TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW December 11, 2009
Articles in the December 11th issue of THE REVIEW
1. Advent: “There Will Be Signs . . . a meditation by Loyd Mabry based on“ Luke 21: 25-36”
2. Town of Bethlehem Speaks at City Road Chapel UMC in Madison
3. Warm someone with your heart this Christmas—Seven-year –old girl collects coats for the homeless
4. Donelson Christian Academy Provides Needed Support for Community Care Fellowship
5. “4 the People” Extends Helping Hand in Time of Need—A group of lay people combine their gifts and passion to reach out to fellow church members and the community in a time of economic uncertainty and lay-offs.
6. Annual Homecoming Fish Fry strongly promotes Tennessee State University Wesley Foundation
7. Murfreesboro/Cookeville District Youth Lay Speaking Retreat
8. Hear – Discern – Respond – Go, Exploration 2009, Nov. 13-15, Dallas, Texas—18 Martin Methodist College students attend
9. “Lunch and Learn” Highlights Local Church Applications of Windows 7
10. Two new books by Tennessee Conference authors—Rita Hays and Terry Carty prepare books crucial for this decade.
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Advent: “There Will Be Signs . . .” Luke 21:25-36
Advent begins a time of preparation, a new church year, an opportunity to refocus on what really matters in life. The Gospel lectionary passage for the First Sunday of Advent reminds us that there will be signs all around us. Currently, the signs of the economy are mixed. Some are positive and many are negative. Some signs warn us while others prepare us for what is ahead. Some guide and some inform. Signs are all around us. The question is how do we interpret these signs?
Advent begins with the end in mind. Advent affirms and proclaims who controls history. Advent offers us the assurance that God is active in our midst. In the midst of the multitude of signage, the Gospel of Luke proclaims that we should stand up and raise our heads. Our redemption is drawing near. We are told to be alert and on guard. Look for God’s activity. We are called to pray for strength to escape all the things that will take place and be prepared to stand before the Son of Man.
Our past, our present, and our future are held together by God’s gracious activity. We need not fear. There is a future that is under God’s control. Yes, the signs we see may look like a bleak mid-winter but spring is coming. The celebration of the birth of Jesus stands as an everlasting sign that God is in control. There is reason to hope.
In the midst of the uncertainty of the present let us not lose sight of the future. There is reason to rejoice. There is reason for hope. Immanuel, God is with us!
In Christ’s love,
Loyd Mabry
Town of Bethlehem Speaks at City Road Chapel UMC in Madison
The First Sunday in Advent, City Road Chapel UMC had a special guest--the Spirit of Bethlehem, portrayed by City Road’s pastor, Rev. Ray Newell. “Being a whole town was a bit of a stretch over the biblical individuals I’ve portrayed in the past, but it was fun,” Newell reported. “I’ve found these dramatizations help people gain a new perspective on the Bible. Its characters become more real and personal.”
As children completed the “Hanging of the Greens” and seasonal hymns were sung, Rev. Newell slipped out. Shortly, returning in his place, came a figure clad in a hooded robe, his face obscured by a golden veil. The apparition spoke to the congregation: “I am the spirit of Bethlehem. I seldom reveal myself to you sons and daughters of Adam. Your lives are so short.”
Bethlehem told of its rich history, spanning 12,000 years. Its importance in the Bible began with the patriarch Israel burying his beloved Rachel there. Bethlehem remembered Boaz’s redemption of Ruth, which led to David’s birth. David’s young life, the dents his sling stones gave to the walls of the town, how he took his stand between his flock and any threat, and his leaving town to fight with Saul were all recounted. Bethlehem sadly told how David forsook Bethlehem for Jerusalem when he became king. Only Micah’s prophecy that the true king would be born in it gave Bethlehem hope. But then the Babylonians destroyed it. “How could a new anointed king ever be born in the midst of these empty streets?” Bethlehem cried. “I would have to be raised from the dead to new life for the promise to come true.”
