Tradition

June is here, and over the years, it has come to mean two things for me: The Braves will swoon, and Annual Conference will meet.

Yes, we do win the “creative naming” award as United Methodists, don’t we?

We have this conference…and it meets annually…and we call it…

“Annual Conference.”

That’s what I love about United Methodism --- we don’t need no stinking fancy names.

Annual…Conference. That’ll do.

Last week, almost 3,000 of us gathered in Athens at the Classic Center. Every UM clergy person of North Georgia, and an equal number of representatives from the laity, met from Monday morning until Friday afternoon.

New clergy were approved and ordained, ministry reports were heard, worship was celebrated and delegates were elected to represent us on regional and national levels.

Other than my annual trip(s) to Weaver D’s, the best moment of the week comes on the very first day, when all those thousands of voices join together at the official opening of the Conference.

We always sing a particular song, written by Charles Wesley (brother of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley), back in ’49…1749. It’s a tradition.

The song, “And Are We Yet Alive?” was written, as Charles Wesley wrote himself, “For the Society, at meeting.” The song is still sung every year when Methodists throughout the world open their “Annual Conferences.”

And are we yet alive,

and see each other's face?

Glory and thanks to Jesus give

for his almighty grace!

For the traveling preachers of 18^th century Methodism, the meaning was not metaphorical. They were thankful to have survived another year of ministry, and to unite together in each other’s physical presence once again.

But what about us?

For the 3,000 Methodists staying in Athens’ lovely hotels and eating in its outstanding restaurants, the question of our physical well-being seems less in doubt than it did for the preachers of 250 years ago.

But the song’s real meaning should be every bit as powerful.

Another year has passed, and we are all still alive in our faith. Thankful to God, we should rejoice in seeing one another.

But I think the thing I love best about “And Are We Yet Alive?” is that it’s just supremely “real.”

What troubles have we seen,

what mighty conflicts past,

fightings without, and fears within,

since we assembled last!

Fighting and fearful sums up how we all act sometimes, and for all of us, the 12 months just passed have certainly had those exact kinds of moments.

But there is always hope…

Yet out of all the Lord

hath brought us by his love;

and still he doth his help afford,

and hides our life above.

Then let us make our boast

of his redeeming power,

which saves us to the uttermost,

till we can sin no more.

As the music swells and the lyrics move toward resolution, I am reminded of the true wonder of this thing called church.

In that moment, worship accomplishes what only worship can. It imparts a sense of perspective, and strengthens our hearts with the deeply felt assurance that we are not in this thing alone.

It could imagine the voices of 258 years’ worth of Methodist preachers, joining together with the faithful disciples of today…

Let us take up the cross

till we the crown obtain,

and gladly reckon all things loss

so we may Jesus gain.

The power of good tradition…relevant for today. We are not the first, and we are not alone.

Grace & Peace, and I’ll see you this Sunday,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Lifeover Ministries Charity Car Show this weekend! Don’t miss the first ever car show to support the work of Lifeover Ministries, an independent ministry of outreach and mission, closely connected to Shepherd of the Hills. Lifeover first came to prominence through its ministry to “Baby Noor,” the Iraqi child brought to the U.S. for lifesaving spina bifida surgery. Lifeover continues to work on many local and international helping ministries in the name of Jesus Christ.

This Saturday, June 23, Lifeover and SOTH will host a classic car show in the Publix shopping center parking lot, just across the street from SOTH. Many thanks to Publix for their partnership, and to all the hardworking volunteers who have made this day possible.

Registration will begin at SOTH at 8 AM, with judging at Publix at 12:30 PM and awards presentation at 3:00. Contact John Garrett at jgarrett@rematiptop.com for more info, and we’ll see you this weekend!

Summer Children’s Ministries: This week, a second Drama Camp is being held at SOTH, and next week is our VBS for kids age K-2. E-mail SOTH Children’s director Kathryn Beasley at Kathryn@sothumc.net for more information, and sign up this Sunday at SOTH!

New Members and Baptisms: Welcome to the Powell family who joined SOTH on June 3^rd, and to Dina Harbour and Lina Adams, new members who joined SOTH on Sunday, June 10^th. Congratulations and special welcome also to Tyler Jefferson, baptized at SOTH this past Sunday, June 17^th!

Pray

Hard. Mysterious. Confusing. Inadequate.

Uplifting. Powerful. Connection. Assurance.

What do all those words have in common?

They all describe the ways that Christians experience prayer.

What is prayer?

Well…libraries full of books have been written in response to that little question.

Prayer is to speak.

Prayer is to listen.

….to God…the Creator of all that exists…I AM…the one before and beyond time…

No problem, right?

Christians feel inadequate when their secret prayer struggles are revealed. After all, somehow we’ve come to believe that it should be an easy process, and that all folks who follow Jesus have an easy time getting their prayers “beyond the ceiling.”

The simple part is true. The easy part is not.

Sometimes, in my frustration with prayer and as I talk to other Christians, I want to give the theological version of the “Bull Durham” speech.

You remember the Bull Durham speech, right? OK, probably not.

In that great baseball movie, the manager of the struggling, minor league Durham Bulls baseball team hurls a bag full of wooden bats up against the locker room wall to get his players’ attention.

“Baseball is a simple game…” he says. “You throw the ball…you catch the ball…you hit the ball.”

Simple, but not easy.

Jesus’ teaching on prayer was pretty straightforward:

7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:7-11

Though not easy, I really do think prayer is that simple.

Ask. Seek. Knock.

Then wait…and look…and listen.

In a wonderful new book on prayer, Christian author Phillip Yancey says that the very act of praying does wonderful things for our souls because it keeps us humble.

Prayer, Yancey says, reminds us that we need to ask. It shows us that we are not independent. We played no role in determining where we would be born, at what point in history, into what family and with what genetics. We have absolutely no power to stop the earth from spinning, to cause the sun to rise or impact its setting. We are marvelously, and completely dependent upon God.

Real prayer starts in humility…and then some marvelous things can unfold.

God goes to work within us.

“God helps those who help themselves,” says the Book of ME. That often quoted scripture exists only in our minds, not within the Bible.

Jesus says (my paraphrase), “God helps those who ask.”

This week saw SOTH pass a major milestone of prayer, faith and action. Tuesday morning I sent an e-mail asking for your prayer as the county heard our request for property re-zoning. Whether the results of that meeting had been “favorable” or not, prayer acknowledged our dependence on God and faith in his provision.

Tuesday night, the door was opened. Our application has been approved, and SOTH is now on a clear track toward completing the sale of its property, purchase of new land and the construction of a brand new and improved facility.

