"#WhiteChurchQuiet — Exorcism — Interfaith prayer — Keeping Sabbath — Election 2016" Ministry Matters in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 5 October 2016
#WhiteChurchQuiet and the inconvenience of love by Hannah Adair BonnerBigstock/Jacques Palut
One of the greatest temptations that we bear as Christians is allowing our focus to become narrowed upon our own perspective, our own needs and our own wants. We may not all have a struggle with coveting thy neighbor’s wife, but we have all struggled at one point with how another person’s need inconveniences us. If it were not a struggle for us, it would not be necessary for Jesus to tell us to give the thirsty something to drink, the hungry something to eat, the homeless somewhere to live.
Responding to a need that we may not feel ourselves irritates us at times, and sometimes even causes us to downplay the outcry we hear to make ourselves believe it is not urgent. In our most selfish moments, we move through the world as if a need simply does not exist if it does not exist for us.
“Why are we still talking about dinner? I don’t need to eat” says the man who — unlike his companions — has already eaten.
“Why are we still looking for a rest stop? It will only slow us down,” says the woman who — unlike her companions — does not need to use a restroom.
“Why do we need to find shade? I feel just fine,” asks the child who — unlike his companions — enjoys being in the sun.
“Why are we still talking about race? I don’t see race,” says the white person who — unlike their companions — does not experience racism.
While each of these examples may be fairly common, it is the last one that causes the most concern. It was that kind of attitude that caused the Lord to instruct Jeremiah to write in Jeremiah 6:14:
“They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,
saying, “Peace, peace,”
when there is no peace.”
The fact that you do not bear a wound, feel its pain or dread its power does not mean that a wound does not exist. Yet, that seems to be the message that many white Christians are sending out, whether intentionally or unintentionally, whether knowingly or unknowingly.A week ago as #WhiteChurchQuiet trended on Twitter, it could not be any more clear that the wound many were feeling in their soul was being ignored by the majority of white Christians in the United States. As images of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott bleeding in the street filled people’s timelines, many took to social media to challenge their white friends who were silent about this wound to speak up in a variety of ways, with a variety of responses. For some it was the first time confronting their white friends; for others, the silence had taught them to stop trying to get them to speak up long ago.
At moments like this, as white Christians, we do not need to have all the answers: that is unnecessary. We do not need to take charge: that is disempowering. We do not even need to fully understand: that is impossible. All we really need to do is be Christians; by that I mean listening to the cry, believing it expresses a real need, and caring enough to do something.
Is it any wonder that that was how Jesus divided the sheep from the goats, those who belonged to him from those who did not belong to him? His determination was based on how did you treat others. When they were thirsty, did you seek to end their thirst by giving them something to drink? When they were in prison, did you seek to end their loneliness by visiting them? When they were hungry, did you seek to end their hunger by giving them something to eat? When they were racially profiled, did you seek to end their dehumanization by speaking up? When they were stopped & frisked, did you seek to end their criminalization by demanding reform? When they were shot in the street, did you seek to end their endangerment by demanding accountability?
Did you stand when they stood, kneel when they kneeled, mourn when they mourned, rejoiced when they rejoiced? Did you listen when they spoke to you; believe what they said to you; do what they asked of you? Did you live like their life mattered just as much as yours; like their truth mattered just as much as yours; like their children should live just as long as yours?
All of this could really be summed up with one question: did you love God?
-------
Sponsored
-------
Exorcism, interfaith prayer, Democrats and MethodistsNews and Religion podcastShane Raynor and the panel discuss a recent call by Roman Catholic officials for an increase in the number of exorcists in the United States. They also talk about a recent series of interfaith prayer services in Jerusalem and a Wall Street Journal editorialist's assertion that the Democratic Party is having its Methodist moment. Guests are Juan C. Huertas, Drew McIntyre and Rebekah Simon-Peter.
Bigstock/buso23
On this episode of News and Religion, the panel and I discuss a recent call by Roman Catholic officials for an increase in the number of exorcists in the United States. We also talk about a recent series of interfaith prayer services in Jerusalem and a Wall Street Journal editorialist's assertion that the Democratic Party is having its Methodist moment.
-------
Keeping Sabbath by Don UnderwoodBigstock/avemarioHe sat on the dilapidated, faded yellow seat of the old John Deere combine, waiting for the signal from his father to fire the old girl up. It was Sunday afternoon, and this was the first time ever in his fifteen-year-old life that his father had even considered the possibility of working on a Sunday. The exceptional decision had been prompted by weather forecasts that, if accurate, would delay the wheat harvest for several days. The consequences included the potential of catastrophic loss. Poised with his hand at the ignition switch, he glanced once more at his father for the go-ahead signal. Instead, the old man made a slicing motion with his hand at his throat, calling off the day’s work. He couldn’t do it. Never had broken the Sabbath, and wasn’t about to start now.
That family story is seventy years old, and that fifteen-year old boy is now a friend of mine for whom the keeping of the Sabbath is a sacred duty and privilege. Eighty-four years old, he still plays by the old rules, the rules laid down by his devout father decades ago. From that day until this day, he has practiced the Sabbath by doing no work on Sunday, including mowing the yard or sweeping the porch. He doesn’t go out to eat because that means someone else will have to work. After church he reads, rests, or watches a football game.
I am old enough to remember that this was the way my grandparents lived on Sundays, and the way we lived when we stayed with them. I am young enough to consider it rather remarkable that anyone still does it, and will readily concede that, for most modern families (including my own) it would involve a life-style departure so radical as to not seem feasible. I, for one, am not ready to forego a Sunday meal out, or a trip to the grocery store. But it might be time for us to acknowledge that our constant engagement with commerce, be it work or shopping or participation in the non-stop frenzy of the world wide web, is creating a spiritual emptiness that has both emotional and intellectual consequences.
Disconnecting from our devices and picking up a book, or watching a sunset, or spending some time in prayer/meditation, might be the opportunity God is looking for to mend the frayed nerves or the broken heart. Finding the space in busy schedules to create a time of Sabbath might be a first priority for those seeking tranquility in the midst of the chaos.
-------
Elections, fear and trusting God
by Lindsey Foster StringerBigstock/denniznWhat a year this has been. In addition to atrocities that keep occurring both at home and abroad, we are approaching the peak of an election cycle that no one saw coming. I can’t think of one person I know who isn't gravely concerned about the election itself and the possible outcome. (Well, maybe with the exception of my kids. They seem pretty content to go about their business and not be concerned with talking heads on TV.) Many people are even fearful of what will happen on November 8 and are lashing out at those who won’t vote for their candidate.
I was subjected to intense beratement on social media recently after daring — I didn’t realize it would be a courageous move until after the fact — to discuss third party candidates and why I would be voting for one in a non-swing state as a matter of principle. Instead of what could have been a civil conversation with points and counterpoints made, I was called more names than I've ever been called.
One example from him that didn’t require editing out profanity: “Well thanks in advance for kneecapping the party that actually gets stuff done. When they win, they'll just ignore you, and you'll deserve it. You're nothing but a fake, fair weather progressive, and you need to check your privilege.”
And another that did: “You should tell… the person like me who works plenty of overtime trying to decarbonize the energy system and save millions of lives from climate change, that you just ‘can't get over’ some really minor [bleep]. You really should. Because maybe then you'd find out that this [bleep] isn't some [bleeping] game.”
What was driving this man to resort to personal attacks, make outlandish assumptions and ignore any attempts to have a conversation and not a fight?
Reflect on that for a moment …
Fear. Fear of a world in which he is not in control and those he deems “unworthy” are. Fear of a world in which he doesn’t have a monopoly on deciding which “facts” should count in the inevitably imperfect discernment involved in deciding for whom to vote.
Are you fearful of what is going to happen on November 8? Are you fearful of a candidate being elected who stands for everything you don’t? Are you doing everything you can to convince others your candidate, whether you like them or not, is the way to go?
Are you putting your trust in princes, in a son or daughter of man, in whom there is no salvation? (See Psalms 49 and 146).
Bigstock/patrimonioTo take the Old Testament seriously, I suggest, is to take seriously God’s providential engagement in the messiness of human history in a way that should — so I argue — free the people of God themselves to engage politically in ways that accord with their conscience, rather than in ways determined by fear. There is a freedom that comes with a faith-born confidence that neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton nor any third party candidate is the LORD’s messiah. With that trust comes the corresponding trust that any of them could be used by the LORD (like Pharaoh in Exodus maybe) to bring about good in a way that I could never imagine.