The congregation learned that life did come again as the exiles returned. Bethlehem waited for centuries for God’s promise to come true. Now it was filled with life as people poured in for the census. Newell’s ‘Bethlehem’ recognized Joseph walking toward it, with a very pregnant young woman at his side. “From the strained look on her face, I would say she’ll give birth tonight. You kind of learn these things after a few thousand years,” he pondered as they find shelter in a cave stable. “With each new child born within me,” Bethlehem confided, “I always find hope for the future.” With light shining from above and the angels singing, Bethlehem dared to believe, “Maybe this baby boy will be the one to fulfill all our hopes for life.”
Following the service, many young people of the congregation reacted generously with “Cool” and “Awesome” to this different kind of sermon. One member, Jean Irwin, said that some of her friends came just to hear this presentation. Jim Havron, another member, commented, “The role of Bethlehem served as a wonderful metaphor for Christ’s life—the need for sacrifice and renewal.” Not everyone felt comfortable with the unconventional service, but most affirmed that this was “a wonderful way to start Advent.”
City Road Chapel, located at the corner of Gallatin Road and Neely’s Bend in Madison, worships at 8:00 and 10:00 Sunday mornings. For more information about the church, please visit cityroadchapel.org.
Warm someone with your heart this Christmas
By Sandy Baxter
I love writing good news stories. Children have the biggest hearts, they are not yet jaded by the world and only want to do what is right. Such is the story below. This is the story of a seven year old girl in our community by the name of Gracie Bryan who decided that she wanted a way to….. in her own words…. “Warm somebody with your heart”. Thus, she came up with the idea of collecting coats to be taken to the homeless at the Rescue Mission in Nashville. Friends and family including her church family brought coats to the Triune United Methodist Church and they were delivered to the Rescue Mission before Thanksgiving. Thirty-nine coats were collected. You don’t have to be rich or powerful to make a difference and you don’t even have to be an adult. Oh, if we all could keep the kind and gentle hearts and minds of children as we grow older. Bless you Gracie and now we all know that you have a big warm heart. The story really does not end here. Gracie could not have literally done this alone. It would be hard for a seven year old to ask this of the church, so she asked through her Mother. She is definitely smart for her age, but she does not have a drivers license yet. So it took the agreement of the parents, and the church to make this happen when some good people, ready and willing to help, make a little girl’s dream come true. The ideas of children are often our best. Gracie is the daughter of Rhett and Amy Bryan, Arrington, Tennessee.
Donelson Christian Academy Provides Needed Thanksgiving Support for Community Care Fellowship
At about 1:15 pm on Friday, November 20, a bus and a pick-up truck from Donelson Christian Academy pulled into the parking lot of Community Care Fellowship. Inside the bus besides the faculty and students were 75 Thanksgiving food boxes, boxes of canned goods. The truck was loaded with frozen turkeys.
DCA student Nathan Hunter assists Daniel Mumaw, Nancy Webb Kelly member, to car with food boxes. Daniel was providing a Thanksgiving meal for 12 homeless people on November 26.
The families of DCA had held their annual food drive and Community Care Fellowship was the recipient of their efforts. Each food box had the complete fixings for a Thanksgiving meal for four people. The food boxes were distributed to families of Nancy Webb Kelly UMC, the Dare to Dream After School program, and others in the neighborhood. The additional food was given to CCF to help with its ministry of feeding the homeless and nearly homeless.
DCA student Katie Garapic and After School Director Jessica Patino helps Kemp Bailey load Nancy Webb Kelly member Pearl Washington’s car with food boxes.
“4 the People” Extends Helping Hand in Time of Need
By Carol Bumbalough*
A group of lay people combine their gifts and passions to reach out to fellow church members and the community in a time of economic uncertainty and lay-offs.
Career Transitions Support Group has been meeting at Brentwood UMC for many years – helping individuals sharpen job-seeking skills and providing support during a vulnerable time. Since this past fall when our nation’s economy plummeted, Career Transitions has proven its worth to the hundreds of jobseekers who have come looking for help. Although they attend for job-related help, what they find when they arrive are caring people who offer help in many other ways – thanks to the efforts of a group of laypeople who came together to consolidate the many avenues of help our church is already providing in a ministry they call “4 the People.”
“We got started with the idea of helping those in the Career Transition Support Group with their struggle of job loss,” said Sean Anderson, one of the leaders of “4 the People.” “The idea blossomed after two friends were discussing the possibility of sharing a meal with a family who may be in need due to an extended job loss and job search. From there, many volunteers stepped forward to bring together the information for the “Tools for Tough Times” list.”
