Looking Forward

I am looking forward to spending some time with this blog in the near future. Check back soon as changes are coming!

Ode to Lydia

As we welcomed Lydia Johannine into the world last Friday we didn't exactly know how Marley would react; well all is good. Check out this video that big sister Annika captured for us!

The Blizzard of 2010

Asher Playing Some Defense!

Check out this video of Asher playing defense for the Colts. He is #6.

It was a great season; we had lots of fun and it was cool to see the progress the boys made.

Are You Feeling Bogged Down?

"David tried to walk but he could hardly budge. ¶ David told Saul, “I can’t even move with all this stuff on me. I’m not used to this.” And he took it all off" (1 Samuel 17:39).

At Trinity United Methodist Church we have been looking at putting our Faith in Action, and over the last couple weeks we have been discovering what keeps us from doing just that. This week's message addressed being bogged down by life. When we are bogged down with work, worry, pain, to do lists, business, stuff, money or lack of, bureaucracy, and stress, then we can become stuck. We then get in a rut which keeps us from acting out our faith in Jesus Christ. We look to David in 1 Samuel 17 and discover that he recognized the potential for being bogged down by armor and weapons and decided to have them all removed. He told King Saul that he could not fight with all of that weighing him down. Once the armor was removed, he could move again and take on the job at hand. David was then able to defeat Goliath. Can we do the same? Do we have the courage to release all that burdens us? Can we put off the to do list? Can we evaluate in a better way what is important for today, and what are the not so pressing matters that bog us down. Let us commit with God's help to take those things off and get moving again. Let us set our faith free and follow Christ without being bogged down.

40 in 40

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Each morning we awake to the call of God. We respond with thanksgiving for another opportunity to live and breathe. As the new day unfolds we are constantly presented with opportunities to respond to God's goodness by serving others. I am reminded of the man at the pool in the Gospel of John. He had been in need for 38 years and laid by the pool waiting to be healed. When questioned by Jesus, he answered that nobody would help him. In fact, each time the water was stirred others would cut in front of him and leave him behind. At that moment, he was healed by Jesus. Jesus was there to lift him up. How many times a day do we step around, over or on people in need? We make great excuses. We convince ourselves that someone else will come along to help, or we think we can't solve their problem. Maybe we believe that the person needs to help themselves. These are inadequate responses to God's call; we need to answer, "here I am, send me!" I challenge all of you to 40 minutes of service in 40 days. For most of you, 40 minutes will seem like just a warm-up, for you are already engaged in regular Christian service. For others, it may just mean taking the time to reflect on the days work and actually keeping track; however, for some, it will be a challenge to slow down, and make time to listen for God's voice calling you to action. Wherever you may find yourself, answer the challenge to serve in the name of Christ. If you worship with us at Trinity, we look forward to having fun with this challenge. If you don't, I would love to hear comments from you too. The challenge ends July 16. God Bless.

Lessons From Mom

"Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise" (Deut. 6:6-7).

My mother taught me many things growing up. She taught me how to cook, how to clean, and how to do dishes. She encouraged me to always put forth my best effort in school, activities and athletics. My mother led with words and by example to show me how to be a good neighbor and friend. It was also evident that my mom enlisted the help of others; many of the women of our village at times acted as a mother figure to me; therefore, I had many mothers caring, instructing and watching over me. Of all the teachings my mom bestowed upon me, the most important lesson was the commandment to love God. My mother made loving God a way of life. Every minute of the day was a testimony from her for loving God and her neighbor. She recited this love to me at home and when we were out, in the morning and when she put me to bed at night. "You shall love your God with all your heart, and mind and strength" is known as The "Shema" (Deut 6:5) to the Jewish people. When Shema is translated from Hebrew to English it is "Hear!" On this Mother's Day, I say to my mom "I 'heard' you loud and clear. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and strength" and for that I say, "thank you."

Prayers for The Mount

O Living God, you share our griefs. Give a meaning to that which defies our understanding. Shine upon our night. You alone can show us that we are not abandoned to chance or fate, not even in what seems revolting or senseless to us, but that in all things you work for the good of those who love you. Grant that those who mourn may receive your message even through their sufferings. Through their sorrow challenge them to discover the help of your mercy, and to hope more fervently for your kingdom. Through their sadness, open them more to your compassion, and help them to live in your strength alone. Reveal your nearness to those who suffer this day. Surround them with the love that you have for your children, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (Reformed Church in France, 1963).