I’ll admit, I have at times been fearful in previous elections. I used to watch talking heads debate the latest tactics and polling results and obsess with them over what they might mean. And it caused me great anxiety. I distinctly remember crying amongst a group of friends in late 2000, my first election I was of age to vote in, because I wanted my candidate to win so badly and Florida was still trying to get its mess sorted out. For too long, I’ve put my trust — my faith and confidence — in our politics and that has meant putting less trust in the LORD our God. Now I try to trust that God’s kingdom will never be thwarted by the sad state of our politics. That frees me to engage in ways that seem truly good and hopeful, even if that means voting, this time around, for neither of the major candidates.
Pray for our nation and for the right outcome. Work for holiness and God's will through politics if called to it. Love and speak kindly to your brothers and sisters of different political views. And put your trust in God, not in the next president.
-------
Sponsored
-------
Who cares what the church stands for?
by James C. HowellBigstock/CaptureLightI have just completed two terms on my denomination’s General Board of Church & Society, our agency that strives to implement our Social Principles, through lobbying, advocacy, boycotts, and mission endeavors. I am proud that our denomination cares enough about the realities of the world that we have an office in Washington, D.C., along with staffers and activists who do what they can to press for what they believe is God’s agenda in the real world.
At the same time, we miss the mark now and then, and we forget what church “stands” can and cannot do. Again I’ll turn to former Republican Senator John Danforth, who dreams of a church making a difference in every aspect of life — and yet he keeps us humble, reminding us that even if a whole denomination stakes itself out on a moral issue, that denomination isn’t 100% unified on it, and we are only a tiny fraction of the population. Who cares what the Methodists or Lutherans think? Is anyone listening in Washington, or the state capitol, or in Palestine or the Sudan?
Sometimes we venture into zones where we simply have no expertise. If the church or an individual Christian feels inclined to speak God’s word to housing or education or immigration or finance, we’d best study up on the issue and — even better — talk to somebody on the inside before we challenge.
And yet, even if nobody is listening, and even if we don’t know all we need to know, as God’s people we stand up and speak; humbly, compassionately, but surely. Maybe it’s not effective, but Vaclav Havel reminded us that “Hope is the ability to work for something simply because it is good, whether it stands a chance of succeeding or not.” Jesus spoke, and wound up abandoned and on a cross.
A fair test of the holiness of any Christian moral campaign was voiced by Jim Wallis: “When the voice of God is invoked on behalf of those who have no voice, it is time to listen. But when the name of God is used to benefit the interests of those who are speaking, it is time to be very careful.” Should we speak up only for ourselves, or battle for those who already have enough? or for God’s children who have no resources, and no one to stand with them?
Danforth prods us from a different angle. As an Episcopalian, he observes his General Convention advancing positions on public policies. They speak “many words about the responsibility of government,” but then they say “little to nothing about the responsibilities of the people, including its own members.” Ouch. A church that dares to be relevant, to bring God’s Word to life in the thick of the real issues of the world, had better be careful not just to talk about what somebody else ought to do differently. We begin, and continue, with our own labor to change what we can.
For example, Mother Teresa was a staunch foe of abortion — but whenever she spoke of the importance of protecting the unborn life, she always added, “Give us the child.” She and her Sisters of Charity were poised, always, to care for the life they said mattered.
As we move into October, I want to try to say something about Christianity and how God asks us to think about race, life, immigration, marriage, guns, and a few other things, in each instance reflecting on what God is simultaneously asking us to do.
Read Rev. Howell's previous 'Tis the Season articles covering the 2016 election here. This article originally appeared on the author's blog. Reprinted with permission.
-------
Time to withdraw
by Corey FrancisBigstock/dolgachovSometimes, you just need to walk away.
We all go through it. Those times feel like we've gone through a meat grinder or have been beaten with a sledgehammer until all that's left are shattered pieces. We're tired, mentally and physically. And spiritually. It could be due to trials and circumstance in our work, family or even at church. We're broken and we just don't know what to do.
Recently, Pete Wilson, founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tenn. announced he was stepping down. In his statement to the church he stated to be broken, tired, and leading on empty. I sat there during the early service at the Bellevue campus and listened. Many people, including my wife, were in tears. I was torn. Part of me thought, “But God, this man is someone I look up to! He speaks your word clearly to me each week. We have emailed a few times but never talked face-to-face, and this morning he greeted me, shaking my hand.” But then another part said, “Good for you, Pete! You know yourself better than anyone else. You've worked hard and serve so many people. You need to be you!”
I know of Pete. I've sat through many of his services and listened to him on the web. I've read a few of his books. But, I don't know Pete. I don't know his favorite places to eat, or his go-to mug for his morning coffee. I will never know what caused Pete to feel the way he does right now. What I do know is that God loves him and it is okay for him to walk away.
Sometimes, we all should just walk away for a time. We're designed for it. For one, God created the universe and took a day of rest. In Hebrew culture, the Sabbath was a day of rest and reflection, connecting with God and community. For many of us, we work full-time jobs, manage getting kids to and from practices or events, attempt to be social and have hobbies. We may get weekends off from work, but then there are house chores, yard work, time with friends and other tasks and events. When Monday rolls around, we're drained and dread work.
Let’s add to this our constant need for connection through our electronic devices. We simply have to share a picture of this item we see in a store because our friend will get a laugh. Or, we need to check our email every five minutes because someone at work is going to need us for something. Or, we just have to know how the Cubs did in the game today because this is “THE” year.
We're tired. Drained. Mentally and physically. After a while, we don't feel like going to work. We're short with a co-worker, or we take out work stress on our spouse and kids. Then, something happens. Anything. Loss of job. Family illness or other issue. Betrayed by a friend. We break. We have given so much, but our takes are empty. We hear the commercial from Southwest Airlines say “Wanna get away?” to which we scream “YES!!!” (out loud so it scares the dog).
You should know this: It's okay to walk away from a situation and walk to God.
Not only is it okay, it's biblical.
Take a look at Luke Chapter 5. Here, Luke tells us that Jesus healed a man with a skin disease. News of the miracle traveled fast and soon many people were searching out Jesus to help them. Before they could find him, Luke writes that “Jesus would withdraw to deserted places for prayer.” (Luke 5:16, CEB)
We see other times when Jesus withdrew from crowds or events, most notably at Gethsemane. In the days before his crucifixion, Jesus felt despair and anxiety about the coming situation. The night he was arrested, he withdrew to the garden to pray, to connect with God. Even with his last breath, a beaten, bloody and mangled Jesus prayed.
When our cars are on “E” we fill them with fuel. Our soul and body need to be filled as well. If we constantly give of ourselves, we'll run out of God’s fuel. If we're hyper-focused on the things around us, we'll grow tired. This leads to brokenness. We need a Sabbath.
I'm blessed to have a schedule that allows me time off from work and away from others on Fridays. I've been calling this my “unplugged” day, though I haven't been consistent recently. No phone (unless it's to play music), internet, television, or computer from the time I get up to the time my kids get home from school. It may only be a few hours, but it helps. I use this time to read, go for a walk, sit on my deck with a glass of sweet tea (because that is God’s beverage of choice, he told me), and just clear my mind. As I do these things, I often have conversations with God. As I said in a previous article, God does love walks in the garden during the cool of the day. This time helps me stay focused and refreshes me.
The hardest part of all of this is just admitting we are broken, that we are empty. It sounds like we are lost in sin or just weak and cannot handle life. Friends tell me that I just need to quote Philippians 4:13 more often. They are partly right. That section of scriptures, not just the one verse, reminds us that Paul went through a great deal of trials and successes. Paul says that he can do all things through the strength of God, and we use that statement to be brave. But if you look at Philippians 4:12, he is talking about all his trials and successes, and how God gave him the strength to endure everything. In times of need, in brokenness, God gave Paul the means to endure.
Moses. Joshua. David. Job. All were broken. They connected to God and amazing things happened.
So, I encourage you, take time. Away from phones and things that distract. Take time to walk, or sit, and talk to God. Withdraw from the craziness of modern-day life and get away with the only one who can put all the pieces together again.
-------
8 things I wouldn’t do again if planting another church
by Ron EdmondsonBigstock/McIninchI've been involved in church planting for most of my ministry career, whether as a planter or as a supporter of planting. I love the process of planting. I love the energy and the enthusiasm a new church brings to a community.
Having planted two churches, I’ve learned a few things. Some of the things I’ve learned are things I wouldn’t do again if were were planting another church.
If you are planting now — or in the future — I hope these are helpful.
Here are eight things I wouldn’t do again if planting a church:
Limit God’s vision.