“Tools for Tough Times” is a readily-accessible resource which details opportunities for support currently offered by various groups within the church ranging from spiritual support (pastors and Stephen Ministers) to emergency financial and food assistance through our Missions & Outreach Department. The list has even been expanded to include a list of “ReadyResources” detailing all support agencies within our area that can be accessed confidentially via the www.bumc.net website.
“When one door closes, a window opens,” remarked Anderson. “And for some people, this is the window. God tells us to ‘not grow weary in doing what is right.’ Our hands are God’s hands used for each other and in God’s name.”
Anderson finds that being involved in “4 the People” has allowed him to see Christ reaching out through others. “The opportunity to serve God is a privilege – the opportunity to serve others is a responsibility. I’m blessed to be a part of this project and offer my ability to serve him, but also humbled by watching others give tirelessly of themselves for the benefit of someone in need.”
“4 the People” has helped many people through financial assistance, food, job placement and spiritual counseling. But what Anderson finds most amazing is watching God’s people come together for a common purpose and utilizing their spiritual gifts – whatever they may be. “The pastors are pastoring, the Stephen Ministers are ministering, the Andrew Ministers are welcoming,” he said. “Job coaches are teaching, leaders are leading, and others are using their gift of giving. When people use their spiritual gifts in a way that God needs, it not only fulfills the needs of the recipient but it also fulfills God’s desire that his children use the gifts they are given.”
To find out more about “4 the People” – how you can volunteer your gifts or how you can access the resources -- go to www.bumc.net and click on “Tools for Tough Times.”
*Carol Bumbalough is Assistant to the Executive Pastor, Brentwood United Methodist Church
Annual Homecoming Fish Fry strongly promotes Tennessee State University Wesley Foundation
The Wesley Foundation at Tennessee State University celebrated Homecoming on Saturday, November 7th, with their Annual Fish Fry. Over 800 people purchased the delicious food which included fish sandwiches, hot dogs, and beverages—all of which had been prepared by a team of dedicated volunteers. Cedric Foley, chair of Finance for the Wesley Foundation Board and organizer of the Fish Fry, noted that 130 pounds of fish had been purchased for the event and all of it sold out by the end of festivities as did the hot dogs and drinks.
The Fish Fry demonstrated the hospitality and safe haven offered year 'round at the Wesley Foundation. TSU alumni, faculty, and students were invited in to show how the United Methodist Church provides for spiritual growth and development on the university campus.
Batter up! Rev. Shirley Renee Franklin prepares the fish for frying
Though dedicated Board members and friends prepared and served the food, an equally dedicated group of Wesley Foundation students served as hosts. Wesley Foundation students also were stationed on the Wesley Foundation float in the TSU Homecoming Parade and passed out fliers telling about the Wesley Foundation. At the end of the day both Board members and Wesley Foundation students were pleased with the results of their labors – definitely a day well spent.
Murfreesboro/Cookeville District Youth Lay Speaking Retreat
Beersheba Springs Assembly was the perfect setting for the first Murfreesboro/Cookeville District Youth Lay Speaking Retreat. Presenters for the weekend were Conference Youth Director Brad Fiscus, Certified Lay Speakers Krislyn Durham and Tom Wright (Coordinator of Lay Speaker Training, Murfreesboro District), Ann Benson, Murfreesboro District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries, and Holly Neal, Cookeville District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries. The Spiritual Director for the weekend was Rev. Bryan Brooks with Worship leader Bob Brown and Crossville First UMC youth praise band Alpha and Omega. Delicious meals were lovingly prepared by Tracie Bennett and Mary Ann Rumley. Offering encouragement to participants during the weekend were Cookeville District Superintendent Jay Archer, Cookeville District Youth Coordinator Roger Brown, and Conference Associate Lay Speaking Director Betty Jo Forkner.
Sixteen youth and two adults from the Cookeville District and thirteen youth from the Murfreesboro District became Local Church Lay Speakers while two youth and one adult who were already Local Church Lay Speakers became Certified Lay Speakers.
The weekend was a blessing to all that participated and plans are underway for another joint venture for next year.
