methodist Church's emphasis to engage in ministry with the poor.
Gardner, now pastor at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville, near Nashville, said the trust and the construction of the house created an atmosphere in which the Blakemore congregation and the homeowner were able to work together, "not just as the provider and the needy but (it) helped show that we were very real people with the same hopes and dreams."
Blakemore's ministry, he said, is an example of how putting creative minds to a task can create solutions. "Taking people from renting a house or apartment to owning a home represents a different kind of thinking to meet the needs that we see."
"Going from renting to owning a home felt good," Thompson said. Without the assistance from the housing trust, she said, "I could not have afforded a new home and I would still be renting." She would have eventually acquired a home, "but it would have been nothing as nice as the Blakemore Housing Trust provided for me," she said.
Breaking the cycle
The ability to buy an affordable home allows the recipient family to break the cycle of poverty through the accumulation of home equity, Merville said.
Through federal grants obtained by the trust, the recipient family is provided with a down payment assistance of $17,500. The trust sells the house to the recipient family at 80 percent of market value.
Ron MervilleHome financing is arranged by Blakemore United Methodist Church through third-party lenders and government grants in order to convey the property to the eventual home buyer, Merville said. The trust works with a local community organization to identify and select a family that has completed a series of financial counseling sessions for home buyers.
Construction of a second house will begin soon, and two lots have been purchased, Merville said. "We look forward to beginning construction ... and building new relationships with other congregations and home buyers."
A home is constructed in four and one half months. He said the trust will build one house at a time and plans to continue as long as the need for affordable housing exists.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennesseans Help Continue the Dream at Africa University
By Cathy Farmer and Tom McAnally
United Methodists in Nashville, Memphis and middle Tennessee are coming together in two significant events to help continue the dream at Africa University. A Nashville area celebration is planned Saturday night, September 6, at First United Methodist Church in Murray, Ky., to honor the late Mickey Carpenter, a clergyman in the Memphis Conference, and his wife Marsha Dorgan, whose passion for United Methodism's African University has transcended the distance between the two continents.
In addition, nine United Methodist churches in Middle Tennessee and one in Kentucky will participate in an Africa University Saturation Event Sunday, September 7.
With her husband’s enthusiastic support, Dorgan, an agriculturist, traveled to the campus in Zimbabwe where she proposed and helped develop a “Dream Dairy” and made plans for an innovative “Dream Farm.” The Dream Dairy, related to the school’s Faculty (College) of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has already proven valuable during difficult economic times by supplying milk and other products to the students and faculty.
Gloria McCutcheon and graduate student Walter Manyangarirwa examine squash for signs of insects. Manyangarirwa, a member of the agriculture faculty at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, is a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences at Clemson (S.C.) University. His doctoral studies grew out of the partnership between Africa University and Clemson University aimed at improving crop yields and protecting the environment in Zimbabwe. A UMNS photo from Clemson University.Now, after Carpenter’s recent tragic death, United Methodists of the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences are being offered the opportunity to “help continue the dream.”
Carpenter, who served as a pastor and district superintendent in the the Paris District of the United Methodist Church drowned in April while fishing at Bush Lake, near Huntington. He was 60. He and Marsha, married 33 years, have twin girls.
Speaking about the upcoming celebration, Dorgan said, “I hope everyone will come and listen to the speakers talk about Africa University, what it does, who it prepares for life, and what some graduates have done, so that they can understand where the money goes when they pay their apportionment for Africa University.”
She explained that 70 percent of the AU students are on financial aid or full scholarships. About 1,300 students are currently enrolled and more than 2,700 have graduated since classes began in 1992.
“I believe students at Africa University today are the future leaders of the continent of Africa tomorrow,” she said. “Some of our graduates have already gone on to serve in responsible governmental positions."
Dorgan is hoping for a full house--500 to 600 people--at the celebration in Murray. “Those who come will have the opportunity to see what the university does and how they can be part of making a difference in the future.”
Clergy and lay people from across the two-conference area are invited to participate in the event being sponsored by Nashville Area and the Development Office of Africa University. Among guest speakers will be Fanuel Tagwira, interim vice-chancellor of AU and dean of its Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources and an AU graduate.
Money raised at the celebration will go to the Dream Farm, a demonstration and training project for farmers, or to an endowed scholarship in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Congregations and individual donors are asked to mark their check for either the Dr. Mickey Carpenter Scholarship Fund or the Dream Farm.