In our first plant, we started as a church to reach one section of town. As we grew, God seemed to lead us to a different target geographically. In our second plant, we started in one location, relocated, then ended up in two different locations, in each move reaching entirely different segments of our community. God continued to refine and shape our path as a church. Who we were a few years in was not necessarily who we thought we would be as a church at the beginning.
Fail to challenge people to grow in their walk with Christ.
I don’t know that we shied away from this — it certainly was our heart and our vision to make disciples — but in the early days, we were very conscious of reaching the lost. I wouldn’t change that either — and I’m still trying. Reflecting back, however, we may not have been as bold as I wish we had been in challenging people to grow. In addition to growing in weekly attendance people need to grow individually. It isn’t enough to know Jesus, we need to strive to be like him, even when it involves change in us and our daily lives.
Shy away from talking about money.
So many people think all a church does is talk about money. We attempted to avoid this stigma from day one. We concentrated more on serving than we did on giving. (And both are needed.) In the process, we neglected to develop our core givers those first couple of years, we put ministries on hold we should be pursuing and we robbed people of the opportunity to become generous givers and consequently to feel the reward of trusting God completely.
Resist leaders from other churches.
We wanted to plant a church for nonbelievers, but we needed leadership to be successful. When leaders from other churches came, however, we were hesitant to plug them in for fear we would be seen negatively by other churches. In the process, we missed out on quality leadership and we denied people the right to follow their own heart.
Expect everyone to be as committed a few years into the plant.
The fact is, life changes. Some people are starters and some are finishers. Some of the original people will grow bored with things as they are and/or they may even disagree with some of the directions the church plant goes. Some will become overwhelmed, tired or simply feel led elsewhere. They have a great impact in the beginning, but they seek opportunities elsewhere in later years — and it’s okay. Be thankful for the investment they made.
Worry about the external critics.
In both plants, it seemed our biggest critics were from other churches in the area. They didn’t agree with our style of worship, our teaching (which we tried to make very biblical), or even the need for us to exist. I let it bother me too much the first couple years. Then I had a wise planter give me some advice. I still hold on to it today for other applications. He said, “Ron, seek your affirmation among the people God sent you to minister to.” The people we were reaching with the church plant — the hurting, lost, wanderers — were so thankful we had obeyed God to plant. The more I focused on them the greater sense of accomplishment I felt in my obedience to God.
Wait too long to reproduce.
We were five years old when we launched our second campus. I see churches do this in their second full year. There are so many in our city who need hope. Taking a risk on my own comes easy, but sometimes I’m too careful when representing God — as if he can’t handle something so large. When God leads, I want to move quickly. We saw several opportunities to launch other locations we passed on because we didn’t feel “ready.” I’m not sure we ever would have been.
Delay the need to add structure.
We were a church plant. We were often escaping the structure and traditions that keep so many churches from growing and reaching outsiders. But with growth can quickly come chaos without some carefully planned policies and procedures. You want to add smart structure and always be open to frequent change, but even church plants need a few systems to guide the organization. And the best way to do this may be to find people to help you do it. With a background in business I was a natural to do this, but I hated the management part of it, so we didn’t do it as well as it could be done. We were running well over 1,000 before we hired someone as an administrator. We should have done this earlier. If a church has 400 or 500 in attendance this becomes a full-time job. If the plant is smaller, recruit part-time help or even volunteers.
Have you ever been part of a church plant? Anything you could share with us?
Ron Edmondson blogs at RonEdmondson.com.
-------
Three "I's" of stewardship
by Todd OutcaltBigstock/dolgachovOne of the newest college majors to emerge in universities across the country is philanthropy. Organizations, from non-profits to foundations to the university endowments themselves, are all looking for an edge when it comes eliciting and inspiring givers to give. And this widening embrace of philanthropy across the country is no doubt having an impact on churches when it comes to the traditional stewardship drive.
Usually based upon pledges and commitments of time, talent and treasure, the stewardship of God’s resources has morphed from a seasonal event to an annual emphasis in many congregations — with year-round presentations, special offerings and creative approaches designed to help church members direct their gifts to God’s work through the local congregation. In recent years the old words (“duty”, “obligation”, “sacrifice”, “giving” and “money”) have been replaced by the new in-vogue words touted by philanthropists; words like “gratitude”, “generosity”, “joy”, “resources”, “relationship” and “impact.”
Chances are, most larger congregations across the country have embraced these new approaches to stewardship, offering members many ways to give, emphasizing generosity and connection, and shying away from conversations or messages that smack blatantly of “money.”
Nevertheless, if you ask many lead pastors to describe what they believe are the greatest challenges facing the church, many will come around to issues related to stewardship (or the lack thereof). The truth is, it is difficult to raise capital for a budget, and with the growing disinterest in the church — or misunderstanding about the church — many people would rather give to other organizations or feel that their financial gifts can have a greater impact elsewhere. The church is still a powerful body when it comes to the resources available to accomplish God’s work, but most pastors can see the landscape changing...and rapidly.
There are many ways to describe these changes. Some involve the widening circle of organizations that people give to. In fact, most church members today give to a panoply of causes and interests, not just to their local church. As philanthropy has grown across the country, so has the widening circle of organizations competing for people’s generosity. Church leaders can no longer assume that their members give their largest gifts to God’s work through the local congregation. These gifts may, in fact, be going to national organizations, to universities or even to initiatives they are helping to sponsor through the workplace.
Other changes involve what used to be described as a family’s “disposable income”. But with wages stagnant and many families on edge about the future, gifts — even to God’s work — may be more difficult to come by. Likewise, statistics continue to show that fewer people tithe than a decade ago, and many families, though involved in a church, give little or nothing of their finances (for a host of reasons).
Today, church leaders must appeal to the congregation from a variety of vantage points and must also remember that the new words like “generosity” and “gratitude” don’t have a magical and immediate impact on stewardship. There are no magical programs, processes or words that fund a church budget automatically.
But some broad understandings of what people are looking for can help. Here are three essential aspects of stewardship; being aware of them, year-round, can certainly have an impact when it comes to helping people give generously.
Information
It’s true: a great many people out there won’t give anything to God’s work unless they know specifically how their gift will be used. They are information people. They want the facts.
Information people want to know:
- What is the church budget? How is it used?
- What is the vision, specifically, that is driving the church?
- How large of a gift will I need to give in order to fulfill this vision?
Inspiration
Other people don’t care about information at all. They want to be inspired to give. They want to hear stories, testimonies, first-person accounts of how financial gifts have changed lives or otherwise impacted the ministry of the church. Inspiration people aren’t so much facts- and figures-driven as they are relationally-driven. They crave connections and relationships. They like the idea of being a part of God’s work, of seeing how their generosity has impacted their community, their world.
Inspiration people want to know:
- What is the narrative budget? Tell me the stories behind the numbers.
- What difference do my gifts make?
- Where can I have the greatest impact through my generosity?
Finally, many people will only give through invitation. In years past, many stewardship drives have been relationally-based, with people meeting in homes or, at times, inviting the pastor in to share the vision and make “the ask”. It is the case that, with some people, the invitation to give must be heard loud and clear. Invitation people won’t give, won’t usually make any move, until someone shares the story and asks, “What can you give to God’s work?”
Many lead pastors can share stories of making “the ask” — of creating a list of givers who are then visited in the home, or taken to dinner, or gathered together to hear a presentation before making the lead gifts to a new initiative or drive.
Invitation people want to know:
- Why are you asking me to give?
- Who is going to benefit from my gifts?
- Why is my gift important?
-------
Staying focused on older adults
by Judy Bumgarner / Cokesbury CommonsBigstock/MarmionThe future of our churches, in whatever form they may take, will depend upon today’s young adults. We’ve learned through countless studies, as well as from personal observations, that our congregations are growing older. The realization seemed to hit us out of the blue and in a somewhat-frenzied effort to make up for lost time, we changed our communication styles, our worship services and our outreach efforts. We did good, right? Not if our newly acquired vision ignores those who are right before our eyes.
Don’t turn a blind eye
“Of course it’s extremely important for churches to do what it takes to attract young singles and couples. It always has been,” says Rev. Dr. Jeff Wilson, a minister at Brentwood United Methodist Church (BUMC) in Brentwood, Tenn. “As churches, we noticed that there were a lot of older folk in our congregations, but just because we gear up to attract and serve a younger crowd doesn’t mean we ignore the old one.”
Wilson, a pastor in BUMC’s Caring Ministry, created the church’s “older adult” ministry just over a year ago with little-to-no fanfare. “It was kind of a quiet roll-out,” says Wilson. “We didn’t need a logo or a catchy tagline to create awareness; our target audience was already here.”