Hear – Discern – Respond – Go, Exploration 2009, Nov. 13-15, Dallas, Texas
Submitted by the Rev. Laura Kirkpatrick, Martin Methodist College Campus Minister
“Exploration Bound” was the theme as 18 Martin Methodist College Students, from 4 countries and 6 Annual Conferences departed campus on Thursday, Nov. 12. The students were led by Rev. Joaquin Garcia – Tennessee Conference Director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy, Rev. Laura Kirkpatrick – MMC Campus Minister, Brad Fiscus – Director of Tennessee Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Rev. John Purdue – pastor of Smithville UMC. After a few bumps at the start, the crew of 22 safely traveled to Dallas, Texas, for Exploration ’09, sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Upon arrival, students met new friends, worshipped with more than 800 other Explorers, and participated in small groups, led by first-year seminary students following the Exploration theme of Hear-Discern-Respond-Go. On Saturday, the students attended workshops such as, “How Do I know I am Called?”, “What Does It Mean to be a Deacon?”, “What Does It Mean to be an Elder?”, and “Getting Involved in Cross-Cultural Ministries”. Students also conversed with representatives from the 13 United Methodist Seminaries, as well as representatives from the General Board of Global Ministries and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Worship was an important part of Exploration 2009. (Right to Left) Kevin Crawford, Josiah Po’e, Alex Abernathy, Katie Dobbins, Philip Galyon. Photo by Joaquin Garcia.
As we made the 13-hour trip back to Pulaski, several of the students reflected on the trip, and here are some of their responses:
Exploration ’09 Responses
• Kevin Crawford – Senior from Christ UMC: “I ended up not defining my calling but defining my beliefs on calling and arrived to the conclusion that God gave us the gift of life to choose what we want to do [as we] make disciples and to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.”
• Amy Novakoski – Senior from the Virginia Conference starting at Garrett-Evangelical Theological in January: “Attending Exploration allowed me to better understand the opportunities available in ministry. I also enjoyed meeting others who will be colleagues in ministry.”
• Carlos Santos – First Year from the Lafayette Hispanic Fellowship: “It was a good experience, and I have learned that there are lots of opportunities to serve God through the UMC.”
• Liliana Hernandez – First Year from the Smithville Hispanic Fellowship: “I learned there are so many ways in which you can help others and preach the word of God!”
• Cedrick Nkulu – First Year from the Congo: “I saw the Mississippi River; I saw Dallas; I even met someone from my hometown in Congo! I love the United Methodist Church!”
• Courtney Lancaster – Junior from the North Alabama Conference: “My small group was great…It was good to meet people more like me…Worship was refreshing and beautiful. I loved learning about the General Board o of Global Ministries. I was very interested in hearing about their opportunities.”
• Uziel Hernandez – Junior from the Chapel Hill Hispanic Fellowship: “I had a great time at Exploration. I met very interesting people, and it was a lot of fun! I learned many things and being there confirmed the path I am following for ministry. Thanks be to God for everything!”
• Karen De La Paz – First Year from the Memphis Conference: “…I have gained …a better understanding of what the “call” is... I have also learned more about God, and the will to follow wherever I am needed.”
• Yesenia Perez – Senior from the Memphis Conference: “All I can say is that it was an amazing experience! It opened my eyes to see that there are so many ways in which we can serve God. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to attend Exploration because I met so many wonderful people.”
• Claudet Hernandez – Junior from the Smithville Hispanic Fellowship: “At the beginning of this trip, I thought, ‘God is going to tell me what my calling is.’ The truth is, God did not specifically tell me what my calling is, but he let me know I can do so many things and ‘I can do it through him’, Philippians 4:13. I also learned I don’t need to be ordained in order to serve God. This weekend really opened my eyes to see the many different ways in which I can serve and glorify God. As youth we are often told ‘we are the leaders of tomorrow,’ but I learned ‘we are the leaders of today’ and that we can start serving God in our everyday life by simply giving a good testimony, sharing the change God has made in our lives. The worship and workshops were amazing, and I got to hear a diversity of worship songs!”