The Most Beautiful Time of the Year

March Madness, warm weather, baseball, and Easter. Does it get any better? Shrieks and laughter have once again returned to the cul-de-sac, and what music to my ears? Our kids have rekindled the love of playing baseball in the street. Amazingly without umpires, rulebooks, or scoreboards, the kids managed to participate in America’s pastime this week. As I tossed the ball back to one of our neighborhood moms, I was quickly transported back to simpler times growing up in a small village where we knew how to play and entertain ourselves. I am thankful that God has brought my family to a community that not just plays, but plays outdoors. To hear the sounds, smell the smells, and see the sights where nature and progress blend to form the perfect place to hit homeruns, score goals, and make baskets. In a matter of minutes, my kids actually threw balls, swung bats, rode bikes, climbed trees and chased one another. As if they had built up energy and dreams all winter long waiting for the green light to run into the streets to find there way through play. Without texting or tweeting, the other kids mysteriously knew the time had come. All of them shedding winter for spring in a simultaneous instant. As this day came to an end, Asher began to whine and fuss saying, “he did not want to go in.” I attempted to comfort him with the promise of days to come, and no doubt there will be other days to play, but I empathize with him knowing that the enthusiasm and thrill of the first time out will be hard to duplicate. One thing is certain, however, it sure will be fun trying. On that note, I better go and finish filling out my bracket because tomorrow afternoon when the kids get home we will participate in Americas other great pastime – watching television, but not just any television - March Madness.

For Immediate Assistance

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15

The world is primed to receive the good news of Jesus Christ. Turn on the television, open the newspaper, or talk to a neighbor and it becomes immediately clear that these are desperate times. People need to hear some good news. Even followers of Jesus Christ are longing for relief for our worlds are also infiltrated by depression, conflict, and ungodliness. The problem is we go as society goes as we look to self-help books, Oprah, television, alcohol or drug abuse and whatever else promises quick fixes. It is understandable because in the midst of chaos it is easy to lose sight of what brings us joy, peace, and holiness. According to John Wesley, joy, peace and holiness are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God. In other words, the kingdom of God is a condition of our soul. When we start to lose control, look first to Christ, and call him near. Let his kingdom reign in your soul. That is good news that we can live by. I pray that we all receive that urgent message and that we immediately share the good news with others. When we feel joy and peace, lift of Christ, and give access to the Gospel to someone new.

Radical Hospitality

"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Romans 15.7).

Do we love God with all our heart, mind and soul so much that we can't help but share that with others? That shall be our goal as Disciples of Jesus and as part of the Body of Christ. Trinity UMC has committed itself to show radical hospitality, in other words, to go above and beyond in the way that we invite, welcome, include and support our neighbors. I recently was encouraged by the enthusiasm of those gathered at our small group discussion on hospitality. People were so eager to examine what it is that we do in every ministry of the church, a willingness to put everything on the table to improve and strengthen our hospitality. I invite you to pray about what it is that you can do, or what our church can do to radically invite and welcome others to Christ. If you feel so moved, add your comments to this blog so others can begin to pray and share as well. May God Bless you on your Discipleship Journey.

Thanksgiving By Remembrance

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today" (Deut 8:17).

Whether you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness or are living it up in the Promised Land, pause to give thanks this season. The Biblical way of thanksgiving is through remembrance, remembrance of the Lord our God who brings us out of the desert, walks with us through the valleys and hears our shouts from the mountain tops. This day will find us in various spiritual, family, social, and economic situations, but regardless of where we are, give thanks through remembering our Lord. How and when can we remember? Remember the Lord by “talking about them [God’s Words] when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise” (Deut 6:7). In other words, make thanksgiving a part of everyday life. God Bless you and your family. Amen

Sunday 11:45 Worship

Thanks for those who participated in planning the special worship for this Sunday. Below is the order of service that we agreed upon. We look forward to having a faithful and fantastic time. God Bless.

Call To Worship – God is an Awesome God – Joe and children
Greeting – Pastor John
Songs of Praise - Congregation
Special Activity
Luke 17:11-19 - Jacob Anderson
Message
An Opportunity of Thanks
Offering - Rapid Deployment
Closing Song - Congregation

Praise and Thanksgiving

"Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God..." (Deut 8:11a)

Trinity wil be hosting two special services in the next week. We would love to see you on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 11:45 where we will have a contemporary family service. This service will offer up praise and thanksgiving to God in an interactive atmosphere. Come help us remember what God has done for us this past year. If you would like to help out or participate, please respond to this post, email, or attend a planning meeting on Wed (19th) at 7pm.