Instead, Wilson holds quarterly events that highlight concerns commonly shared by older adults. “For instance we had a half-day gathering that focused on what you need to think about as you approach retirement. Mentally, physically and spiritually”, he explains. “We have another gathering planned on to how to handle grief … and not just the kind of grief you experience over a death. You can grieve the loss of a career and the loss of purpose.”
Seeing god at work
The four, yearly events are an important component of BUMC’s older adult ministry, but Wilson says it is through hospital, nursing home and shut-in visitations, a flower-delivery ministry, in-home communion service, a prayer shawl ministry, an Alzheimer support group and weekly caregiver respite activities that he gets to see God at work in the ministry on a daily basis.
“Of course building people’s relationships with God … that’s what this is all about,” says Wilson. “Wherever they are on their spiritual journey and however they came to this point, it’s an opportunity to be with people in this stage of their lives – to walk them home.”
Coming into focus
Announcements about events and classes are listed in the bulletin and other regular forms of church member communication, but Wilson says he also uses email when he wants to target just a portion of the church’s older adult database. “Rarely do I come across someone who does not use email,” he says. “So, we can sort within our older member database and direct the invitation, event information … directly to a specific list. “
Wilson also communicates to the entire older adult ministry through a weekly email/blog called Jeff’s Foot Notes. “I really just talk about what’s on my mind each week and tie it into a spiritual lesson or observation,” he explains. “Because I, too, am an ‘older adult’, members seem to relate to my experiences, and it’s a way for me to continue to build relationships.”
Using a wide angle
Typically, a targeted ministry doesn’t have generational crossover … something many churches are trying to change, but Wilson says that’s not the case with older adult ministries.
“You have to remember that there are older adults and then there are older adults,” he smiles. “So even at a smaller church, you’re going to have people in their 60’s as well as people in their 80’s and even 90’s.”
Wilson won’t actually define the term “older adult” saying it doesn’t really matter. As long as the members are being spiritually fed, he’s happy. “I guess I figure that if you have to wonder whether or not you are an ‘older adult’, you’re an ‘older adult,’” he chuckles.
This post was first published at Cokesbury Commons.
-------
This Sunday, October 9, 201621st Sunday after Pentecost: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
-------
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Psalm 66:1-12 (UMH 790)
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Psalm 66:1-12 (UMH 790)
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
Scripture Text for Jeremiah 29:1 Following is the text of the letter Yirmeyahu the prophet sent from Yerushalayim to the leaders remaining in exile, as well as to the cohanim, the prophets and all the people N’vukhadnetzar had carried off captive from Yerushalayim to Bavel.
4 “Here is what Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el, says to all those in exile, whom I have caused to be carried off captive from Yerushalayim to Bavel: 5 ‘Build yourselves houses, and live in them. Plant gardens, and eat what they produce. 6 Choose women to marry, and have sons and daughters. Choose wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage to men, so that they can have sons and daughters — increase your numbers there, don’t decrease. 7 Seek the welfare of the city to which I have caused you to go in exile, and pray to Adonai on its behalf; for your welfare is bound up in its welfare.’
Psalm 66:(0) For the leader. A song. A psalm:
(1) Shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of his name,
make his praise glorious.
3 Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds!
At your great power, your enemies cringe.
4 All the earth bows down to you,
sings praises to you, sings praises to your name.” (Selah)
5 Come and see what God has done,
his awesome dealings with humankind.
6 He turned the sea into dry land.
They passed through the river on foot;
there we rejoiced in him.
7 With his power he rules forever;
his eyes keep watch on the nations.
Let no rebel arise to challenge him. (Selah)
8 Bless our God, you peoples!
Let the sound of his praise be heard!
9 He preserves our lives
and keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 For you, God, have tested us,
refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net
and bound our bodies fast.
12 You made men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water.
But you brought us out
to a place of plenty.
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Yeshua the Messiah, who was raised from the dead, who was a descendant of David. This is the Good News I proclaim, 9 and for which I am suffering to the point of being bound in chains — but the Word of God is not bound in chains! 10 Why do I persevere through it all? For the sake of those who have been chosen, so that they too may obtain the deliverance that comes through the Messiah Yeshua, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a statement you can trust:
If we have died with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we persevere,
we will also rule with him
If we disown him,
he will also disown us.
13 If we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14 Keep reminding people of this, and charge them solemnly before the Lord not to engage in word-battles. They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers! 15 Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth.
Luke 17:11 On his way to Yerushalayim, Yeshua passed along the border country between Shomron and the Galil. 12 As he entered one of the villages, ten men afflicted with tzara‘at met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out, “Yeshua! Rabbi! Have pity on us!” 14 On seeing them, he said, “Go and let the cohanim examine you!” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, as soon as he noticed that he had been healed, returned shouting praises to God, 16 and fell on his face at Yeshua’s feet to thank him. Now he was from Shomron. 17 Yeshua said, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found coming back to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And to the man from Shomron he said, “Get up, you may go; your trust has saved you.”
The John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Verse 1
[1] Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
Captives — There were two carryings into Babylon, the latter about eleven or twelve years after the former, the first was in the time of Jehoiakim, When the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths were carried away.
Psalm 66:1-12 (UMH 790)
Verse 1
[1] Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
All lands — Ye people of all nations. He invites the Gentile world, to the contemplation and celebration of God's works.
Verse 6
[6] He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
We — Our nation, or our ancestors, in whose loins we then were.
Verse 10
[10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Proved us — As it were in a burning furnace; and with a design to purge out our dross.
Verse 11
[11] Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Net — Which our enemies laid for us.
Verse 12
[12] Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
To ride — To use us like slaves.
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Verse 8
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Of the seed of David — This one genealogy attend to.
Verse 9
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Is not bound — Not hindered in its course.
Verse 10
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Therefore — Encouraged by this, that "the word of God be not bound." I endure all things - See the spirit of a real Christian? Who would not wish to be likeminded? Salvation is deliverance from all evil; glory, the enjoyment of all good.
Verse 11
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Dead with him — Dead to sin, and ready to die for him.
Verse 12
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we deny him — To escape suffering for him.
Verse 13
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
If we believe not — That is, though some believe not, God will make good all his promises to them that do believe.
He cannot deny himself — His word cannot fail.
Verse 14
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Remind them — Who are under thy charge. O how many unnecessary things are thus unprofitably, nay hurtfully, contended for.
Verse 15
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed — Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness.
Rightly dividing the word of truth — Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so as to give each hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the promises and comforts to unawakened, hardened, scoffing men) have real need to be ashamed.
Luke 17:11-19
Not Written on!
-------
The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
4 “Here is what Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el, says to all those in exile, whom I have caused to be carried off captive from Yerushalayim to Bavel: 5 ‘Build yourselves houses, and live in them. Plant gardens, and eat what they produce. 6 Choose women to marry, and have sons and daughters. Choose wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage to men, so that they can have sons and daughters — increase your numbers there, don’t decrease. 7 Seek the welfare of the city to which I have caused you to go in exile, and pray to Adonai on its behalf; for your welfare is bound up in its welfare.’
Psalm 66:(0) For the leader. A song. A psalm:
(1) Shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of his name,
make his praise glorious.
3 Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds!
At your great power, your enemies cringe.
4 All the earth bows down to you,
sings praises to you, sings praises to your name.” (Selah)
5 Come and see what God has done,
his awesome dealings with humankind.
6 He turned the sea into dry land.
They passed through the river on foot;
there we rejoiced in him.
7 With his power he rules forever;
his eyes keep watch on the nations.
Let no rebel arise to challenge him. (Selah)
8 Bless our God, you peoples!
Let the sound of his praise be heard!
9 He preserves our lives
and keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 For you, God, have tested us,
refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net
and bound our bodies fast.
12 You made men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water.
But you brought us out
to a place of plenty.
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Yeshua the Messiah, who was raised from the dead, who was a descendant of David. This is the Good News I proclaim, 9 and for which I am suffering to the point of being bound in chains — but the Word of God is not bound in chains! 10 Why do I persevere through it all? For the sake of those who have been chosen, so that they too may obtain the deliverance that comes through the Messiah Yeshua, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a statement you can trust:
If we have died with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we persevere,
we will also rule with him
If we disown him,
he will also disown us.
13 If we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14 Keep reminding people of this, and charge them solemnly before the Lord not to engage in word-battles. They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers! 15 Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth.
