Aug 23, 2007

Listen

What a wonderful week I have had.

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon was spent at “The Academy for the Practice of Christian Ministry,” a continuing education event that will meet once each month from now through April. The group is composed of 14 newly ordained deacons and elders (within the last 5 years). We’re exposed to great speakers and cutting edge vision and training for church leaders.

But more than that, we are becoming connected to one another, and to the other dedicated clergy who lead and mentor us.

48 hours in the North Georgia mountains (Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, GA) did me a world of good.

I’m getting what I asked for.

About 2 months ago, I’d had some particularly frustrating days. Those days come for pastors, too, you know.

My good wife reminded me not to give up when times get tough. She invoked the image of Moses in the wilderness. For forty years, he wandered with his people…lost.

“Yeah,” I said, “but at least Moses had a burning bush.”

She reminded me that God still speaks, and my answer might raise the hair of the average pew (well, it’s SOTH…so, table) sitter.

“I wish he’d speak up,” I said.

Wow…He really has.

In the weeks that have intervened, God has posted his notices before me at every turn.

The very night after my flippant “prayer” to hear God’s voice, he began to speak loudly. We had invited the parents of our youth to an informational and visioning meeting.

So many parents and youth attended, that the parents could not fit in a circle in our largest Sunday School room. A wonderful spirit filled the place as people began to hope for what might yet come to pass for the young people of our church and community.

The next weekend, SOTH hosted a district event where George Morris was the speaker. His words hit me like a hammer.

“Four things,” he said, “will guarantee a decline in the life of your church.”

1. Surrender the authority of scripture and its central place in the church’s life.

2. Lose your passion for lost and hurting people in your community

3. “Stiff-arm” (push away) the Holy Spirit

4. Forget that everything is about one thing --- Jesus Christ.

That presentation was followed by more conversations, by prayer, calls, worship and deeply penetrating encounters with scripture.

God is teaching me some lessons. In these lessons lies some wonderful good news.

All the work that you can ever do…all the learning you can ever acquire…all the leadership training that you can absorb…all the admirers that you can ever win…none of them count for anything next to the mighty power of a transformed life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That sounds like something a pastor should know, doesn’t it? It does. And I’m learning…not to ever give up what I’ve known in my heart for many years, no matter how hard the world works to steal my focus, and attention and heart.

I know another man who came to feel exactly the same way. He had worked hard. He had done the right things. He had followed all the rules…and still come up empty.

His name was Paul, and here’s what he had to say:

Philippians 3 (The Message)

To Know Him Personally

1 And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes.

2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.

7-9 The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.

10-11 I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Focused on the Goal

12-14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

15-16 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

What a wonderful thought. And a wonderful week. My deepest prayer is that you will reach out to Jesus. That you will follow him and know what it means to be his disciple. There is nothing as good as the peace that God offers us in redemption, and hope and grace-filled goodness.

Land…Buildings…Programs…Vision-Statements….God can handle them all, and he will add all of these to us…when we seek him first, and his great righteousness.

May we be people of tender hearts…prayer…passion and possibility.

If it’s not Jesus…may the people of SOTH “dump it in the trash,” just like the Apostle Paul. With great joy in my heart, and the freedom of Christ, I look so forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH: SOTH exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through ministries of...

Worship -- We’ll worship this Sunday morning, 9 and 11 AM. Our series, “Celebrating the Differences” will conclude with a word from Jeremiah about God’s passion for all his children, “God said.” Don’t forget to stay for Sunday School between services, for children, youth and adults at 10:15 am.

Scripture -- This Sunday we’ll look at Jeremiah 1:1-9

1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

The Call of Jeremiah

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

Prayer: If you don’t receive SOTH prayer concerns, please email your address to sothumc@bellsouth.net. Thanks to God for the wonderful news received by Debbie Garrett, cancer free report last week! Thanks to all of you who have kept the Garretts in your prayers, and please continue to do so!

Relationships: Our youth visioning process continues to bear great fruit! Let’s give thanks to God for the near 30 kids who continue to participate each week. This past Sunday we traveled to see the great things happening at West Ridge Church in Dallas, GA, and this Sunday we’ll be participating in First UMC Douglasville’s “Back to School Bash.” Our next big parents’ meeting will happen on Sunday night, September 9!

We are beginning a similar visioning process for our children’s ministry. Children’s Director Kathryn Beasley and I will be on hand with all those who have kids and who are interested in the future of children’s ministry at SOTH on Tuesday night next week, August 28th. Contact Kathryn@sothumc.net for more details and to reserve childcare.