Sunday's saturation event will be in the form of sermons, presentations in classes, or in congregational mission moments. Connecting with the bi-annual meeting of the Africa University Advisory Development Committee, several committee members will be speaking at the following United Methodist congregations in middle Tennessee: Bethlehem Franklin, Belmont, Christ Church Franklin, Connell Memorial, First Church Franklin, First Church Hendersonville, First Church Murfreesboro, Forest Hills, and Madison Street.
Prof. Fanuel Tagwira will speak at First Church, Murray, Ky. Among other presenters are Bishop Ernest Lyght, Rev. Yollande S. Mavund, , James H. Salley, Elaine Jenkins, and Rev. Lloyd Rollins. Their purpose is to thank the congregations for their support and to introduce the university to others. Presenters want to emphasize the success of AU and its critical role in the future of Africa and explain why Tennessee Christians should care about what happens globally.
About Africa University
Africa University, located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, is a private, Pan-African institution. An extraordinary example of good news out of Africa, the United Methodist-related university has produced more than 2,400 graduates in its brief, 15-year life, however many people don't even know it exists. The university is not only thriving, it is spreading wings, making partnerships with major institutions including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Health Care of Memphis, and Chevron of Africa.
More than 350 students from 16 African countries graduate June 7 from United Methodist-related Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The school now has more than 2,600 alumni at work as agriculturalists, pastors, educators, businesspeople, health workers and other professionals in communities across sub-Saharan Africa. A UMNS photo by Andra Stevens.In 1984, two African bishops, with the support of thousands of African Methodists, issued a call to create Africa University. It opened in 1992 with 40 students in 10 temporary buildings.
The university has expanded dramatically over the years. It is unique with 25 African countries represented among the 1,300-member student body, 32 buildings on campus, including student residences, staff and faculty housing, and 119 faculty and staff from 14 countries. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Management and Administration, and Theology.
Africa University is supported by individuals and congregations across the globe. To attend one of the saturation events, please contact the Africa University Development Office at 615.340.7438; email: audevoffice@gbhem.org. To learn more about Africa University, log on to http://www.africau.edu/.
*Farmer is Director of Communications for the Memphis Conference. McAnally is retired director of United Methodist News Service.
Getting There
The Dream Farm project event will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 6 p.m. with reception to follow. First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky. All are welcome.
Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC Holds Last Service
Sets up memorial scholarship in name of Mary Chaffin
From May 23, 2008 Cumberland District REVIEW
On June 8th the last service was held at Mary Chaffin Memorial UMC before the congregation merged back into First UMC, Lebanon.
Miss Mary in her robe. She had just married a young couple in the Upton Heights Church. Photo from the 1970s.Many of you know of this 50 years of Mission Work in Upton Heights, a federal project area in Lebanon, Tennessee. The Rev. Dr. Mary Chaffin lived and ministered here for 19 years. Her name has been borne by the church for 20 years. The congregation does not want the work of “the saint of Lebanon” to be forgotten. Therefore a scholarship has been created in her name for a woman going into preaching ministry.
The Rev. Dr. Mary Ensor Chaffin was in the first group of women admitted on trial in the Tennessee Annual Conference in 1971. The scholarship has been placed with the Nashville Area Foundation and will be administered by the Board of Ordained Ministry. Persons wishing to help keep her dream alive can send gifts to the Nashville Area Foundation, c/o Vin Walkup, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 3, Nashville, TN 37211-4166.
A Brief Report of the Murfreesboro District Hispanic Ministry
By Rev. Enrique Hernandez*
Manchester Hispanic Congregation Celebrating 5 de Mayo. Rev. Cathie Leimenstoll, Murfreesboro District Superintendent, with members of the congregation.One of the highlights this year is the growing fellowship we started last year in Shelbyville. There is a family that had been going to a Hispanic fellowship in another church. A few weeks after they arrived we had our Cinco de Mayo celebration in Manchester. We invited everyone to come and the churches in Franklin County provided food. We had a great time with some worship and the preaching of the word in English and Spanish. Children and adults had a great time playing and visiting.
A week later this family said to me “Pastor Enrique, this is the very first time we have felt welcomed among Americans” I asked why and they said that the church they used to attend only invited the pastor and his family, but never the congregation to their celebration. The Lord says that we need to welcome the sojourner, and many times as we welcome them we welcome angels, this family is the most active in sharing their faith with others.