Humbly, we will continue to ask…and seek…and knock.

The path is unfolding before us, and the God of all things will never fail us.

I’ll see you this Sunday ---

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Land Update: Cornerstone Development Partners was successful in their application for the re-zoning of our property for commercial development. This is a major milestone as we move forward. Please continue to support SOTH with your prayers as we hope to close this sale and the purchase of our new property (24 acres located ½ mile west on Dorsett Shoals Road) by the end of this year.

More stuff on prayer: Many thanks to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church here in Douglasville! Did you know that St. Teresa’s is our “covenant partner” in ministry --- and they pray for us at each and every mass! To the people of St. Teresa’s, thank you so much and please keep praying for us as we pray for you.

Great prayer website ---- looking for a new way to pray? Check out www.pray-as-you-go.org . This site is run by the British Jesuits, and is one of the best uses of the internet for spiritual growth that we’ve ever seen. You can download a podcast of a week’s worth of devotional music, scripture and guided prayer. Great stuff!

3-5 Grade VBS starts Monday at SOTH! Have 3^rd through 5^th graders at home this summer? Bring them to SOTH for VBS, beginning Monday morning. More details on our website, and this Sunday in worship! K-2 VBS will be held the week of June 25-29.

Annual Conference 2007: The United Methodist North Georgia Annual Conference will meet, beginning this Monday in Athens, GA. Derrick Fountain and Adam Roberts will represent SOTH. You can follow everything online at www.ngumc.org with live video feeds of all sessions.

Summer Lunch Update: Our summer lunch ministry has taken flight! In its first week, over 120 lunches were delivered. This week, the number is climbing over 150 toward 200 lunches! Thanks to all of you who have supported this ministry financially, and for those of you who are working each day to make and deliver the lunches to community kids who are home alone this summer and in need. Your efforts make a difference in the life of a child! Want to help? Take a moment to sign up on the summer lunch bulletin board, located in our entry hallway at SOTH. Lots of slots are still available.

Trash

In my world, today is “trash day.”

Everybody has a “trash day,” right?

If you live way out in the country, “trash day” comes whenever you choose it. There’s no trash service...no one you can pay to do your dirty work.

Indeed, years ago, my dog’s favorite day of the week was that time when we’d jump in the pickup and head to the local dump with a bed full of trash bags flapping in the wind behind us.

But now that we’ve been officially citified (that’s pronounced city-fide if you’re struggling) trash day has changed significantly, though it is certainly of no less importance.

Early this morning, before the sun had risen, I heard the big engine chugging its way down our street. I was just getting out of bed, beginning to order my thoughts and make my way toward a life-giving cup of coffee.

The noises of gears and hydraulics floated into our home a second time.

TRASH!!!

That brutal moment of pre-coffee realization sends a shot of adrenaline jarring its way through the bloodstream.

You don’t want to miss trash day.

Especially not on the Wednesday after Memorial Day weekend. Gross.

You miss trash day, and things are going to get UGLY by the next Wednesday.

After my experience this morning, I really believe that the timed “trash can roll” could make its way into the next summer Olympics. The event involves strength, balance, clarity of thought and grace under pressure.

As I opened our backyard gate and wheeled the beast (three extra bags precariously balanced atop the can and barely held together by the jammed-down lid) toward the street, I saw that the truck had already passed us.

Strains of “Pass Me Not” from my childhood churches ran through my head.

“Pass me not, O gentle trash man...Hear my humble cry. While on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.”

As the “trash guys” worked their way on down my street, one of them saw my pitiful figure wheeling a mountain of refuse to the curb.

We made eye contact.

He waved.

A greeting? Or an acknowledgment of, “way to go Chief. We’ll get you when we come back by.”

I hoped for the latter. And since this was the second time the scene had unfolded this way in two weeks, I felt sure that those good men would save me from my own mess.

And they did.

It’s a good feeling, wheeling an empty trash can back to its resting place for another week.

Life can go on.

But trash-making never stops. And to keep things civil on the inside, the bad stuff has got to go somewhere.

Life without the “trash guys” would be tough.

As you walk through your life today, think about all of the ways that we really are dependent on each other. How many people got out of bed, showed up and did their job so that we could all eat and work and play today? How many people fill our lives with little kindnesses, going the extra mile when they certainly don’t have to?

The belief that we do it all ourselves, and that it all depends on us is the very heart of stress and worry and frustration. We’ll do plenty ourselves, with God’s help, but we would still be lost and helpless without God and other people.

The great news is that God’s love doesn’t fail us. And he’s always willing to take away our trash. It’s never too late.

If I can clear out a little bit of pride and replace it with humility…a little bit of self-importance and replace it with dependence…a big bag full of greed and replace it with the love of Christ…what a great day this can be.

We’ll see you this Sunday ---

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH

We'll be back to our regular worship schedule this Sunday...9 and 11 AM with Sunday School for all ages at 10:15. Sunday night worship is taking a break for the summer, but look for its return around Labor Day.

SOTH Men played in a great Memorial Day softball tournament at New Mountain Top Baptist Church in Winston. SOTH advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated. Men’s and Co-Ed teams for summer are forming now, with play to begin June 18^th. Contact David Pearson at 678-982-7638 if you’d like to be part of this great recreation ministry.

Our youth group is undertaking two fundraisers to support their summer trips:

Parents’ Night Out: This Friday night, June 1^st beginning at 6:30 our youth will be babysitting at the church (with adult supervision) and parents are encouraged to come out and take advantage. If you haven't made a reservation, e-mail Andrea Vantrees andivan01@comcast.net or Cindi Bartlett cindi.bartlett@comcast.net to sign up.

Yard Sale this Saturday: This Saturday, June 2, 8 am to 4 pm. Items for donation can be brought to the church this week. Please place items along the wall near the church entrance. If anyone has stuff that needs to be picked up in a truck, contact Cindi by cell (404-375-2250) or e-mail and we will arrange to have it picked up before Saturday.

SOTH Church Council meets tonight, 7PM in the Sanctuary.

Recalibrate

Well, I finally got around to playing in my first SOTH softball game of the spring this week, even as the spring season comes to a close. Not to worry, there will be fall and summer seasons ahead.

I had a blast. What a great time with the guys. Even though we lost. Even though I swung like it was my first game of the season. I whiffed one my first at bat.

That means I missed the ball altogether. Mercifully, I got a walk that at bat, but whiffing a slow pitch softball is the ultimate humility induction tool.

The next time I did make contact, though just barely, squibbing the ball off the end of the bat. Finally, third time around, I hit it solid, though right to the second baseman.