Several students also commented that Exploration helped them clarify their call either to ordained or lay ministry. Of the 18 Martin Methodist College students participating, six students are absolutely certain they are called to ordained ministry. While others are still discerning their call and vocation, all of the students are returning knowing they have the opportunity to “continue the ministry of Christ for the transformation of the World” in everyday life.
As we return, we are extremely grateful to those who helped make this trip possible. These people include:
+ The generous scholarships from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for Exploration,
+ West End UMC and Edgehill UMC for sharing their vans,
+ Sharp Motor Company, of Pulaski, for assisting us with a last minute van,
+ The financial support of the Connectional Ministries of the Tennessee Conference and the Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College,
+ Mark Hagewood, MMC Faculty and Exploration Design Team Member, who encouraged several students to attend, and provided a tremendous worship experience, as well as
+ Our drivers – Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Brad Fiscus, and Rev. John Purdue.
Thank you, each of you, for showing our students the blessings of “connectional ministry”!
“Lunch and Learn” Highlights Local Church Applications of Windows 7
Microsoft “Windows7” is the newest operating system, released in October of 2009, for many computers in local United Methodist Churches.
The all new Windows 7 contains many improved capabilities required to help church offices work effectively and know that information on the computer is protected.
On November 17, 2009, Information Systems of the Conference Council on Connectional Ministries had its first workshop to help local churches make the best use of newest technology. “Lunch and Learn for Secretaries and Pastors,” held at the Tennessee Conference Center, focused on Windows 7 and led participants to understand the features of Windows 7, how to obtain the program inexpensively, and how to use the program even on older computers. To make a point computer presentations during the overview were using Windows 7 which had been installed onto a computer that was over 10 years old.
The workshop was co-sponsored by: the Tennessee Annual Conference and New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
Presentations were made by Bill Freeman, Daniel Mills, and Johnathan Rose.
After presentations by leadership, persons were invited to ask questions – and after the question and answer period responded to all questions and concerns, participants were invited to actually sit down at one of six computers set up for the event and actually try the new program. A drawing of names resulted in four different people being awarded $500 scholarships for application training of their choice in events held at the New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Nashville
At the end of the workshops individuals could sit down at a computer and try out Windows 7
Johnathan Rose was available to help tutor anyone needing an explanation of Windows 7 operation. Here he assists the Rev. Judi Hoffman.
Skip Armistead, pastor at Hilldale United Methodist Church, and a former Director of the Conference Council on Ministries, was enthusiastic about the workshop. “This was a quality presentation of practical information that we can use to enhance local church ministry.” “This type of experience,” noted Armistead is a good way apportionments can provide training to enhance the ministry of every local church.”
Two new books by Tennessee Conference authors
Two members of the Tennessee Conference have recently had books published that are already assisting local congregations in ministry to children, families, and youth.
Rita B. Hays, Deacon and Associate Pastor at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church, has shared important insights in her book The Most Important Space in the Church (The Nursery). The 2009 release was published by Discipleship Resources.
Terry B. Carty, Elder in the Conference and Director of the National Youth Workers Movement, is co-author of the new Abingdon book, Five Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry (A Youth Leader’s Guide), with Missouri Conference Bishop Robert Schnase, bestselling author of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.
The Most Important Space in the Church (The Nursery)
A strong children's ministry is the foundation for the future vitality of any church — whether it's a small family community or a robust neighborhood church. In The Most Important Space in the Church, Rita Hays emphasizes that evangelism and spiritual formation begin in the nursery. It's there that many visitors first interact with church members and experience an outpouring of warmth and acceptance — known as radical hospitality.
Building a rich, spiritually rooted ministry with children and their families creates a faith formation pattern that lasts beyond nursery days.
Hays presents both theological groundwork and practical applications for strengthening any church's ministry, beginning in the most important space — the nursery.
Five Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry (A Youth Leader’s Guide)
Ten ready-to-use sessions teach the fundamentals of Christian living. Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission, and Extravagant Generosity—these five practices, designed to shape both heart and mind, will help youth grow in their discipleship as they transform the world.
The Most Important Space in the Church, The Nursery is available through Discipleship Resources, P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003, www.discipleshipresources.org. The paperback sells for $14.00, ten or more copies $11.90 each. Five Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry is available from Cokesbury, retail price is $7.00.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 9:10 AM
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