Missionary/Evangelistic team from the Methodist Seminary in Monterey, Mexico, visiting door to door in the Shelbyville area.Another highlight was the participation of a missionary team that came from Monterrey, Mexico, during Easter and shared the gospel in Bedford and Franklin Counties. Pastor Felipe Medina and 8 people from his church drove for about 30 hours to come and share God’s love with our American churches and Hispanic fellowships. We visited 5 churches on Sunday morning after driving straight from Mexico and arriving at 4:30 a.m. They led the worship time and preached in our Hispanic groups and we visited door to door in both areas where our fellowships are. Their testimonies and lives were a great blessing to those that met them. People asked, “when are they coming back?”
*Rev. Enrique Hernandez is Missionary to the Murfreesboro District
C. Don Ladd awarded Francis Asbury Award
A surprised Don Ladd responds after receiving the Francis Asbury Award. A Horace Wilkinson photo.C. Don Ladd, a member of Forrest Hills United Methodist Church, was awarded the Francis Asbury Award for his contributions to Higher Education in the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Ladd was a member of the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, 2000-2008, and served on the Board’s Budget Committee. From 2002-2006 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee State University Wesley Foundation and was instrumental in the building program that resulted in the new TSU Wesley Foundation facility.
He has provided substantial leadership to the Tennessee Conference Laity and served the Conference as Director of Lay Speaking Ministry up until 2007. He led the Annual Conference Lay Delegation at the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, and will lead the Lay Delegation at July’s Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
Ladd is married to Michelle and the couple has one daughter, Amanda. He is a Senior Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, for Ameriprise Financial. He heads up C. Don Ladd and Associates.
A most dedicated and committed Christian, Ladd lives his faith in all of life and certainly his work. He is very successful in his field and is excellent in helping persons in their financial planning and investments. He loves the Church, the United Methodist Church, the Annual Conference, and his local congregation. He listens, is so very warm and caring. In regard to the Francis Asbury Award, Ladd had demonstrated his support and commitment to Christian Higher Education, the Wesley Foundations, and Martin Methodist College. He has the insight and ability to bring people of differing perspectives and theological (and, yes, even political) points of view together, build consensus, and enable persons to see the common ground, our unity and, as well, affirm our diversity.
Ernestine Hawkins Recognized for Service to Outreach Ministry
Ernestine Hawkins, a member of Old Hickory United Methodist Church, was recently recognized for her 22 years of service as chairman of the board at the Christian Community Outreach Center in Old Hickory, an ecumenical ministry of 12 churches in the community that was launched in 1986. Hawkins is pictured with the Rev. Bill Reding, Ruth Ensor United Methodist Church, who presented a plaque of appreciation to her at the recent annual benefit fashion show and luncheon hosted by the Outreach Center. In 2007, the Outreach Center provided food boxes, utility assistance, clothing, and referral services to approximately 2,800 people.Martin Methodist Students Experience the UM Connection
The United Methodist Church has long been proud of its connectional elements, and this year, students at Martin Methodist College have experienced many of those connections firsthand. “The entire basis of the UMC, as I have come to find out, is one of connectionalism,” says Amy Novakoski, an MMC student from Virginia. “As a United Methodist, you automatically have a bond with other people of faith across the globe.”
General Conference
Eight Martin Methodist College students, along with MMC President Ted Brown and Campus Minister Laura Kirkpatrick, attended the 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in Ft. Worth, Texas. Members of the MMC group were able to participate in the Higher Education Dinner; listened to a children’s choir from Africa; and heard a speech from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia.
“Being able to see the Tennessee delegation make decisions with churches in Zimbabwe, Iowa, and Korea was definitely a great testimony to the connectional system!” remarks Daniel Smith, a recent MMC graduate.
Group photo of the MMC students who went to General Conference 2008, along with Campus Minister Laura Kirkpatrick and MMC President Ted Brown.Lyndsay Millo, a sophomore at MMC, states, “My experience at General Conference changed my thought process, changed my views of The United Methodist Church, and strengthened my belief in what the Methodist Church represents. I never thought there could be such amazing relationships with others all around the world. I think the Methodist Church does an amazing job at connecting God’s people.”