Proactive Evangelism Ministries, led by Rev. Jim Hollis will be present on site with their staff the weekend of September 28, 29 and 30 to begin their process known at “Discovery and Reflection.” Jim and his team will spend time listening to every ministry team and committee in our church. They will also seek input from individuals and families, as all SOTH members and attenders (past and present) are invited to interview and submit surveys about their experience of our church and what they feel that God might be calling us to in the future. This is an outstanding process for ministry discernment and vision and big thanks are due to our Church Council for the vision and confidence to approve taking this next step!

Giving and Service: Don’t forget SOTH’s currently ongoing outreach efforts: The Pantry, The Foster Clothes Closet and Faith in Action. The Pantry is a new food ministry located in downtown Douglasville. You can bring non-perishable food items to SOTH and they’ll be collected and delivered to the Pantry. Contact Mara Cleveland at maraigolf@aol.com for more information. The “Foster Clothes” closet is located on the back patio of “The Ranch,” and donations of gently used children’s clothing goes to foster families as they clothe the children they welcome into their homes. Faith in Action is an email of churches and concerned citizens who work together to meet DFACS needs when notified via email. SOTH will always send along these requests and we’re committed to helping this network meet needs in our community.


Big congrats to the SOTH Co-ed softball team who finished its season in first place!!!

Aug 8, 2007

Leave

Today is a big day.

It’s the first day of school.

This morning, a wonderful member of SOTH told me what it was like to watch her “baby boy” go off to his first day of high school, strong and confident. “Blink your eyes,” she said, “and that second grader of yours will be doing the same.”

Throughout their home there is excitement for all the kids who are heading into new adventures. Of course we all know that there is also bittersweet relief for parents as the fluid schedules of summer settle back into more predictable routines.

What a wonderful feeling that first day of school really is. My oldest began a new leg in his academic journey today at the new Chapel Hill Elementary School and excitement is in the air there, as students fill that new facility for the very first time.

Our middle son started his year at SOTH’s preschool. Both were happy and excited to “leave home,” if just for a little while.

As time continues to march on by, we learn that part of living life is leaving home. But there’s another part, too. A balanced life is tough to achieve unless we stay grounded in “home,” even once we’re “gone.”

Leaving is hard, but it’s life. If we’re honest, we have to admit that there’s a lot of leaving we never want to do.

At the same time, there is nothing more exciting, and striking out into the world is the real path to growth.

Life, if you consider, is really just a series of departures and arrivals. In all our of comings and goings, we venture out into the experiences God holds for us, while staying connected to the tether of those we love.

I could do better at tether-maintenance. There’s always a phone in my pocket, e-mail on my desk (or phone, or pda, and I’m pretty sure you can get e-mail in some flavors of pop tarts now).

I’ve heard that now you can even write messages on paper and give them to some people who will deliver to other people who you choose. Truly, I don’t know that I’ve ever tried it, but it sounds fascinating.

Even with all the modern tools for communication, I let my tether get pretty threadbare.

We could all do better.

This morning, an e-mail I received made me remember what it felt like to leave. Alumni brothers from my old college fraternity had spent this past weekend getting together to help the current members clean and repair the old chapter house. It’s almost the first day of school there, time to recruit new members, and the old place needs to look good.

The attached pictures brought back memories of people and places that formed the core of who I am. Years ago, I stood in that empty house, the afternoon after my graduation. The excitement was bittersweet, as I wondered about all that life would hold. I knew that life was changing, because it was time to leave.

A wife, three sons, five houses and four pastoral appointments later, I’m so thankful for all that has been. I don’t know much, but I’ve learned enough to know that the future is better than I can possibly imagine it.

But none of it would have happened without all the people, wherever they are, who chose to be my home.

“Train children in the right way,” the Bible tells us, “and when old they will not stray.” Proverbs 22:6

As you make your departures on this day, remember that you don’t really leave the people and the places that matter most, no matter where you go. Remember your core identity, that you are worth so much that God would make a way for you to be redeemed and restored. Faith in Christ can’t be left behind.

So get going! Leave…but not altogether. Go! But always come back home.

Today is the first day --- for the students of Douglas County, and for all the rest of us, too.

Give thanks to God for all that is to come. And, go call your mama.

Grace and Peace,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Worship: This Sunday we’ll begin our August worship series, “Celebrating the Differences,” with a look at what God has to say about men, women and the ways we relate to one another. This series promises to speak to all of our relationships and bring understanding to us all. This Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m., “He Said: What Women Need to Know About Men.” Don’t worry – there will be equal time in August 19th’s sermon, “She Said.” Come out this Sunday for a great time of singing, prayer, fellowship and scripture, two services – 9 and 11 a.m.

Scripture: Sunday School for all ages happens between SOTH worship services, 10:15 a.m. Following early worship, Adam will review this Sunday’s scripture in a session of small group discussion called, “Talkback.” Two other adult classes are meeting at “The Ranch,” and we offer a full compliment of Sunday school for children and youth.