Now, why would I possibly torture you good people who take a minute to cruise by this little site with inane details of your pastor’s recreation activities?

Because they illustrate “recalibration.”

What a great word.

Sometimes, we just need to “recalibrate.”

Ever hear a technical-type person use that word in reference to a specific tool or machine?

Recalibration is a re-setting of the measurements, baselines and processors necessary for accurate measurement. It’s a way to help a machine make a clean start so that it can do its job at maximum efficiency and with accuracy.

Let a machine, or a person, or a skill sit for too long out of the game and recalibration will be necessary before “mid-summer form” can return.

That’s how it works with our souls, too. Too much worry, work (or not enough work), disconnection from God, and stress from all kinds can just plain mess up our spiritual instrument panel.

Here’s how I recalibrated a few days ago. I turned the key in my car and the local country radio station came firing through the speakers (where I’d left it from the Braves’ game of the day before).

Here’s what I heard:

“Lucky Man”
Montgomery Gentry

I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
Last Sunday when the Braves lost
Lord it put me in a bad mood

I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got

But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man

Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swears a saint
Got a brand new rod and reel
Got a full week off this year
Dad had a close call last spring
It's a miracle he's still here

But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
a few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's tickin' like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man

-------

Nashville sometimes does good theology, you know.

Here’s another way to put it --- a few thousand years older:
Psalm 100 (The Message)

1-2 On your feet now—applaud God!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

5 For God is sheer beauty,all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

Nothing recalibrates all your sensors like a good dose of counting your blessings. Why do we think that can only happen with turkey and football in November?

I’ve got so much to be thankful for. No doubt, you do too.

So, I think it’s time to share the wealth of blessings again. Use the comments below and just drop a couple of lines of things you appreciate this morning. God is good, and so is saying that out loud.

Recalibrate --- and have a great day.

Grace and Peace,
Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:
Don’t forget that tonight is Wednesday night dinner at SOTH. Friends, fellowship and home-cooking for just $3 per person. Now there’s something to be thankful for. Many thanks to all the good folks who have helped make tonight’s meal possible. We’ll begin in the sanctuary around 6:00 but we’ll still feed you when you can get there.

Summer lunch program: Don’t forget that we’re only a couple of weeks away from the beginning of our joint ministry effort with MUST Ministries. We’re attempting to pioneer a new program in Douglas County that MUST has operated with wonderful success in Cobb and Cherokee counties. We’ll be preparing and delivering bag lunches to kids who are normally on the school free or reduced lunch program. Many community partners are already coming forward to make this program possible. We don’t have a final total on funds raised by Bill Clary’s magic shows this weekend, but those dollars combined with offerings from SOTH members and other churches and community members will go a long way toward funding this great program. Volunteers are needed to help buy supplies, make lunches and deliver them each weekday this summer. Contact Kathryn Beasley, http://www.blogger.com/kathryn@sothumc.net for more information on how you can help!

FAITH IN ACTION: Do you get prayer concerns and announcement e-mails from SOTH? If not, please e-mail Sandi Hockensmith at http://www.blogger.com/sandi@sothumc.net to make sure your address is on our list. In addition to these e-mails, SOTH has now joined Douglas County’s newly forming “Faith in Action” network. This great ministry was formed by Beau McLain of Trinity Anglican Church. Douglas County Department of Family and Children’s Services contacts Beau with needs for children and families in their programs. Beau then puts these needs out via e-mail to each of the participating churches, and we share with our individual congregations. Last week, special infant formula was supplied, as was a dress for an 8th grade girl to attend her school dance. Each week, great things happen through “Faith in Action,” and it’s great that SOTH is now a part of the team!

SOTH Sermons Now Online! Want to share this past Sunday's sermon? Starting with this past Sunday, all SOTH Sermons will be archived and available for listening at www.sothumc.net under "What We Do: Worship."

We’ll see you this Sunday for worship at SOTH: 9 and 11 AM, 6 PM.

Prune

I love digging, planting, cutting and trimming. I love grass and trees and flowers and shrubs. Gardening is fun. There is something magical about the practice of this age-old discipline. It’s what we humans were made by God to be, you know…garden-tenders.

Not that I work in the great outdoors nearly enough. My little backyard farm is always in need of some TLC. But I do just really enjoy what I get to do.

A couple of years ago, very shortly after my arrival at SOTH, I was helping a team of volunteers cut, weed, trim and just generally show some horticultural love to the old home place on our church’s property that we call “The Ranch.”

El Rancho SOTH is home to our youth SS class, our offices, conference room, clothes closet for foster families and just about anything else that we can think about squeezing into it.

On that workday two years ago, I came across a ragged sweetgum tree that had pushed its way through the earth near an old power pole. Having worked its way up to about 8 feet in height, it jammed odd branches through an abandoned trellis, which had been fastened to the pole with now-rusty nails.

I began limbing off the lowest branches, creating more of a trunk while disengaging tree from trellis. Finally, I noticed a twisted, dying vine, which seemed to spring from the base of the pole itself.

“Gone,” I thought. What a shame. I wondered what the long-absent planter of the vine had intended to grow in that place. With a quick chop of my pruners, I cut the old vine to the ground.

Subsequent seasons have been witness to an amazing turn of events.

Last spring, the sweetgum leafed out like never before. It added several feet of height during the summer and now stands straight, true and strong. The cut places have healed, and the tree is better for the pruning.

The old dead vine sprouted vigorous, green growth last year. It shot out tendrils, and began climbing its way up the old pole. By summer’s end, I had trained it back up the trellis, green and healthy.

This spring, it’s putting on a show. The vine turned out to be a clematis, well-loved in the South for its showy purple flowers. At this moment, the old trellis is hidden by green, leafy vine and spiky, purple blooms cover it from top to bottom.

That’s some green thumb I’ve got, huh?

No way. I was just cutting down a dead and unsightly plant. Little did I know the energy and possibility my role of accidental gardener would infuse.

The Bible is full of these kinds of images. Once, the Corinthian Christians were fighting over “whose people” they were. Some loved the Apostle Paul and pledged allegiance to him. Some loved a man named Apollos, a great and charismatic speaker. These early Christians began to fight amongst themselves.

Paul said: (I Corinthians 3:5-9)

“Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working.

Who made possible the beautiful cleamatis vine which flowers at The Ranch this morning? The gardener who planted it in the hope of flowers to come? The preacher who cut it down when all hope of flowers seemed lost?

Neither.

God made it grow.

If only we could learn the lesson of the sweetgum…the parable of the clematis vine.

God makes it grow.

That’s a hard lesson. Sometimes it seems like God couldn’t do it without us, doesn’t it? What if we didn’t work, and strive and struggle? What if we didn’t prune and plant and fertilize? What if we all took a permanent vacation?