Martin Methodist College students who participated in the trip were Brandi Belcher, Hermitage UMC; Daniel Smith, Pleasant Grove UMC; Matthew Johnson, Olivet UMC; Stephanie Woolam, Dickson FUMC; Lyndsay Millo, LaVergne FUMC; Courtney Lancaster, Killen UMC (North Alabama); Doug Fuqua, Christ UMC; and Amy Novakoski, New Creation UMC – Aldersgate Campus (Virginia).
Student Forum
Another example of The United Methodist connectional system is The United Methodist Student Movement (UMSM) Forum, which is held every year – this year at American University in Washington D.C. Attending from Martin Methodist College were Daniel Smith and Mariellyn Dunlap, MMC’s Assistant Director of Religious Life, also a GBGM US-2.
One day of this year’s Forum was set aside for ‘immersions’ into social justice issues in locations around D.C. Issues included homelessness, healthcare, religion & politics, HIV/AIDS, and many others. Smith comments, “I am always challenged by the experiences that I have (at UMSM Forum). I’m sure that this experience, along with a few others…has made me into who I am today.”
The United Methodist Student Movement allows young adults to have a voice within the church, as well as to work together to create a new generation of Christian leaders. The 2008 UMSM Forum combined worship, education, and leadership development in a unique way. Each worship service joined cross-cultural elements with a traditional United Methodist service; songs were sung and Scriptures were read in a variety of languages. Students traveled from as far away as Hawaii and the Philippines to attend the Forum.
Summer Internships
Beersheba: Daniel Smith working at The United Methodist Assembly in Beersheba Springs, TN.Additionally this summer, several Martin Methodist students and graduates are working in United Methodist-affiliated settings. Daniel Smith is spending his summer working at The United Methodist Assembly at Beersheba Springs, TN, where many church and youth groups come for retreats and conferences. Senior Stephanie Woolam is interning at Bethlehem UMC in Franklin, TN, as a youth worker, and Senior Matthew Johnson is working with First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville.
Barry Rich, a recent MMC graduate, and Daniel Green, a senior at MMC, are working at Cedar Crest, another camp in the Tennessee Conference. “Working at Cedar Crest has been one of the most demanding and rewarding ministries I have been a part of,” Green comments. “A lot of people have trouble finding meaning in their job, but what I do as a counselor is overflowing with purpose and abundant reward. As I have stated to some of my coworkers, working at this camp allows us to be ‘trailblazers in the hearts of children.’ Hopefully, it leads toward Christ for some, or makes that path already chosen by some youth a little clearer to walk on.”
Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project) in Altamont, TN, is MMC Sophomore Courtney Lancaster’s home for the summer. Besides meeting young people from all across the country, Courtney prepares for and manages work projects in local communities, and coordinates the work teams that come to serve at Mountain T.O.P. “After this experience, I feel so much more confident of what I can do,” Courtney says. “I know I can be a leader now!”
Courtney Lancaster working at Mountain T.O.P.MMC Junior Amy Novakoski is working this summer as the UMC Virginia Conference Youth and Young Adults Ministry Intern. “Our annual conference just came to a close, and working behind the scenes of it opened my eyes to a whole new idea of connectionalism in the church. I am very proud to call myself a United Methodist, and I am very grateful for the deep connection I automatically have with other people of faith throughout the world,” Amy declares. “Imagine what could happen if we joined together and made full use of our connections in order to provoke change in the world today by fulfilling our mission to make disciples by transformation. The connections we have with other United Methodists could be very powerful tools if we step up to the plate, unite, and use them to fulfill our God-given calls.”
Joe Williams — Learning from the Eagle
Joe WilliamsJoe Williams, the Tennessee Conference’s Lay Leader, opened his laity address before the 2008 Annual Conference by sharing an image from an e-mail he received — the life cycle of the Eagle: “The eagle has the longest life-span of its species. It can live up to 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In it’s 40s, its long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck on its chest and make it difficult to fly. Then, the eagle, is left with only two options: (1) To die, or (2) Go through a painful process of change which last 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons. When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers. After five months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.
Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive we have to start a change process. We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits, and other past traditions. Only freed from past burdens can we take advantage of the present.”
Williams applies the imagery of the eagle to the United Methodist Church.
Now in its 40s, the Church’s attendance and membership declines in a downward spiral that started soon after its birth in 1968.
The denomination is not broken, but seriously bending, because of dissention between groups who interpret many of the Holy scriptures differently, many ineffective clergy, many lackadaisical laity.