Prayer: Thank you for all of your continuing prayers for God’s guidance in our land sale and building process! Last night, SOTH’s land use application was approved by the Douglas County Commissioner’s. This means that the property we are pursuing for our new church site is now certified by the county for use as the future location of SOTH UMC! Please continue to pray as we work through final details with DOT, our buyer and move toward the specifics with our architects and engineers. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Your prayers make a difference!

Relationships: Over 60 youth and parents were in attendance this past Sunday night as we gathered to discuss our vision for the future of youth ministry at SOTH. We will be going out for pizza and bowling this Sunday night, and then traveling to three other vibrant youth ministries to get ideas and insight for what God is calling us to with youth at SOTH. Thanks to all the parents who are bringing their excitement and energy into youth ministry!

Don’t forget our monthly fellowship meal! Wednesday night, August 15th, we’ll gather for food, fellowship and music at SOTH. Sign up at church this Sunday.

Giving and Service: SOTH’s summer lunch partnership with MUST ministries wrapped up this week. Thanks to all who participated (see the wrap-up bulletin board posted in the hallway at SOTH). In total, 2,453 lunches were assembled and delivered to children in need this summer. What an incredible ministry! God is good and faithful when his people respond in faith! Additionally, nearly 50 book bags full of school supplies were distributed in a nearby neighborhood. Thanks to all of you for your hearts of service.

Aug 1, 2007

Friend

Well, our fervent prayers were answered this week.

The Braves got Mark Teixeria.

Not only that, but there were extra bountiful blessings. Octavio Dotel now patrols the bullpen.

Life is good, we hope.

In case you’re wondering what in the world I’m talking about, maybe I should start by telling you that July 31 is a big day for baseball fans.

That’s the “trade deadline,” the last day that a major league team can obtain a player for the “stretch run” without going through the “waiver” process.

If you don’t know what “stretch run” means, and if you think a “waiver” is somebody motioning goodbye to somebody else, it’s probably too complicated to explain.

Just know this: the Braves just got maybe the all-around best first baseman in baseball, and also picked up a very good relief pitcher.

Even though they’re in third place, they feel like they’re on top of the world. This morning’s AJC is all about how their players feel like they could not just rally to win the division, but they really think they could win the world series.

Thinking it is at least half the battle.

That’s the power of a shot-in-the-arm.

It was fun watching old veterans like Chipper “Hoss” Jones get excited when “Tex” walked into the dugout in his new Braves’ uniform.

There’s a swagger in knowing you’re stacked, and that the other team’s pitcher didn’t sleep well last night.

That’s what happens when The Big Kid joins your team.

Now, if a new first baseman and an aging relief pitcher can do that for our boys with the tomahawks on their chests, what should faith in Jesus do for his followers?

I know. Life can be hard. Truly, I know what frustration is, what fear feels like, and the stress of wondering whether your resources can meet everyone’s demands.

But we’re not in this by ourselves.

Jesus said:

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

14You are my friends if you do what I command you.

15I do not call you servants* any longer, because the servant* does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

16You did not choose me but I chose you.

And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.

17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.” John 15

Jesus is on our side.

The Big Kid plays on our team. Actually, it’s we who get to play on his.

He chooses us, calls us “friends,” and he lays down his life for us.

Evil ought not sleep well at night --- not if Jesus’ people believe his promises, act on them, and set about the awesome task of living and giving in courageous ways.

I think Jesus' followers ought to have a kind of humble swagger.

Oxymoron? Not quite.

We're humble, because life shows us clearly that we can't do it by ourselves.

But there's a swagger, because "The Word," who was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be -- the biggest of them all --- walks with us and within us.

Now, let’s roll to the playoffs!

Tomahawkin’ Together –

Adam

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And, some travelin’ music for the day:

“Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
wants to shake your hand
when you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
and see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

You find out who your friends are

LIFE AT SOTH:

Today is the last “Kids’ Day” of the summer, and we’re expecting about 30 little folks to join SOTH children’s director, Kathryn Beasley for WATER DAY!!

Summer Lunch program is wrapping up Tuesday of next week. What an awesome ministry! Over 50 kids were served lunch every day who might otherwise have been in need. Many thanks to all the people and churches who helped make this effort possible. And, thanks to all of you who also helped make and deliver back to school book bags to those same kids yesterday.

Watch for your SOTH newsletter, which should have arrived in your e-mail earlier this morning. If you’d like a paper copy and don’t receive one, call Sandi at 770-920-1551 or e-mail sandi@sothumc.net

Upcoming worship series, begins August 12: “Celebrating the Differences,” takes a look at men, women, our differences and the God that made us all. The Bible has some good advice for relationships, and whether you’re married, single, or single again, these three services offer practical insights that promise to help with all our relationships.