Luke 17:11 On his way to Yerushalayim, Yeshua passed along the border country between Shomron and the Galil. 12 As he entered one of the villages, ten men afflicted with tzara‘at met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out, “Yeshua! Rabbi! Have pity on us!” 14 On seeing them, he said, “Go and let the cohanim examine you!” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, as soon as he noticed that he had been healed, returned shouting praises to God, 16 and fell on his face at Yeshua’s feet to thank him. Now he was from Shomron. 17 Yeshua said, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found coming back to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And to the man from Shomron he said, “Get up, you may go; your trust has saved you.”
The John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Verse 1
[1] Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
Captives — There were two carryings into Babylon, the latter about eleven or twelve years after the former, the first was in the time of Jehoiakim, When the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths were carried away.
Psalm 66:1-12 (UMH 790)
Verse 1
[1] Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
All lands — Ye people of all nations. He invites the Gentile world, to the contemplation and celebration of God's works.
Verse 6
[6] He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
We — Our nation, or our ancestors, in whose loins we then were.
Verse 10
[10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Proved us — As it were in a burning furnace; and with a design to purge out our dross.
Verse 11
[11] Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Net — Which our enemies laid for us.
Verse 12
[12] Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
To ride — To use us like slaves.
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Verse 8
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Of the seed of David — This one genealogy attend to.
Verse 9
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Is not bound — Not hindered in its course.
Verse 10
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Therefore — Encouraged by this, that "the word of God be not bound." I endure all things - See the spirit of a real Christian? Who would not wish to be likeminded? Salvation is deliverance from all evil; glory, the enjoyment of all good.
Verse 11
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Dead with him — Dead to sin, and ready to die for him.
Verse 12
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we deny him — To escape suffering for him.
Verse 13
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
If we believe not — That is, though some believe not, God will make good all his promises to them that do believe.
He cannot deny himself — His word cannot fail.
Verse 14
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Remind them — Who are under thy charge. O how many unnecessary things are thus unprofitably, nay hurtfully, contended for.
Verse 15
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed — Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness.
Rightly dividing the word of truth — Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so as to give each hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the promises and comforts to unawakened, hardened, scoffing men) have real need to be ashamed.
Luke 17:11-19
Not Written on!
-------
The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
-------
A LETTER FROM HOME by John D.I. EssickJeremiah 29:1, 4-7The elders and priests were a little frantic yesterday as they anticipated the reading of the most recent letter from Jeremiah, who is still residing in Jerusalem. One of the younger elders mentioned how glad he is that Jeremiah won’t be acting out his “word from the Lord” as usual. You remember those crazy extremes he went to in order to warn us of the Babylonians? There was the time he wandered around town with a wooden yolk around his neck, forecasting imminent judgment—yeah, I know Hananiah broke it, but don’t forget that Jeremiah came back a little later with that massive, unbreakable iron yoke. Or how about that time when he was in prison—yeah, right in the midst of the Babylonian invasion—he actually purchased a field in Jerusalem. I know that was a symbolic and hopeful gesture, but that doesn’t mean he’s not crazy! Anyway, the elders and priests and other prophets are just relieved he’s not coming in person to act out some crazy prophecy, but one of the older elders, Eliaz, the one who lives at 234 Babylon Avenue, is actually going to read Jeremiah’s letter aloud this afternoon, in public. Personally, I can’t believe he’s going to read it in public, but I do really want to hear what the letter says. Maybe that whole field episode is finally coming true and we are going home. You’ve heard these prophets recently, assuring us of a speedy return to Jerusalem where we can restore true worship. I mean, seriously, can you believe the Lord has let us languish here this long? I’m tired of acting like I care what happens to these people or this place. What a disgrace!
Eliaz: Now, people, settle down. Settle down. I know how much you like to exercise your spiritual gift of murmuring, but we don’t want give the police or palace guards any reason to come down here and break up this little letter reading. Jeremiah is enough of an incendiary on his own, so we don’t need to do anything that could be taken as subversive. As many of you know, we received a letter from Jerusalem yesterday, and it was written by Jeremiah. Quiet. Quiet. Let me read the first few lines . . . then I’ll stop to see if you have any questions . . . then I’ll keep reading. Hear now . . .
the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to [us,] the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. . . . Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)
There’s quite a bit more, but I’ll stop here first and field any questions you may have.
Voice 1: (Shouting from the back) Are you kidding me? You’re telling me that Jeremiah’s long-awaited advice is actually to think about making a family in this godforsaken place? How am I supposed to celebrate a marriage or enjoy the birth of a child . . . a grandchild . . . in captivity?
Voice 2: Yeah, I agree with him! Seriously, Eliaz, how can you stand up there and read this with a straight face? If this is Jeremiah’s advice, then I don’t want to hear anything else from him! Jeremiah doesn’t even live here! There is no way that Babylonian interests should have any place in my life or faith. I’d be the first to cheer if Babylon received a dose of its own domination medicine.
Reporter: Joel, Bethlehem-Star Telegram. My question is why would we want to build houses and help the economy of our enemies? Planting gardens makes it sound like we’re going to be here for a while. If I take a wife and have children, and my children have children, that would mean we’d be here for at least sixty or seventy years! Are you even sure this letter was written by Jeremiah? “Seek the welfare” of Babylon, “pray to the Lord on its behalf ”? What is this? Why aren’t any of the other prophets speaking like this?
Eliaz: Easy. Easy. Let’s slow down just a little here and try to listen to Jeremiah for a moment. I’ll be the first to tell you that I am just as surprised and confused as you, but we all know that this whole exilic life is new and unexpected. We’re still trying to figure out why we’re here and how we’re supposed to live while in exile. Now, I know that some of us are saying we’ll be back in the Promised Land very soon, but what if we’re not? What then? Jeremiah, it seems to me, is offering revolutionary answers to questions we’ve all been asking. How does life go on? Is the Lord still powerful and faithful? Is there any hope in this place? Where is God in all this? What I think Jeremiah means is that we need to accept exile and Babylon as part of God’s plan: this place, this city, this economy, these leaders. Looking too far ahead or wishing for some speedy departure will do us no good. And don’t forget that Jeremiah claims this is a word from the Lord, meaning that God’s word and provision reach all the way to Babylon, or wherever we find ourselves. Perhaps in the past we’ve grown too accustomed to an immobile God who is only active in a certain location in a certain way. Jeremiah appears to be challenging us to understand that God is mobile and mysterious and acts in ways we can’t always anticipate. I know life is frantic and foreign, but for the time being the best thing we’ve got is Jeremiah’s letter from home. Let’s read a little more. . . . Amen.… read more
-------
WORSHIP ELEMENTS: OCTOBER 9, 2016 by Rebecca Gaudino21st Sunday after PentecostCOLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
THEME IDEAS
Our readings remind us that wherever we are hemmed in and restricted, God is there in freedom. Jeremiah writes to the Jews in Babylon that they are to make a home in the very place to which they have been exiled—and they are to pray for this city! The author of 2 Timothy writes of his chains as
a life-giving and freeing participation in the rejection and death of Christ Jesus. To lepers who must keep their distance from everyone, Jesus speaks words of healing, obliterating the distance between them. However we may be bound, “the word of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9), and the locked iron door of impossibility swings open.
INVITATION AND GATHERING
Call to Worship (Psalm 66)
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
Come and see what God has done!
God has turned our sea into dry land.
We have passed through the river on foot.
Bless our God, O peoples.
Let the sound of God’s praise be heard!
When you tested and tried us, O God,
you brought us out to a spacious place.
You kept us among the living
and prevented our feet from slipping.
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
How awesome are the deeds of our God!
Opening Prayer (Psalm 66, 2 Timothy 2)
We give praise to you, O God,
for you are awesome and amazing.
We remember your deeds and faithfulness—
deeds that have brought us to this day,
faithfulness that has helped us weather
life’s storms.
We have gone through fire and water,
and stand before you today
in gratitude and praise.
How awesome are your deeds, O God! Amen.
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
Prayer of Confession (Jeremiah 29, Psalm 66, 2 Timothy 2, Luke 17)
O God,
we remember times of blessing in our lives:
when we have been released
from suffering and despair,
when we have been freed
to reclaim life and hope;
but we also remember times of hardship:
when we have been cast out
into deep waters,
when we have been banished in exile
from the world we call home.
O God,
it is hard to claim
the hope and promise of the past
in the presence of today’s troubles.
Meet us today with your good news
that we may be renewed
by the power of your presence. Amen.
Words of Assurance (Psalm 66, 2 Timothy 2, Luke 17)
Give praise to God,
who accompanies us on our journey,
who hears our cries and anguish,
and who remains faithful and answers our prayers.