Even only in its early 40s, the Church’s desired lifespan is seriously threatened because of the continuous distractions indicating a loss of dedication and unity among its members, which made it impossible to get off to a fast start in the 21st century.
So, the church if left with only two options: (1) To die, or (2) Go through a process of change which needs to be immediate, intentional, and reuniting. This process requires that the Church become of one Spirit through both a reconciliation and a reaffirmation process.’
Williams presents his five recommendations for the revitalization of our denomination:
+ We must revitalize all Churches, but especially those with an average worship attendance of less than 50% of their membership and those churches who rarely ever receive a profession of faith. We must strengthen our outreach for children, youth, and young adults. We must move BEYOND THE WALLS from the PEWS TO THE PAVEMENT to bring them in.
+ The clergy must preach and teach more about the Wesleyan essentials of (1) repentance, (2) jusitification, (3) sanctification, (4) person and work of the Holy Spirit, and (5) holiness (Scotts)
+ All clergy must recognize the laity as equal partners in ministry. (Scotts)
+ All laity must become more intentional in upholding their Church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and WITNESS (added by 2008 General Conference)
+ The power of the Church must be in the local churches — and not in General Boards and Agencies.
A Guide Dog's Tale
By Chesley, GEB
Stacey Robinson shared, in the July 25th REVIEW, a sermon she had preached as a Lay Speaking Minister. Her guide dog Chesley also hinted that he would like to share his feelings through THE REVIEW – so here is a transcript of his words.
“My name is MR .Chesley, if you don’t mind!”My name is Chesley, and I am a yellow lab. I am not your average pet. I do not chase cars, I do not eat food off the floor, and I absolutely do not drink out of the toilet. I am a guide dog. I wear something called a harness. It has a handle that my person holds onto when I take her places. I have a leash and a collar too. If you see me somewhere with my person, please don't pet me. I love it, but she seems to think it will cause problems with my work. I guess she's right, and I wouldn't want her to get hurt. I love her a lot.
I have a blind person to work for named Stacey Robinson. She loves to go all sorts of places including some place called church. I don't know what church is, but we go there once a week and sometimes more. We get out of the car and I hear "Chesley, Forward," blah blah. "Chesley, to the door." blah blah blah. I take her to her seat. She says,"Chesley, down." I lie on the cold floor under the seat. Man, I wish there were beds under the seats. I love to sleep. I get comfortable and then I hear, blah blah blah. What are these people saying. The music starts and I love music. After that, blah blah blah. I don't know what these people are saying. Why don't they talk to me? I'm a good dog. I know, I know, they're not supposed to talk to me while I'm working. More singing and more talking and singing and then church is over. I'm freezing. Man, the floor was cold!"
After church, we go to the back, and there's more talking. "Chesley, down." I plop beside Stacey's chair, and blah blah blah. more talking. What are they saying? Before I even get to sleep good on the carpet, it's time to go again. She says, "Chesley, lets go." Were off again. Oh, the car is so warm. I love to be warm.
Sometimes when we go to church, I don't get to sleep under the pew. I get the pleasure of sleeping on the carpet. I guide Stacey all the way up front and up some steps. She stands in front of a big square thing and talks. "blah blah blah." I stretch out and snore.
Sometimes we don't get to go to our normal good smelling church. We go to churches with new smells and new humans. I don't know why we do this, but it is exciting. I guide Stacey like a big dog should. I sleep while she talks. blah blah blah. I love going to other churches. The new smells are really nice.
After all this going and going, we come home. My harness and leash come off. I get into my play collar and grab a bone. I chew for a while and get a drink, then it's time for another nap. I'm off work and now I'll really sleep. Oh, life as Stacey's eyes is really good. woof. woof
A message from Stacey:
As Chesley has told you, I am his person. We have been a team for just over two years. I got him from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. He is my third guide dog. I hope to work him for many more years to come. The website for Guiding Eyes is: http://www.guidingeyes.org/
Tips when meeting a guide dog team:
1. Do not feed the dog. Guide dogs are fed specific amounts of food at specific. times.They do not get human food or table scraps. This could cause issues with weight as well as other issues.
2. Do not pet the dog or call him. This will cause distractions and could put the team in danger.
3. If you have a question speak directly to the person. Blind people do not bite. We are usually friendly. Remember, we are not from outer space. God created us too.