On Thanksgiving Eve we will be hosting the Emmitsburg Council of Churches Thanksgiving Service at 7pm. Please join us for a wonderful community event. We will also be collecting cereal for the Emmitsburg area foodbank. See you then!

Jim and Casper go to church

Last night at Bible study we started working with Jim and Casper. Jim is a Christian who purchased the right to take Casper, an atheist, to church. They visited 10 churches and began to have conversations about what they experienced. Jim felt that Christians could learn a great deal from what an Atheist thought about our churches. Casper and Jim noticed several things in their visits. 1. Churches did not reflect how the Church was depicted in the Bible. 2. Churches had little sense of community. 3. Other than the greeters they were not talked to by anyone except in two churches. 4. The churches seemed to be overly interested in spectacle. 5. The churches were solely interested in growing large.

Take time to reflect on these comments and feel free to offer some of your own.

Staying In Love With God

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love" (John 15.9).

Jesus said that "they will know you are Christians by your love." At the end of the day it is love that defines who we are. As we search the Scriptures it is impossible to ignore commandments, laws, traditions, expectations, and customs; how could we possibly meet them all? The original Disciples had the same question. Jesus answered, "love your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments are wrapped up into this." John Wesley also struggled with these expectations and he demamnded evidence of salvation. When he looked within himself and around his community he became discouraged at what he saw. His solution and comfort came by remembering the words of Christ and lifted them up by developing and implementing three simple rules for his general societies. He believed one could evidence their salvation first by doing no harm, then by doing good and thirdly by staying in love with God. It was the third rule which could be lived out by participating in the ordinances of God such as public worship, hearing the Word read or expounded, partaking of the Lord's Supper, family prayer, and searching the Scriptures. It is within this third rule that the possibility of doing no harm and doing good becomes a reality. Let us all be challenged to go forth and fall in love all over again and to remain strong by staying in Love with God.

Harvest Celebration

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it” (Gen 2.15).

Sounds like God thinks highly and gives a prominent Biblical place to farming. As it turns out we think highly of agriculture too. On Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 11:45, we will be celebrating the harvest and having a tribute to farming. Because of time limitations we will not be meeting before the service, but I will gladly take suggestions here in the blog, by email, or at church. In addition, we will use some of the ideas from the previous meetings that we had for the Sept celebration.

As of this date, Megan and Priscilla will be giving a message using pumpkin carving as an illustration that will be interactive and fun for all ages. We will sing contemporary music in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It would be great to have a few decorations that celebrate farming and the harvest.

As everyone knows, the local food bank is in desperate need. We will be taking a food offering during this service. We will try to fill a wheelbarrow or wagon with food. Please spread the word.

Thanks for your prayers and your input.

God Bless.

High Expectations

When Jesus called Levi, the tax collector, the Bible says, “he got up, left everything, and followed him” (Luke 5:28). It would seem from the Biblical record that if people are not willing to drop everything in the beginning, then when it is all said and done, the likelihood of dropping anything is slim. Maybe that is one of the most difficult obstacles of discipleship; the willingness to leave it all behind and follow a new Way.
It is true that sometimes we don’t want to hear that anything is required of us, but other times it is exactly what we need to hear. Anytime we are asked to “join” an organization or team, we want to know what is required of our time and us. It has become common for recruiters to give say what they think people want to hear, “oh not much, just show up when you can.” But not so fast my friend.
Just maybe people are more like Levi than we give them credit. Just maybe church participation is down because people want more than to just “show up,” or maybe people want not just expectations, but high expectations; maybe when they ask, “what will be required of me?” The answer should be, “everything.” If we want to faithfully invite people to follow Christ, then we need to show them that much will be required. The expectation won’t be to show up on Sunday mornings, but to actually allow the Gospel to transform their lives even when that means leaving it all behind and following Him.

Successful Celebration

The "Celebration of Learning" was a huge success on Sunday. I felt the energy and enthusuiasm from all who were in attendance including children, youth, and adults. It was awesome to share the responsibilty of leading worship. Thank you to all who participated and who helped in various ways. I am looking forward to October 26.

Thank you and God Bless

Celebration of Learning

Join us this Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 11:45 for our first ever "Celebration of Learning."

We will gather into our decorated sanctuary, hear the Word of God, respond by offering our gifts, and be sent out into the world blessed by God.

The Bible says "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). Come and see what God is going to say to us. We will be singing together, hearing testimonies from children and youth, and participating in an interactive message geared toward people of all ages.

Whoever said church can't be fun. We beg to differ. Come as you are, and join us for this fun filled celebration.