Give glory to God,
who brings life out of death
and joy out of sorrow!
Response to the Word (Jeremiah 29, 2 Timothy 2, Luke 17)
Look to God in all the places you feel hemmed in and bound, exiled and isolated. Open your eyes to God’s presence. Trust God in the deepest parts of your being, that silently or boldly, your life may reflect the Spirit of the One who makes us whole. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION
Invitation to the Offering (Luke 17)
When the leper ran back to thank Jesus for healing, new life, and fresh possibilities, Jesus was amazed and moved that a Samaritan would come to a Jew and give heartfelt thanks. Jesus sent this man on his way with blessings, for he saw that healing had permeated this man. He was whole through and through. We too have known the healing and saving God in our lives, and we will know this God yet again. So let our offering today be our thanksgiving for the mercy and goodness and ever-faithfulness of God.
Offering Prayer (Jeremiah 29, 2 Timothy 2, Luke 17)
In a world of goodness and struggle,
we are grateful for your blessings, O God.
As we seek to endure life’s struggles,
as we seek to claim your life
in those hard parts of our lives—
the very places you teach us
to look for your freeing presence—
teach us to trust that you are always there.
May these gifts be sent into our community
and into the world around us,
that others may claim
the hope of your presence. Amen.
SENDING FORTH
Benediction (Luke 17)
Jesus said to the leper,
“Get up and go on your way.
Your faith has made you well.”
Let us all claim Jesus’ healing
and liberation in our lives.
Get up and go on your way!
In Jesus’ name,
your faith has made you whole
And all God’s people say:
Amen.
CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS
Contemporary Gathering Words (2 Timothy 2, Luke 17)
Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!
Where we need healing,
make us whole!
Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!
Where we are isolated and excluded,
bring us near!
Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!
Where we are chained,
break our bonds!
Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!
Where we are dying,
bring us back to life!
Praise Sentences (2 Timothy 2)
If we have died with him,
we will also live with him.
If we endure,
we will also reign with him. Amen!… read more
-------
WORSHIP CONNECTION: OCTOBER 9, 2016 by Nancy C. Townley21st Sunday after PentecostCOLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1:
L: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you people!
P: With shouts of joy we celebrate the good news of God’s love.
L: Open your hearts to the warmth of God’s redeeming love.
P: God has poured such wonder into our lives!
L: Come, let us worship God with hearts and souls and voices!
P: Let our praise ring to the rafters and ascend to the heavens! AMEN.
Call to Worship #2:
L: In the midst of your hectic week you have come to worship God.
P: Our lives are pulled in so many directions, we seek God’s guidance.
L: Let go of the burdens that weigh you down. God will take them.
P: We thank God for the respite we are given.
L: Tune your hearts and voices in praise to God.
P: Let our voices bear the joy we feel because of God’s love for us. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3
[Using THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2036, “Give Thanks,” offer the following call to worship as directed.]
[Have the congregation sing the song through one time.]
L: Come! Dance! Sing! Celebrate the goodness of the Lord!
P: God continues to give us such great gifts of love.
L: We are made strong in the Lord.
P: We are made rich in the Lord.
L: God’s blessings are lavished on us every minute of every day!
P: Come, let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[Have the congregation sing the song through one time.]
Call to Worship #4:
L: When we are lonely and feeling lost . . .
P: Jesus calls us and brings us hope and peace.
L: When we are angry and frustrated . . .
P: Jesus heals our wounds and soothes our tempers.
L: When we are sorrowful and broken . . .
P: Jesus binds up our wounds with his healing love.
L: Come, let us worship the one who cares so abundantly for us.
P: AMEN.
PRAYERS, LITANY/READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
For the healing love you have offered to us; for the patience you have with us; for your presence that will never fail, we give you thanks, O Lord. Bring our hearts and spirits to you that we may grow in our faith and service to you by serving others. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Patient Lord, you know how easy it is for us to whine and complain bitterly about all those things in our lives that are difficult. We focus on them as though they were the only things that ever happened to us, forgetting the many blessings that you have given to us and the opportunities you give us to serve you. We feel alienated--you call us beloved. We feel lost--you seek us. We feel broken and battered--your love is a healing balm. Forgive us when we forget those things. Help us to always look to you for our healing and to return thanks to you by praise and serving others in your name. For we offer this prayer of confession of our failures and gratitude for your blessings. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Turn again to the Lord, for you are beloved of God and have been given many blessings. Rejoice in God’s love for you. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the wondrous ways in which you have healed and restored us. There have been countless times when we wondered if the trials and struggles of our lives would overcome us and swallow us up; yet you have reached out to redeem us. Just as in the scriptures when Jesus healed the ten people afflicted with leprosy, one, when he saw that he had been healed, returned to Jesus, praising God for the healing that had taken place. Make our faith as strong as the one of that man. Give us the wisdom to know the source of healing is not in our pleading, but in our acknowledging your love and power. As we bring before you the names and situations in our hearts that are filled with strife and trouble, we ask for their healing as well. We know that you hear the cries of our hearts and respond always in love. Help us to place our complete trust in your never-ending compassion. For it is in Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN
Reading
[I have used the lyrics from THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2183, “Unsettled World,” as the lyrics, for the most part, for the Voice. If you are going to use this reading, it would be a good idea to place a notice in the bulletin that the basis for this reading is this song.]
Reader 1:
Shootings in schools, domestic violence, warfare all over the world, anger, hatred, violence, destruction . . .
Voice:
Unsettled world where people long to find their way, to feel secure, from lives of turbulence and rush we come, to seek your peace, our God. Your word to hear, our faith to live.
Reader 2:
Greed, gambling, grabbing for all the wealth, subservience, domination, control, authority . . .
Voice:
Unsettled world where money rules and greedy systems call the tune, for strength to keep our values straight we come, with trust in you, O God, your word to hear, our faith to live.
Reader 3:
Savagery, oppression, slavery, crushing of people’s lives and spirits . . .
Voice:
Unsettled world where angry poor from grinding need at affluence stare, with tears and thirst for truth and right we come, with longing in our hearts, your word to hear, our faith to live.
Reader 4:
In such a time our faith is sorely tested. Who will bring us through this valley of death? Where, O Lord, is the voice of hope?
Voice:
Unsettled world, unsettled church, whose structures creak and doctrines swirl, by faith, and in the strength of Christ we strive in true community, your word to hear, our faith to live.
Leader:
O God, give us healing and strong faith
All voices:
For we offer this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Benediction
Having opened your hearts to God and received God’s healing love, go now into this hurting troubled world with the good news of God’s presence and compassion. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional color for this Sunday is GREEN.
Note: the following artistic element is meant to create a serene atmosphere. The blue fabric will need to look like a flowing stream, which emanates from the cross on the center riser. It is important to remember that when Jesus sent the healed lepers to the priests to be declared clean, one of the first acts of cleaning would have been a ritual bath. Jesus has already bathed us in his healing love and washed away our sins and dis-ease. Let this setting reflect the peacefulness and beauty of the healing that has been given.
SURFACE:
Place a 6” riser in the back center of the worship table. Place a 2” riser about 5 inches in front of the other one and slightly to the right. Place a riser in front of the worship table.
FABRIC:
Cover the entire worship center with green fabric. Take a 6 yard, 30” wide stripe of silky light blue fabric. Put in on the riser in the center, weaving it across the second riser and down the front of the worship center so that it puddles into a “pool” like arrangement in front of the worship center.
CANDLES:
Place two 6” white pillar candles on either side of the center riser on the worship table.
FLOWERS/FOLIAGE:
Using green leafy plants, such as ferns and ivy, put them beside the main riser on the worship table and down on the floor surrounding the base of the worship table. You may place some smaller ivy plants near the blue strip of fabric (which is like a “healing stream” of water). Be careful not to place too many plants so that the effect of the healing stream is obliterated.
ROCKS/WOOD:
If you have some good sized rocks, place them around the puddle of “water” fabric on the floor in front of the worship center. You may also add some smaller pebbles near the larger rocks to soften the look.
OTHER:
Place a cross on the center riser on the worship table.… read more
-------
PULPIT RESOURCE 
INSPIRING-HUMOROUS-EDGY-CONFRONTING-RELEVANTDOWNLOAD A SAMPLE NOW
Welcome to the new Pulpit Resource from Will Willimon. For over three decades Pulpit Resource helps preachers prepare to preach. Now in partnership with Abingdon Press, this homiletical weekly is available with fresh and timely accessibility to a new generation of preachers.