God couldn’t do it without us? Don’t give in to that illusion. Don’t fool yourself.

What if God stopped sustaining? What if God stopped creating? Even our own effort is only made possible by God’s love and light.

Does God need us? No. Does he want us? Absolutely.

This day, no matter what comes, remember that we are privileged to serve as wanted co-laborers in the vineyard. “Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving.”

Today’s cuts yield tomorrow’s flowers. The God we serve is at work all around us.

Grace and Peace,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Our new co-effort with MUST Ministries, a summer lunch program for kids in need in Douglas County, is about to get underway. Don’t forget to sign up for your volunteer opportunity in the entry hall at SOTH.

Bill Clary will perform two magic shows for kids of all ages at SOTH tomorrow, Saturday May 12! Shows at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets available at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for kids. All proceeds benefit the summer lunch program.

Harvest

Elevators are interesting places.

You push the button and start to wait. Somewhere, unseen, gears and wheels are turning and then magically the two strange, handle-less doors slide open.

No wonder kids love elevators so much.

For a few moments, you are suspended in an alternate universe with your brother and sister passengers. Most people try not to look at each other in elevators. Everybody stares at the numbered buttons, waiting for parole.

Occasionally, adventurous folks will greet each other with chipper calls of “hello,” or “hi, howya doin.”

In the few seconds it takes to climb a couple of floors, you can size up another person and speculate about the nature of his or her life experience.

This morning, at the local hospital, a 50’s-ish man in an incredibly well-pressed polo shirt, slacks and shiny shoes entered the elevator just ahead of me. “Must be a preacher,” I thought.

Another man of about my age (like yours truly, obviously in the prime of his youth) arrived at the elevator doors just after me. He was upbeat and seemed dressed for work in his hospital gear.

He smiled and said, “Good Morning fellas.” It was early, so we sort of grunted and mumbled our hellos in reply.

When the doors opened at the second floor, he caught a glimpse of the nurse, working at the main station. He called her name and waved before the doors closed. Seeing him, she looked surprised and excited. She shouted his name back in reply and began to wave. “Good to see you!” she called as we began to whisk up another floor.

He shot me a knowing look that said, “it’s good to be here.” I laughed, pleased for him, even though I didn’t have a clue what we really going on.

We exited together, on the third floor, and immediately a happy reunion scene began to break out around us.

The nurse behind the desk on this floor jumped up and gave my elevator-buddy a bear hug. “What are you doing here?” She said.

I didn’t get to overhear the reply, as I began walking out of earshot toward my destination. Another nurse caught a glimpse of his arrival and sped up her steps. I saw her grin widely and proclaim, “hey everybody, Johnny’s home!”

That’s all I saw. A little window into another person’s life, shared between the first and third floors. And it made me feel good to see these happy people.

Obviously, there was a prior relationship and I was joining the party mid-stream. I was left to imagine their shared past. Perhaps they’d all worked together for years. I imagined inside jokes that they’d shared, office Christmas parties they’d attended together and staff meetings they’d suffered through. I imagined the patients that they’d all worked together to treat. The people that they had lost, and the ones that they’d saved.

Who knows if any of that was even close to right, but it’s what their happy reunion made me imagine.

Something had happened in their past, and that relationship is still alive today.

Last spring, at our house, some pretty green vines began popping their way out of the ground. The pumpkins of fall had been composted with the other leftovers of summer gardening and used around the yard as springtime fertilizer. What was past was supposed to be past, dead and gone…and the resulting organic matter could be used to help the next year’s “crop” find life.

But somewhere along the way, the pumpkin seeds didn’t get the memo. By fall, our mantle was again covered with the beautiful, unexpected little pumpkins that had made themselves known all summer long.

Just this week I noticed some tiny little vines pushing their way through the earth once more.

Spring is always that way, and it’s a wonderful thing. This is the time when seeds need to go into the ground. It’s the time of year when we can really see how the energy of the past continues to propel the future.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24

This very day, we will all plant some seeds. This very day, we are all harvesting the collective crops of days gone by. I hope for all of you that your seeds will return with cheers of celebration, just like they did for my elevator-riding colleague.

Some of those crops are more fun to reap than others.

The most important thing of all is this: Faith in Jesus Christ can change what the future is to be for each of us.

To know forgiveness is to plant forgiveness in the world. To know reconciliation is to be an agent of that reconciliation wherever you are. To experience grace is to become a grace-planter.

What a wonderful harvest those kinds of seeds could one day bring. May it be exactly so.

Grace and Peace,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

This Saturday, the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge of Villa Rica will sponsor a Health Fair for the community at SOTH. Everyone is welcome from 10a.m. until 3 p.m. Make sure to come out and take advantage of the free screenings and all the great information that will be available from the health care providers of our community. Special thanks to Derrick Fountain, SOTH lay leader and master of his Masonic lodge for making this happen.

Summer Lunch Program News: Don’t forget the great summer lunch program that’s about to get underway through a partnership between SOTH and MUST ministries. More info is available from the home page at www.sothumc.net

Our United Methodist Men will be sponsoring a charity Magic Show in support of the lunch program starring SOTH’s own Bill Clary. Bill will perform two shows on May 12^th, 4pm and 7pm.

Thanks to all of you who gave to our special offering in support of this lunch ministry two Sundays ago. SOTH gave over $700 to this special cause. As always, thanks for being a generous bunch of folks.

Building and Land Update: Look for this month’s issue of our newsletter, “The Staff,” which was e-mailed today and will be in the mail to those not on our e-mail list very soon. Also, a .pdf version will be available on the website.

Flashy

So, yesterday, in preparation and “research” for the ol’ weekly blog, I took a cruise through Publix (our friendly neighborhood across the street from my office supermarket – truly, it’s the place where “shopping is a pleasure”).

I strolled my way over to the magazine aisle and tried to look nonchalant as I produced a small notepad and ink pen from my pocket.

Yep, Methodist preacher from across the street with pen and paper in the magazine aisle trying to look like everything is just normal.

You see, I was there to steal their headlines. What better way could there be to find out what the magazine people think we’re interested in than to go straight to the source (I know, all these major magazines have websites and you can read their headlines there…but what fun is that?).

Surely, I thought, there would be plenty to write about. That much was true.

I started with the “guy” section. You know, motorcycles, hot rods, guns and ammo, fishing, computers, fitness, all that sort of stuff. Many of them (so I’ve heard) have covers that are not suitable for description on a Methodist preacher’s blog.