Four Persons Receive Order of St. Andrew Awards
There were two recipients of the Order of St. Andrew Award from the Cumberland District. Each year the Cumberland District honors one lay person and one clergy with the St. Andrew Award. This past year’s recipients are: Dr. Betty Masters Alexander, who has served the church at every level, and served our conference as Lay Leader for eight years (1996-2004) and Rev. William Eugene Moore, one of the retired elders of the conference. Gene was licensed in 1942 and later ordained an elder in 1950, serving churches across our conference until his retirement in 1985.
Dr. Howard Olds, seen here at a signing for his new book Led to Follow, was one of four recipients honored with an Order of St. Andrew Award. A Horace Wilkinson photo..The Joyful Noise Sunday School Class of Brentwood United Methodist honored the Rev. Dr. Howard Olds with the Order of St. Andrew Award at his retirement celebration on May 21st. His plaque was presented at that time.
The fourth honoree is the Rev. David Hawkins, who served as a pastor and Director of Administrative Services until his untimely death on October 13 this past year. David served appointments in the Tennessee Conference from 1976 until his death. The Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation and other friends, honor his memory with this award. (Receiving the award was his widow, Melisa Derseweh, and his children Angela and Daniel.)
The Order of St. Andrew endowment honors ministers and laity of the Tennessee Annual Conference who have blessed the lives of individuals in the churches they have served, or of which they have been a member. Income from the Fund provides scholarships for persons pursuing pastoral ministry and enrolled in a seminary.
First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, is Part of The United Methodist Church’s Connection and Presence In the World!
By Barbara P. Garcia
It’s hard to be part of The United Methodist Church right now without being aware of the focus on “Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living”! This little book written by Bishop Rueben Job, lifts up John Wesley’s Rules “Do no harm, Do good, Love God”, and packs more power for Christ-like living into seventy seven pages than dreamed imaginable. It’s like a six word synthesis of John Wesley’s life and volumes reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus!
At the 2008 General Conference in Ft. Worth, delegates quickly learned about this focus on the “Three Simple Rules”, and one morning found a picture postcard at their place with one of the three rules written on a sign and held up by a United Methodist group or congregation. Mine happened to say “No hagas daño”, and was being held by a small congregation in dress typical of the Altiplano in Bolivia. On the back the three rules appeared in seven different languages in the background in addition to English, and also read: I promise to abide by these three simple rules: Do no harm; Do good; Love God; with a line for signature and the date. As part of a covenant service later on, each of the almost 1000 delegates were asked to sign it. It was a profound moment.
Later on I became aware that there were dozens of DIFFERENT congregations around the world holding signs in dozens of DIFFERENT languages featured on the postcards, participating in this marvelous yet simple demonstration that The United Methodist Church is indeed a Global Church!
Children from First Hispanic UMC, Nashville, illustrate one of John Wesley’s three rules, “Do no harm”My congregation asked that I share with them in worship some highlights of what took place at General Conference, and I wanted for them to get a glimpse of Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules”. When I ordered the postcards to distribute in the service, I glimpsed through the vast assortment, and my eyes stopped suddenly on what appeared to be familiar faces standing in front of a familiar church! …in Nashville! I recognized children and adults of “Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Nashville” at Woodbine UMC! What a poignant moment as I experienced visually and emotionally-- not only that our leadership in the United Methodist Church had chosen to surface again this part of the Wesleyan movement of the Three Simple Rules, or that our United Methodist Commission on Communications had so cleverly designed a way of showing “who we ARE as a UMC around the world”; but more importantly, that the children and adults at “Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida en Nashville” can see in a different way their integral part in the UMC around the world!
The congregation of First Hispanic UMC at Woodbine displays in Spanish John Wesley’s three rules: Do no harm, Do good, Love God”May we all make the commitment to study Rueben Job’s little book and join in the promise to “Do no harm; Do good; Love God”! I believe this Wesleyan way of living can and will serve as a powerful tool in helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
I am grateful for First Hispanic UMC in Nashville and their poignant presence and part in helping us all to work toward fulfilling our mission as a United Methodist Church around the world!
Note: “Three Simple Rules” by Bishop Rueben Job is available in English and Spanish at Cokesbury [and with a Study Guide and DVD with Bishop Job in English]; and postcards are available at United Methodist Communications at 615-742-5400.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 12:11 PM