No sermon is a solo production. Every preacher relies on inherited models, mentors in the preacher’s past, commentaries on biblical texts by people who have given their lives to such study, comments received from members of the congregation, last week’s news headlines, and all the other things that make a sermon communal.
No Christian does anything on their own. We live through the witness of the saints; preachers of the past inspire us and judge us. Scripture itself is a product of the community of faith. A host of now-forgotten teachers taught us how to speak. Nobody is born a preacher.
Pulpit Resource is equivalent to sitting down with a trusted clergy friend over a cup of coffee and asking, “What will you preach next Sunday?” Whenever I’ve been asked by new preachers, “How can I develop as a preacher?” my usual response is, “Get in a group of preachers. Meet regularly. Learn how to give and how to receive help. Sort through the advice of others, and utilize helpful insights.”
That’s Pulpit Resource.
Ready to Subscribe?
You now have the new option of subscribing to Pulpit Resource online to allow you easy access at any time. The print version is also still available for subscription. Simply pick the option that best meets your needs to subscribe today.
ONLINE ONLY SUBSCRIPTION – $70 PRINT SUBSCRIPTION – $70 ONLINE AND PRINT SUBSCRIPTION – $80
Alert! Subscribers to Pulpit Resource who purchased through Logos Productions:
If you subscribed to Will Willimon’s Pulpit Resource through Logos Productions before December 31, 2015, we have a record of your postal address and subscription expiration date, but we do not have your account in our system. To continue receiving Pulpit Resource for the life of your paid subscription, you must call customer service at 1-800-409-5346 or email subscriptions@ministrymatters.com. Your new account will not be charged until it is time to renew your annual subscription.read more
-------
WORSHIP FOR KIDS: OCTOBER 9, 2016 by Carolyn C. BrownFrom a Child's Point of ViewOld Testament: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7.Exile means being stuck where you do not want to be. The Jews to whom Jeremiah spoke were stuck in Babylon, where their conquerors forced them to live. Children are often exiled: stuck in school classes they do not like; assigned to one reading group while their friends or those they want for friends are assigned to another; moved to a new town or neighborhood from an old one they loved; moved from their room or their home in the fallout from divorce, remarriage, or when older grandparents move in; and so forth. Jeremiah's encouragement to make the best of bad situations speaks pointedly to all who live in exile. Help children get Jeremiah's message by paraphrasing it to fit their exile situations. For example, make friends among your new classmates, pray for your teachers and the people with whom you are stuck, join in on what others are doing, and so forth.
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19. This story of ten lepers is often told to children to remind them of the importance of saying "Thank you." But the story is not about manners. It is about an appreciative attitude toward life. Nine lepers took their gifts (their cures) and ran. The tenth leper stopped to think about the significance of the girt he had been given and to respond to that gift. He probably responded the same way when someone gave him food, when a sick friend shared space in a dry cave, or when he saw a beautiful sunset. This attitude was a big part of the faith that made him "whole." This is similar to the attitude Jeremiah was urging upon the exiled Jews. (All this, of course, is between the lines. Children will need direction to dig out this meaning and apply it to their lives.)
Psalm: 66:1-12. This is a psalm for trusting exiles and healed lepers. Children easily understand the general praises expressed in verses 1-9 and enjoy the repeated use of the word Awesome to describe what God has done.
Verses 10-12 offer a concise description of the way faithful people deal with "exile" and other adversity, but children understand it only if each example is explained. For instance, they need to hear how silver is refined and to what the poetic image of "people riding over our heads" refers. Children, who regularly cope with discipline under parents and coaches, are perhaps more ready than adults to accept the idea that God would have us experience hard situations for our own good.
Epistle: 2 Timothy 2:8-15. This passage follows a very complex line of thinking that quickly loses the attention of children. But Paul's basic point—that he is willing to be imprisoned in order to do God's work (preaching, in his case)—is attractive, especially to idealistic older children. The picturesque claim (vs. 9) that they can chain Paul, but they cannot chain God's word makes powerful sense to these literal thinkers.
With help, in the hymns (vss. 11-13), older children can begin to understand the call to keep their commitments to Jesus. The first theological affirmation (vs. 11) is one they simply will need to grow into as their thinking matures. But the rest of the hymn can be understood as:
If we do God's work no matter what,
we shall be partners with God;
If we pretend we do not know God's teachings
or what God wants us to do,
God will pretend not to know us.
But even when we do not live right,
God keeps on loving and caring for the world.
Watch Words
Either use exile strictly in reference to the Babylonian exile, or in reference to all situations in which we get stuck against our will. Do not alternate between the two uses without deliberate warning.
Being faithful is continuing to be a disciple even when it is not easy. Jeremiah told the people in exile to be faithful, to make the best of a bad situation, knowing that God still loved and cared for them Paul urged Christians to be faithful, to live as disciples even when it got them in trouble.
Thankful, grateful, and appreciative are adult words about knowing that something is wonderful and good, a gift.
Let the Children Sing
Sing your gratitude with "Now Thank We All Our God" or "For the Beauty of the Earth." Sing "Father, We Thank Thee for the Night" as a round between a children's class or choir and the congregation or adult choir.
Sing of trusting God in difficult situations with "This Is My Father's World," "God Will Take Care of You" (young children learn the repeated chorus quickly), or the hymn version of Psalm 23 that is most familiar to your congregation (point out the meaning for exiles of "though I walk through the valley").
The Liturgical Child
1. Create a praise litany in which the worship leader describes a series of God's great deeds. To each, the congregation responds, "Praise God who has done awesome deeds!" Include such deeds as creation of the world, leading the slaves safely out of Egypt, sending the people to be captives and staying with them while they learned their lesson about trusting God, and specific deeds in the life of your congregation.
2. If focusing on gratitude, before you sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow," point out its meaning and its significance in your order of worship. Be sure to define blessings as something other than the prayer we say before meals.
3. Invite all worshipers to make a list of ten good things, people, events, or activities they consider gifts from God. Urge them to put their lists in the offering plate along with their money gifts, as a way to express their gratitude to God.
Sermon Resources
1. To help children understand the feelings and the temptations to give in to despair faced by the exiles Jeremiah spoke to, describe the feelings and problems of refugees who start new lives in this country after fleeing from war in their own countries.
2. Retell some of the events in the story of Polyanna, a little girl who treats all of life as a gift and has a way of finding the good in everything and everyone. Borrow the book from a public library or rent the video to review the story.
3. The task in preaching about the tenth leper is not to berate worshipers for being ungrateful, but to help them look at their lives with appreciation, identify their blessings, and learn disciplines that cultivate gratitude. Remember that when children voice thank-you prayers, they often mention their families, special friends (some of whom may be adults), a recent trip or party, unusual but beautiful weather (especially snow), and loved activities such as sports. They resent being told what to feel thankful for (e.g., most children, at certain times, are not at all thankful for their family).… read more
------
ENDURE HARDSHIP
2 TIMOTHY 2:8-15
Phoebe Cary's The Leak in the Dike, tells of Peter, who happily went on an errand for his mother. The task completed, Peter started home, following along the dikes that kept back angry seas. Unexpectedly, Peter hears the trickle of water just now beginning to seep through a small leak in one of the mighty dikes.
To be faithful on a simple errand for his mother was no great thing. But now, with no one there to charge him to his duty, will Peter faithfully take his stand against the sea? Bravely, Peter forces his boyish arm into the small hole. And there he stays throughout the long night calling in vain for help. He endures the hardship because he knows that life itself is at stake. Only the morning brings rescue and a hero's welcome home. The Christian life is a struggle against forces of evil, seen and unseen. Some service to God proves merely a happy errand. But other duties call for enduring hardship.
I. In My Hardship I Am Faithful (vv. 8-10)
The apostle was nearing the end of his time of hardship. He knew that his days on earth, imprisoned in chains, were numbered. Joyfully he testified of his continuing faithfulness. "In my hardship, I am faithful," Paul encouraged his son in the faith.
Paul was faithful because he remembered Jesus Christ. His Lord had endured hardships. Jesus had been put to death to advance God's kingdom. And then, Jesus had been raised from the dead. That resurrection hope kept Paul faithful in hardship.
Paul was faithful because God's Word could never be stopped. Though he was chained, the good news could never be chained. Jesus had started something that could not be stopped and Paul was not about to stop short of faithfulness.
Paul was faithful so that others might share in the salvation that Jesus Christ brings. Through suffering, Jesus had made salvation possible. Through faithful endurance, Paul was making that salvation known to all he could.
