MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

September 13, 2007

 

FROM THE PASTOR

 

The men’s breakfast group had a lesson this past week on the “Emerging Church.”  This is a phrase we are starting to hear more often, and we are wondering what it means.  (The men’s group is still wondering, as the article they read was confusing and poorly written.) 

 

So here are some basics, as I understand them.

 

1.  In the past, we focused on the differences between “liberal Christians” and“conservative Christians.”  Even within the United Methodist denominations, we labeled some churches as “conservative” and some as “liberal.”  Pastors were likewise labeled. 

 

2.  When we speak of the “Emerging Church,” we are establishing an entirely different contrast.  Rather than compare “liberal” against “conservative,” we are paying attention to a whole new set of issues.  The “Emerging Church” stands in contrast with the “Modern Church.”  (Sometimes we speak of the “Emerging Church” as “post-modern.”)

 

3.  The “Modern Church” has the following characteristics:

 

    •     It is composed of buildings and programs and career professionals (clergy)

 

    •     It asserts that ‘No other religions are right’

 

    •     It teaches that salvation is primarily about going to heaven, after we die

 

    •     It lists requirements for its members, and offers rewards for meeting those requirements

 

    •     It idolizes the Bible

 

    •     Doubt is unacceptable

 

    •     It advises us that “being Christian” is to always look our best and project the best image

 

    •     The goal of the Modern Church is to get people to join the church

 

    •     People’s beliefs are often synonymous with liberal Democratic politics or conservative         Republican politics; the other side is the enemy

 

    •     Religion is private, no one else’s business

 

    •     Outsiders are expected to conform to our way of doing things

 

4.  The “Emerging Church” has the following characteristics:

 

    •     Reading the Bible and wrestling with it are more important than just saying that one believes it

 

    •     We should be open and honest about who we are and not pretend to be better than we are

    •     The church should be composed of a lively and loving community, not focused on buildings, programs, and career professionals.

 

    •     Doubt is accepted as the way to deeper belief

 

    •     God loves conservatives and liberals, and doing the will of God will probably move

 us around the traditional political spectrum

 

    •     The goal of the Emerging Church is to find abundant life through becoming a radical disciple of Jesus Christ—and then share that life changing experience with others, and then urge them through that experience

 

    •     A warm and nurturing Christian community is essential to being a Christian; membership in an institutional church is sometimes a distraction to real Christianity

 

    •     The practice of religion should be joyful, uninhibited, and creative

 

    •     Worship and Bible study should go out of their way to welcome people who are different and ‘out of place’ in the Modern Church

 

Almost every church we know is in the category of the “Modern Church.”  The “Emerging Church” is usually fluid, under our ‘institutional radar,’ and flourishing in social environments that are largely invisible to people who are settled comfortably into the American middle class. 

 

What do you think?  Our conversations about these issues should be interesting!

 

-Mike

 

 

     

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: green beans, juices, crackers         

 

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FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

                  

Income of $146,175      Expenses of $151,165

                  

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THE CALENDAR: (Please note especially items marked with an asterisk).

 

 

Thursday, Sept. 13:  J.O.Y. sharing group at 7:00 in the parlor.

 

 

Sunday, Sept. 16:    Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

                     

 

Monday, Sept. 17:    Grace Years small group meeting at Prairie Winds at 6:30.

                    

                     United Methodist Women will meet at 7:00 in the fellowship

                     hall.  They will be working on projects for the Fall Festival.

                     Anyone who is interested may join them.                  

            

         

Tuesday, Sept. 18:   Quilters will meet at 6:30.

 

                     Angelus hand bells rehearsal at 6:30 in the music room.

 

                     Chancel Choir rehearsal at 7:30 in the sanctuary. 

    

 

Wednesday, Sept. 19: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the

                     fellowship hall.

 

                     Grace Years worship service at Canterbury at 3:00.

 

                     Cherub Choir rehearsal at 5:30 in the sanctuary.

 

                     Life Song rehearsal at 6:30 at the Aters' home.

 

                                           

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If you know of someone who is in need of pastoral care, please contact

the church office (328-1414) or respond to the e-mail address above.

 

 

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