“Personal Quests…Exotic Adventures…Epic Escapes”

“25 Easy Ways to Earn More Than You Ever Expected”

“The Easy Way to Hard Abs”

“Very interesting,” I thought. I’d love to take an “exotic adventure,” I probably only need 5 or 6, at most, of those 25 ways to earn more than I’ve ever expected. As for “hard abs,” what I’ve been trying has been pretty easy, but my abs, should I have some, seem somewhat less than hard.

As I glanced up the aisle toward the checkout stands, I tried to see whether any of the cashiers (they were gathered, talking, because it was early and things were slow) were taking note of the weird guy stalking the magazines and making notes.

So far, I was ok.

I worked my way toward the magazines aimed at women. I was scared.

But first, I had to make my way through the celebrity gossip section.

“The Crash of Jim Carrey” (Did he crash? What does this mean? Was he ever stable? I’m so confused.)

“Hollywood’s Obama Drama” (Again, what does this mean? I got the sense they simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to build a nifty rhyme).

Then, there was cooking, gardening and many a magazine dedicated to creating wonderful aesthetic experiences in our homes and for our families ---- or something like that.

We were moving more and more treacherously toward women’s magazine territory. Did I mention I was scared? And that a very fine sweat came forth upon my neck?

“159 Paths to Glorious Gardens” (Again, 159? Why not 6? Or even 1 that would really work? 159 just makes me tired).

“Delicious and Easy Dinners”

Closely followed by…not kidding

“Fight Fat and Win”

Moving to my left (and deeper into a seemingly unrealized irony --- Irony is not really a sought after strength among magazine editors) I found myself now confronted face-to-face with the likes of Glamour, Cosmo and the other female-oriented magazines.

As I stood, pen in one hand and paper in the other, I realized that I had caught the eye of one of the cashiers. Was she pointing me out to her co-workers?

Quickly, I read and wrote…

“Flashy Lashes…Bat Your Eyes with Funky Extensions”

“Updos for Every Length”

Updos? What’s an Updo?

Clearly, I was out of my element.

Quickly and discreetly, I slipped my pen and paper back into my pocket, my little sociological experiment now behind me.

I headed for the cereal bars as though everything was perfectly normal.

Later, the cashier smiled at me as I bought my granola bars, and thankfully didn’t ask if I’d found anything interesting in Glamour.

So…is there a point to all of this? Other than giving you “too much information” about how your pastor spends his Wednesday morning?

I think so…at least I started out thinking so…and of course, I mostly knew in the first place what I’d find on the magazine covers….

The things we “long” for.

Or, at least the things magazine editors think we long for…

Hard Abs!
Big Money!
Flashy Lashes!
Glorious Gardens!
Epic Escapes!
Crashing Carrey!
Obama Drama!
Delicious Dinners!
Updos?!?!
Easy, Easy, Easy!!!

Well…if that’s really the list of stuff that people long for…this preacher’s heart is not encourage.

‘Cause that ain’t what The Gospel is selling.

But maybe there’s hope.

You see, I’ve got my own list that I think the magazine editors may have forgotten…

Love!
Joy!
Peace!
Patience!
Kindness!
Goodness!
Faithfulness!
Gentleness!
Self-Control!

Or, what about this stuff…

Redemption!
Forgiveness!
A Second Chance!
Your Family’s Love!
Real Friendships!
Good Perspective!
Healthy Priorities!

You can’t really put those things on a magazine cover…but they do fit nicely into a book…and even better into a life.

That’s the message of the Gospel…that the things that matter most can be made right. That there is great Good News. God loves us, completely. God forgives us and enables us to live in peace and right relationship with one another.

It’s a lot to believe…you’ve got to experience it to get it. And our prayer is always that SOTH and every other place where followers of Jesus gather together ---- will be those very kinds of places where such experiences abound.

Now, go read something good --- and I’ll see you this Sunday.

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Many thanks to Kathryn Beasley, Kay Gilstrap, Judy Anderson and the whole Community and Congregational Care Team (CCC) for their excellent presentation on SOTH’s new summer lunch program to the kids of our community. SOTH gave over $700 to this worthy cause. More news coming soon!

Sermon Series Continues: Don’t miss this second installment of Adam’s new sermon series this Sunday, “I Love Jesus, But I’m Not Too Sure About Those Christians.” We’re working our way through Matthew 23, this week looking at verses 5-12.

Sunday School continues to grow and thrive for adults and kids! Come join our Seekers Class, Sue Goldsmith’s “Prayer: Does It Make a Difference” class or Adam’s “Leading Your Child to Jesus,” and drop your kids of any age for our Sunday School program after early worship and before the second service @ 10:15 a.m.

Light

Have you ever met someone that you just didn’t like?

Of course you have.

It doesn’t mean you think that person is bad, evil, or otherwise. It just means you wouldn’t choose to go to a ballgame together.

What a crazy, odd quirk of humanity this is…the anatomy of “I don’t like you.”

Experts say that we humans size each other up and begin to draw conclusions from our first impressions in about 20 seconds.

Everything from hairstyle to clothing, to speech pattern, to gestures send us subtle yet overwhelming cues about what kind of person this other human being might be…and we begin to segregate them into “our kind of people,” or “not our kind of people.”

Should we make it through the phase of first impressions, there are whole layers of world-view, interests, politics and shared affinities and attitudes that determine how well we jive with another person.

The seeds of “like” and “dislike” implant in seconds but can take years to overcome.

It’s a miracle that any of us choose to like each other at all. Really, it is…it’s a God thing.

Believe it or not, there are people in the world who don’t like me. Amazingly, there are even folks out there who don’t like you, either.

I know this seems impossible, because we are each convinced that we are our mama’s darling babies, and that all the world must surely recognize the inherent goodness and purity of our souls and spirits, not to mention our dashing wit and charisma…right?

Don’t forget our “amazing senses of humor” and “devastating good looks.” We’ve got it going on, right? Surely goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life, and so must a long line of admiring followers…

Well…not necessarily.

For whatever reason, the history of humanity seems to answer the question, “can’t we all just get along?” with a resounding “no.”

“Why Can’t We Be Friends?” Because I don’t like you.

In light of this reality, should we all just pack our collective marbles and head for the house?

I don’t think so.

There are still all those pesky things that Jesus tells us ---- about loving our neighbors as ourselves, about bearing each other’s burdens, about praying for our “enemies,” and he never once asks us whether we get the warm fuzzies about any of it. He doesn’t really seem to care about how much we like each other ---- but whether we will love each other.

After all, anyone can associate with and pray for their friends. It’s easy to like the people who like us. Even a “gentile” can do that.