II. Through Our Hardship God Is Faithful (vv. 11-13)
The God of salvation is faithful. He knows the hardship that his people endure. He is faithful to reward those who endure hardship for his sake. Those who endure the hardship of identifying with Christ's death to sin will experience the faithfulness of God as they live eternally with Christ. Those who endure the hardship of remaining faithful in earthly suffering will experience the faithfulness of God as they reign eternally with Christ. Even those who are faithless in hardship will experience the faithfulness of God who never disowns his own people.
III. In Your Hardship You Be Faithful (vv. 14-15)
Knowing that he was about to leave this world of hardship, Paul encouraged his protégé, "You be faithful." Timothy was to remain faithful in at least three areas of oversight. First, he was constantly to remind God's people of God's faithfulness. God would never overlook their loyalty or their lapses. Second, Timothy was to warn God's people not to quarrel over nonessentials. They must stay focused on the plain and simple gospel. And finally, Timothy was to present the Scriptures with knowledge, skill, and passion.
Those who live a godly life, a truly Christian life, can expect hardship ( 2 Tim. 3:12) . God's enemies will become their enemies. Christ's persecutions will become their persecutions. Seen and unseen forces will challenge their spiritual endurance. Still, because the apostle could say, "I am faithful," and "God is faithful," so he can say to Timothy and to us, "You be faithful." (Timothy S. Warren)
WHAT HAPPENED?
LUKE 17:11-19
Vision makes the difference. What you see is what you get. This is the essential difference between the vision of the nine Jews who were healed and did not express gratitude to Jesus and the one Samaritan who was healed and did express his gratitude.
I. What Happened?
Jesus met ten lepers, nine Jews and one Samaritan, on the border between Galilee and Samaria. They were outcasts and were not allowed to approach nonleprous people. They were required to stand at a distance (the distance was even greater if they were downwind). When they saw Jesus, they cried out for help and he immediately sent them to the priest who could give them a certificate of cleansing. This would permit them to return to their normal lives. The healing took place along the way as they were obedient. The nine Jews went on with their lives; the one Samaritan returned to express gratitude to Jesus. Jesus seemed surprised that only one, the Samaritan, returned to give thanks.
II. What Did Not Happen?
The nine neglected to express gratitude and there was no other mention of them or this incident in the New Testament. Luke stressed the event because it underscores why Christianity had been carried so directly and quickly to the Gentiles. The Jews had the first chance and had despised the day of gladness.
God's patience is not without limit. If no response is forthcoming from man or group, God seeks among others someone to carry out his bidding and it is usually someone that those who do the rejecting have learned to scorn.
The nine were worse off in their ingratitude. Their ingratitude was a worse leprosy than the leprosy of their skin. They were clean outside but they had not accepted cleansing on the inside.
III. What Needed to Happen?
Healing needs to take place inside as well as outside. We need clean lives as well as clean skin. Many people worship and pray and generally reject the religious life, seeking only the gifts of God and not the person of Christ. This is why there is an inconsistency between talk and walk.
IV. What Was the Difference?
The difference was the vision. The nine saw a healer, the immediate source of help for the problem. The Samaritan saw the answer to all his problems, heart and body. The nine saw a useful healer to remove the barrier to getting along with the old life. The Samaritan saw the end to his quest for healing inside, as well as outside.
The nine sought the blessings of the priest. The Samaritan praised God and saw his blessing. In the end the Samaritan saw a greater vision, the immediate source of help for the world, the door to a new world. He saw a Savior. Vision makes all the difference in the world for the world. (William L. Self)
-------
Ministry Matters
2222 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
2 TIMOTHY 2:8-15
Phoebe Cary's The Leak in the Dike, tells of Peter, who happily went on an errand for his mother. The task completed, Peter started home, following along the dikes that kept back angry seas. Unexpectedly, Peter hears the trickle of water just now beginning to seep through a small leak in one of the mighty dikes.
To be faithful on a simple errand for his mother was no great thing. But now, with no one there to charge him to his duty, will Peter faithfully take his stand against the sea? Bravely, Peter forces his boyish arm into the small hole. And there he stays throughout the long night calling in vain for help. He endures the hardship because he knows that life itself is at stake. Only the morning brings rescue and a hero's welcome home. The Christian life is a struggle against forces of evil, seen and unseen. Some service to God proves merely a happy errand. But other duties call for enduring hardship.
I. In My Hardship I Am Faithful (vv. 8-10)
The apostle was nearing the end of his time of hardship. He knew that his days on earth, imprisoned in chains, were numbered. Joyfully he testified of his continuing faithfulness. "In my hardship, I am faithful," Paul encouraged his son in the faith.
Paul was faithful because he remembered Jesus Christ. His Lord had endured hardships. Jesus had been put to death to advance God's kingdom. And then, Jesus had been raised from the dead. That resurrection hope kept Paul faithful in hardship.
Paul was faithful because God's Word could never be stopped. Though he was chained, the good news could never be chained. Jesus had started something that could not be stopped and Paul was not about to stop short of faithfulness.
Paul was faithful so that others might share in the salvation that Jesus Christ brings. Through suffering, Jesus had made salvation possible. Through faithful endurance, Paul was making that salvation known to all he could.
II. Through Our Hardship God Is Faithful (vv. 11-13)
The God of salvation is faithful. He knows the hardship that his people endure. He is faithful to reward those who endure hardship for his sake. Those who endure the hardship of identifying with Christ's death to sin will experience the faithfulness of God as they live eternally with Christ. Those who endure the hardship of remaining faithful in earthly suffering will experience the faithfulness of God as they reign eternally with Christ. Even those who are faithless in hardship will experience the faithfulness of God who never disowns his own people.
III. In Your Hardship You Be Faithful (vv. 14-15)
Knowing that he was about to leave this world of hardship, Paul encouraged his protégé, "You be faithful." Timothy was to remain faithful in at least three areas of oversight. First, he was constantly to remind God's people of God's faithfulness. God would never overlook their loyalty or their lapses. Second, Timothy was to warn God's people not to quarrel over nonessentials. They must stay focused on the plain and simple gospel. And finally, Timothy was to present the Scriptures with knowledge, skill, and passion.
Those who live a godly life, a truly Christian life, can expect hardship ( 2 Tim. 3:12) . God's enemies will become their enemies. Christ's persecutions will become their persecutions. Seen and unseen forces will challenge their spiritual endurance. Still, because the apostle could say, "I am faithful," and "God is faithful," so he can say to Timothy and to us, "You be faithful." (Timothy S. Warren)
WHAT HAPPENED?
LUKE 17:11-19
Vision makes the difference. What you see is what you get. This is the essential difference between the vision of the nine Jews who were healed and did not express gratitude to Jesus and the one Samaritan who was healed and did express his gratitude.
I. What Happened?
Jesus met ten lepers, nine Jews and one Samaritan, on the border between Galilee and Samaria. They were outcasts and were not allowed to approach nonleprous people. They were required to stand at a distance (the distance was even greater if they were downwind). When they saw Jesus, they cried out for help and he immediately sent them to the priest who could give them a certificate of cleansing. This would permit them to return to their normal lives. The healing took place along the way as they were obedient. The nine Jews went on with their lives; the one Samaritan returned to express gratitude to Jesus. Jesus seemed surprised that only one, the Samaritan, returned to give thanks.
II. What Did Not Happen?
The nine neglected to express gratitude and there was no other mention of them or this incident in the New Testament. Luke stressed the event because it underscores why Christianity had been carried so directly and quickly to the Gentiles. The Jews had the first chance and had despised the day of gladness.
God's patience is not without limit. If no response is forthcoming from man or group, God seeks among others someone to carry out his bidding and it is usually someone that those who do the rejecting have learned to scorn.
The nine were worse off in their ingratitude. Their ingratitude was a worse leprosy than the leprosy of their skin. They were clean outside but they had not accepted cleansing on the inside.
III. What Needed to Happen?
Healing needs to take place inside as well as outside. We need clean lives as well as clean skin. Many people worship and pray and generally reject the religious life, seeking only the gifts of God and not the person of Christ. This is why there is an inconsistency between talk and walk.
IV. What Was the Difference?
The difference was the vision. The nine saw a healer, the immediate source of help for the problem. The Samaritan saw the answer to all his problems, heart and body. The nine saw a useful healer to remove the barrier to getting along with the old life. The Samaritan saw the end to his quest for healing inside, as well as outside.
The nine sought the blessings of the priest. The Samaritan praised God and saw his blessing. In the end the Samaritan saw a greater vision, the immediate source of help for the world, the door to a new world. He saw a Savior. Vision makes all the difference in the world for the world. (William L. Self)
-------
Ministry Matters
2222 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37228, United States
-------
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment