MID-WEEK LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Grace United Methodist Church

September 27, 2007

 

            I met with some residents of Parkview Retirement Center last week.  We are working together to establish “Christian Community” there.  As a part of understanding the environment better, we got a report on what kind of social events the residents are already attending.  There are 200 plus residents at Parkview.  Here is the insight some of them shared:

• About 20-25 attend our weekly “Grace Years” worship service on Sunday afternoons
• Bingo draws 30-40 (twice a week)
• A monthly catered meal attracts 30-35
• Tuesday night movie night is drawing about 8
• A presentation by the fire department drew 45 onlookers

 

So what conclusions can we draw? 

 

*****

 

I attended a meeting last week in Springfield of the delegation which will be attending General and Jurisdictional Conferences (next year).   This is the last year that Sharon Brown Christopher will be our bishop.  In July 2008, the North Central Jurisdiction will meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan to reassign bishops.  Our new bishop will be announced at that time and will take office in September 2008.  That conference will also elect any new bishops, in case any of the current bishops choose to retire.  At this time, no retirements have been announced.

 

A BISHOP in the United Methodist Church is the chief pastor and leader of all the people in his or her area.  (Our bishop is the leader of approximately 175,000 United Methodists, over 900 churches, nearly 700 active pastors—in Central and Southern Illinois).  The bishop appoints pastors to the various churches, unifies the church, is a steward of sound doctrine and teaching, and a beacon of hope for the church in difficult times.  Bishops are chosen by election at regional conferences (our region is called the North Central Jurisdiction).  They serve until retirement (mandatory around age 66). 

 

We reviewed the essential qualities and characteristics needed in a bishop.  They are as follows:

• Relational:  compassionate heart for all people, commitment to inclusiveness, understands the diverse and changing world, accessible, open, vulnerable
• Administrator:  diplomatic, builds consensus, articulate, listener, people skills
• Spiritual Life and Discipline:  grounded biblically and theologically, willing to hear and follow God’s voice, gift of discernment
• Passion for Connecting All People to God:  commitment to the global nature and mission of the church, commitment to the church, passionate disciple of Jesus Christ, passion for proclaiming the gospel effectively
• Integrity:  life long learner, knowledge of Wesley and Wesleyan practices, challenges all of us to find the best in ourselves, hopeful, joyful, loving

*****

 

            We are in the season of making commitments.  Through the month of October, every church member at Grace will be asked to make a volunteer commitment for the coming year to one of our 10 areas of ministry.  We take seriously the teaching of our church:  “All Christians are called…to…ministry of servanthood in the world to the glory of God and for human fulfillment.”  “The ministry of all Christians in Christ’s name and spirit is both a gift and a task.” 

 

            Our 10 areas of ministry are as follows:

 

1. Worship:  facilitating Sunday morning worship and worship at special times, including sanctuary decorations, music, ushers, acolytes, communion stewards
2. Children’s Sunday School:  providing teachers and curriculum for children and inviting children to attend and even facilitating their transportation
3. Grace Years:  creating Christian Community in retirement centers, offering a life review interview, conducting seminars on issues related to aging
4. Youth:  provide fellowship, worship, education, and mission opportunities for youth
5. Adult Spiritual Formation:  Bible study; small groups and classes for sharing, study, service, and support; invite people to be disciples of Jesus Christ; teach the ‘way of Jesus’ to people; participate in a system of mutual accountability for discipleship
6. Mission:  share our time and substance with people who are struggling and suffering—all in the name of Christ
7. Neighborhood Children:  link with others in our community who are serving children and their needs
8. Neighborhood Hospitality:  create new social milieus for interacting with ALL our neighbors and offer both ourselves and the living Christ in those settings
9. WellSpring:  healing services for both our church family and others from the community who are suffering
10. Membership Care:  an organized group of ‘congregational deacons’ who will assist the pastor in caring for the most needy members of our congregation

 

Be thinking about what area God is calling you to engage.  What is your passion, interest, or deep concern?

 

Mike

 

*****

 

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: tomatoes, macaroni, juice

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FINANCIAL UPDATE:  to date, we have had:

 

Income of $150,930                               Expenses of $157,408

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

 

Sunday, Sept. 30:         *  One worship service at 9:00 a.m.  Fellowship time immediately

                                         following worship.  Sunday school begins at 10:15 a.m.  

                                     

                                      Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

 

 

Monday, Oct. 1:              Grace Years small group at Prairie Winds at 6:30.

 

                                    * Lay leadership committee meeting at 7:00.

 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 2:              Quilters will meet at 6:30.

 

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

 

                                      Chancel choir will rehearse at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

 

 

Wednesday, Oct. 3:         Men’s Breakfast Group meets at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

                                      Grace Years worship service at Canterbury Ridge at 3:00.

 

                                      The Cherub choir will practice at 5:30 in the sanctuary.

 

                                      Life Song rehearsal will be at 6:30 at the Aters’ home.

 

* A three week Bible study on healing.  Meet in the Seekers Sunday

  School room at 7:00.  Open to everyone with an interest in the topic.

 

 

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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 above.

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