But here’s the deal: brokenness is a real thing. You don’t have to look far to know that hatred, violence, war and murder happen every day in this world. Not only do we not like each other, we tend to do some bad, bad things.

In the last 72 hours, we’ve all been overwhelmed by the news of the mass shootings and murders that happened at Virginia Tech. Our hearts and prayers are completely joined to the families of those who have been so tragically killed.

For me, as a pastor many miles away from the scene, and with no one in my congregation directly impacted, watching our human reaction to this tragedy has been fascinating.

There are those who look at brokenness, from the silliest “they don’t like me,” or “I don’t like them,” to the realities of the most depraved acts of violence and say, “see, I told you God is not real.”

But others find a different path.

Wednesday morning, a friend pointed out something they’d seen on a post-Virginia Tech interview with a pastor on Good Morning America. When asked how a person of faith should react to such violence, he simply said, “God is even here.”

To me, the miracle is that as 8 billion people stroll around the planet every single day, acts of unspeakable evil happen so rarely.

So many people are so very good.

Folks, that’s God at work among us.

I know how little consolation that truth must be to those who mourn a bitter loss on this day. One person choosing the path of deepest evil can cause a seemingly infinite amount of pain.

And yet…where that one has chosen the darkness…hundreds and thousands at Virginia Tech, millions in our country, billions around the world…choose the light every single day.

God is even here.

God is good.

Don’t believe me? The next time that person you don’t like does something good for you (and they will), or cuts you some slack, or gives you a break…remember that God is here. God is good, and God is at work in this world. The proof is all around us.

And let’s all stop and say a prayer for the people of Virginia Tech.

Grace & Peace,
Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Our new Sunday School classes are underway with great success. Sue Goldsmith's class had a great response to "Prayer: Does It Make a Difference" by Phillip Yancey, and several families took part in "Leading Your Child to Jesus," in the sanctuary between worship services. Don't forget that your primary opportunity for bringing your child to Christian Education happens at 10:15 every Sunday morning. There are now three adult classes, and opportunities for children and teens of all ages.

Exciting New Mission and Outreach Ministry for our Community: This Sunday Kathryn Beasley will detail a new effort of our Community and Congregational Care Team (CCC). SOTH will be teaming with MUST ministries to establish a "summer lunch" program in Douglas County. SOTH members will prepare, pack and deliver bag lunches each weekday this summer to the children of our community who are most in need. In Cobb County, MUST has grown this ministry to the point of feeding thousands of children each day. We will do what we can this year as we begin a long-term minstry with great potential to meet real needs and extend the love of Christ into the world. Come to worship this Sunday ready to listen, and to share your volunteer and financial support for this great new ministry initiative.

Water

The pastor reached deep into pool of water gathered for this purpose. With great pomp and circumstance, he placed his wet hand upon my head. "Adam Michael Roberts," he said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Or at least that's what they tell me. I don't remember any of it.

I was just a baby.

This Sunday, we'll do something that will look quite odd to those who don't know much about Christianity.

We'll take a little baby, dress him all in white, surround him with family, hold him over a bowl of water and dribble some droplets upon his head.

All of this will be done with a certain flourish, and with particular words, and several grown folks will wipe tears from their eyes.

The baby in question will be our new son Jack. Those tears will be mine, his mama's, his grandparents and great-grandmother's and aunts and uncles and cousins...you get the idea.

What in the world is that all about?

Good question.

Baptism is not easily understood, is it?

"Sure it is," I can hear some of you say..."the Bible says that we should do it, so we do it and it really doesn't matter if we understand it or not."

Point taken.

And yet, while obedience for obedience's sake is not necessarily a bad thing...what if there was just a little more? What if there was a lot more.

It seems to me that if God asks us to do something, there most likely is a reason.

The reason lies somewhere in the mystery of that baptismal moment. It lies somewhere in the mystery of those tears.

But, not all Christian traditions baptize babies. Here in the Deep South of the U.S., the culturally dominant denominations practice "believer's baptism," baptizing only those old enough to profess faith in Jesus for themselves.

For that reason, lots of SOTH'ers will see what happens Sunday as a "dedication," rather than a baptism. It's hard sometimes to understand how an unaware and non-verbal infant can really be "baptized" without the ability to say for himself, "I believe in Jesus."

Now, trust me, there's nothing that turns off someone who is curious about Jesus faster than two Christians arguing about who's "right." That's the last thing I want this conversation to be. Thank God for all the churches out there who are changing lives and doing God's work. Whether dedicated, baptized or otherwise,

But for the many folks at SOTH who grew up in different traditions, and the many more for whom SOTH is their first church family, what's happening at the baptismal font this Sunday morning (and every other time that we baptize a child) might need a little fleshing out.

I'll be the first to admit --- baptism should happen as a response to God's love. Somebody does need to say something --- the occasion just calls for it.

At Jack's first visit to his pediatrician, she spent several moments baby-talking him, asking him questions in the cute little voice we all tend to use when we talk to the newly born.

His brother Sam, age three, observed this one-sided "conversation" between the doctor and his baby brother. With an informative tone, he told the doctor, "He doesn't speak."

Three months later, that will still be the case this Sunday.

His family will speak for him. We will state our belief in Jesus Christ, and in the love of God that is available to us all. We'll affirm that none of us earn God's love, that grace is a free gift, and that we're placing his feet on that grace-filled path.

And that is good enough.

A "believer's baptism" is a powerful and wonderful thing. Few moments in worship have stirred my heart so much as those spent with adults, both young and old, who profess their faith for the first time and receive this outward sign of God's inner work of love.

But a baby's baptism is beautiful too --- the same grace, but with a different emphasis. Jack's baptism this Sunday will be the same for him as for any other person, and it is the baptism that he will carry throughout his life. In a way that defies my ability to explain it, the goosebumps and teary eyes are a sign and token of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

We celebrate the first half of the divine handshake...God's extension of his love and grace to us all. SOTH will accept its responsibility to lead and teach Jack and all of our children in such a way that they will one day grasp God's hand for themselves.

But that will be up to him, as surely as God leaves that decision up to each of us.

I'm thankful for those who have gone before me...who brought me to that moment of baptism. I may not remember it...but it has marked my life and given more strength than I can probably begin to know.

I'll see you this Sunday...
Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Thanks to everyone who came out to take part in some wonderful Easter Sunday services. We had a packed house for worship two times and the positive spirit and connection in our church was very powerful. It was exciting to welcome many visitors and we hope to see them all again.
As mentioned above, we'll be baptizing Jack Spitzer Roberts this Sunday at our 11 a.m. worship. Adam's dad, Mike Roberts, a clergy member of the Memphis Annual Conference will be on hand to preach and lead the baptism. Don't miss this exciting time of worship!

New Sunday School Opportunities!

New Adult classes forming this Sunday!
All classes, children to youth to adult -- 10:15 AM

Pastor's class: "Leading Your Child to Jesus" by Adam Roberts, sanctuary
New Class: "Prayer: Does It Make a Difference?" by Sue Goldsmith, conference room, Ranch
Seekers: Favorite Bible Verses, adult classroom, Ranch

Fail

Thanks again to Robin and Shane who posted in the comments section last week and shared some personal stories of those who’ve gone before you and how those loved ones shaped their lives. Robin, SOTH continues to pray for you in the loss you’ve gone through in these last several months. Shane, congrats good buddy on the birth of baby Oliver! He’s a lucky little boy, born to a wonderful family.

Without much further ado…on to the Holy Week blog. And, glad to be back on a Wednesday morning by the way…

Well, it’s official…Spring is here.

OK, there have been moments when it’s felt as though summer is actually upon us.

It’s spring break week, and those of us who, by successful matriculation, have earned the privilege of easy weekday transit on our town’s highways and shopping aisles find them clogged with kids who ought to be somewhere learning something.

Everybody’s Bermuda is a deeper shade of green each day. I have discovered a 72nd type of Georgia pollen that will send my histamine production into overdrive. We have these things called leaves again…and man, did I miss them.

A distinct cracking sound can be heard all across the country. Nope, not the sound of baseball bats ripping line drives (though not much could sound better)…it’s the sound of millions of too-old elbows popping as amateur third basemen and left fielders try to throw softballs much further and harder than their anatomy now allows.

And so the seasons, and the cycle of life, move forward together.

Those softball fields (home to the above-referenced cracking sounds) can be a place of deep spiritual reflection, you know. There’s a reason churches tend to play the sport, after all.

Nothing builds character like failure. Occasional humiliation, even.

A ball the size of a really large grapefruit comes floating toward home plate at the speed of 12 mph. As a good friend of mine (and mighty talented ballplayer) once told me, “There’s no reason a grown man should hit less than .900 in slowpitch.”

For those of you unschooled in the ways of batting average, that’s a reference to getting a hit in at least 90% of your at bats.

I couldn’t agree more. But, for me at least, it’s still impossible.

That’s what makes softball such a fun, and deeply aggravating pastime. I don’t play golf, but I’ve heard plenty of guys tell me that they have similar feelings about the little white ball that sits on the ground, motionless, taunting them.

As Springteen's “Glory Days” plays loudly in our heads, we look back through the hazy crystal ball and somehow remember a time when we knew we really could hit a much, much smaller object, thrown by much, much more athletic young men at speeds of over 80 mph. Oh yeah, it could change direction at the last second, too.

Now, we pop this beachball up to the second baseman.

And, if we’re getting anywhere in our journeys at all…life is still good.

Those guys who play at “The Ted,” the ones making 29 bazillion dollars a season…they pop up, too. Hitting .300 (only getting a hit in 30% of your at bats) in the big leagues will make you very, very wealthy.

40% success is the stuff of legend.

Baseball…softball…life…it’s all about perseverance and the overcoming of much failure.

And Jesus, especially this week, has something important to tell us.

This morning on sacredspace, I was reminded that in a very real way, the cross can be a sign of failure. On Good Friday, it must have seemed to every single person who witnessed Jesus death that a wonderful dream had come to a bitter end.

Until Jesus, no one believed that God could “fail.” No one thought that the messiah might die. No one knew that God might love us so much that he would come among us…and allow us to mock him, beat him, reject and kill him.

Think you’re having a bad day? God incarnate…Emmanuel, God With Us…Jesus Christ…has walked that path before you.

The cross redeems our failures.

The cross redeems our shame.

Because the cross is not the end. The story of Jesus is unique and so important for the realities of life that we all face.

Real success, you see, lies at the bottom of the trough of failure. What great good news.

On Friday night, we will remember the crucifixion at SOTH. We will remember the failure, the rejection, the shame. We will begin in light and move toward darkness. We will leave our sanctuary with these words from John…

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

The darkness of failure will do it’s worst…but it can never win.

Easter Sunday morning, the son rises. “Failure,” is transformed into the very vehicle of eternal victory.

Think of that the next time things don’t roll your way. Real success lies just around the corner.

Grace & Peace,
Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:
Well, not everybody’s in Florida this week (not that I’m bitter or anything…), and for those of you who are in town, we really hope that you’ll come out this Friday night to our “Service of Darkness,” commemorating the crucifixion of Christ. I can promise that the service will be deeply moving, and your experience on Good Friday will deepen the joy of Easter morning. Friday night, sanctuary, 7PM.

Easter Sunday schedule:

7 AM Sunrise Service @ The Pavilion (Dorsett Shoals Road) to be led by our Youth Group, “The Flock.” Everyone is invited to come out and take part in this very meaningful service of resurrection.

9 AM & 11 AM Morning Worship: Two great worship services and we’re expecting full houses for both. A great day of music, scripture, prayer and preaching, plus a special presentation for our youth. Childcare will be available at both services for children 1st grade and younger, with SS available for children through adults at 10:15. Don’t forget to bring fresh-cut flowers for the Easter cross which we’ll post out by Chapel Hill Road.

6 PM Evening worship in the sanctuary --- a wonderful way to end your Easter Sunday. No youth group Easter Sunday night.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Easter Egg Hunt this past Sunday after worship! Lunch was great, the turnout was huge and it was a blast for everybody. Great Job, Kathryn!!!!

Pop

“There was a man, born in a small town, who grew up in the country,” the preacher began. “He didn’t have the most educational opportunities, but he learned a trade and became a skilled carpenter. He traveled from place, to place, doing good for the people wherever he went.”

With a pause, he added, “does that story sound familiar?”

For those who’ve heard the story of Jesus of Nazareth, that biography does sound familiar indeed.

“Laudell,” he said, “and Jesus had a lot in common.”

I agree. But I think my grandfather would have laughed at that idea, and pretty hard.

“If that don’t beat all,” he might have said.

“Well, we were both carpenters,” I can almost hear him say, followed by “…but I reckon that’s about as far as it goes.” Comparison with Jesus would have overwhelmed and embarrassed him.

Admittedly, on the surface our Pop might have seemed like an unlikely candidate for a Jesus Christ comparison.

“Plain talk makes for fair understanding,” he used to love to say, explaining away his penchant for “salty” language.

If you don’t know what that means, then you’ve just never spent much time with hammer-swinging, nail-driving, World War II naval veterans from Cypress, Tennessee.

And you don’t know what you’ve missed.

I'll tell you right now...plain talk does make for pretty fair understanding.

He was as tough as the nails that he drove for a living. While visiting this past week, I loved hearing my uncles talk about how, even after pneumatic nail guns came into use, they couldn’t frame a house as quickly as my Pop and his colleagues could finish the job with plain old hammers. One swing to set a 16-penny nail, and another to drive it in. If you had to hit it again, then you were just plain old soft.

I heard others throughout the weekend describe Pop’s work ethic, and I think my favorite comment was, “he picked cotton like a machine, before cotton picking machines were ever thought of.”

His whole life, was pulled by force from the West Tennessee dirt. He taught himself, worked for himself, and was incredibly disciplined about doing what needed to be done, no matter what.

Laudell Spitzer was made of iron.

But Pop was also “soft,” in all the ways that matter most. He loved his family with all his heart. His kids (6), grandkids (14) and great-grandkids (17) can tell you how much he loved to be with every one of us. He made his peace with God and I believe that he followed Jesus in every way that he could. His worn-through Bible tells the story of his faith.

He was a friend to all kinds of folks, and he never met a person who was “better” than him, and he never met anyone that he thought he was “better” than because God made us all.

He loved my Grandmama with deep devotion throughout their 60+ years of marriage.

The truth is, I could go on and on about him all day. I loved my Pop, and he was a hero in my eyes.

Last week, telling his stories with my family made our time together sacred and began the process of healing. As I looked around at the faces of my family and thought of the influence that he had on us all, I knew that in a real and powerful way, Pop’s not really gone.

This Palm Sunday, we remember the moment when the devoted followers of that other carpenter welcomed him triumphantly into Jerusalem. They believed that he was the messiah they’d always hoped for --- the one who would free them from Roman occupation and re-establish the throne of King David.

What they found instead was a pretty unlikely candidate for savior.

He was just a carpenter from the country.

“He welcomes sinners and eats with them,” they declared. And as the charges continued to mount against him throughout the week, Jesus consistently declared the arrival of a new kind of “kingdom.” When he finally stood before Pilate, his words were few, but piercing. He did not fight…he sacrificed.

When that bad Good Friday had ended, I can only imagine that those closest to him, shocked and full of loss, must have told his stories to help them find their way. Despair may have ruled for a time, but I hope that some of them remembered the promises he’d made, even in the midst of their grief.

Before I left West Tennessee, I spent some time at Pop’s grave, all by myself. He’s buried just yards from the country road that connects the family church and the family homeplace.

With a sense of happy irony, I realized that the very road he traveled over so often (at a mighty fine rate of speed, by the way) will now stand watch over him for years to come. That same ground holds the bodies of my great-grandparents, an aunt, and now my grandfather.

If I truly believed that a burial place marks the end…that there could never be more at the end of life than a tomb…then the living of that life would be so sad and hollow.

But there is more. There is this moment, and there is the forever God has prepared for us. “Because I live…” the resurrected Jesus told his disciples, “you will live also.”

I believe it. And in the core of who I am, I know that promise holds true. This Easter will celebrate the sweetest promise of resurrection that I have ever known.

We will all see each other again.

Grace and Peace,
Adam

I want to say a special word of thanks to all of you who have called, written and prayed for us this past week. Our time of loss continues, as this morning we received word that Holly’s grandmother Audrey had died after an extended illness. We are learning just what it means to be loved by a family of faith and supported in every way. We will be traveling to be with family in East Tennessee and will return after the funeral on Saturday afternoon.

I think it's appropriate, and would be a beautiful thing, for any who want to leave a word or comment about any loved ones they're remembering during this upcoming Holy Week. I hope that some of you will take the opportunity to tell your stories and remember. Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:
This Sunday is “Palm Sunday” and we will gather for worship at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., on our regular schedule. Following worship, we are already expecting a huge crowd for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. For more info, visit our website, www.sothumc.net and follow the “Easter Egg Hunt” link on the home page.

Don’t forget Good Friday! On Friday night, April 6th, we will gather at the church at 7pm for a special time of worship. Please plan to join us as we remember the crucifixion and prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday’s worship celebration.

Easter Sunday Schedule:
7 a.m.: Sunrise Service @ The Pavillion, led by our youth group, “The Flock.”
9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Easter worship in the Sanctuary
Again, for more info, go to www.sothumc.net

Condolences

SOTH UMC is saddened to report that Adam lost his beloved grandfather, Laudell Spitzer, on Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Mr. Spitzer enjoyed 81 years here with his family and loved ones, but now has gone on to be with our Father above.

Please be in prayer for the Spitzer and Roberts families as they are dealing with this loss.

Adam's blog will return next week.

Blessings,

SOTH UMC

A s s u m e

A hard groundball is hit to the shortstop. He drops it, kicks it, tries to pick it up and drops it again. Somehow, on his third attempt, he grabs the ball successfully and fires it to first base. Even though the ball beats the runner by half a step, the umpire still screams out, “Safe!”

Or…a runner from second base tears through his coach’s “stop” sign at third base. The throw from the outfielder beats him home by ten feet. Miraculously, he somehow slides around the tag, dragging his outstretched hand across home plate while the catcher’s tag misses him altogether.

Even so, the umpire let’s fly with his decision: “OUT!!!”

In their most honest moments, baseball umpires (and the referees and officials of many other sports) would tell you that early assumptions can cause them to misjudge reality.

When the ump becomes convinced in his or her heart that “out,” or “safe,” is the right call, what they see in reality often ceases to matter.

We human beings can be that way about a lot of things.

In their training, sports officials are taught to work hard at not assuming what will happen next, but only at judging and reacting to what they observe in reality.

A fine lesson for us all.

Sunday night, I watched the much antipacted “Lost Tomb of Jesus” documentary on the Discovery Channel. I knew that many folks at SOTH and Christians throughout the world would have questions about what they saw there, and I had concerns (and assumptions, which do sometimes turn out to be right) about how the material would be presented.

They started with their “answer.”

Conspiracy, the show asserted as its opening premise, has covered up the truth about Jesus and his family for millennia. From that point on, they then seemed pretty determined to be undeterred by the “facts,” no matter what they were.

You could see their conclusions had been drawn, even before the archaeology was presented.

Every commercial break ended with a sensationalized question, and the strong implication that these “warriors for the truth” would soon bring to light some long-lost facts.

Certainly, they assume, an ancient tomb in Jerusalem containing ossuaries (bone boxes) inscribed with the named of “Jesus son of Joseph,” and “Maria,” must be the family tomb of Jesus.

Of course, a closer examination of the evidence and a hearing from any of the legion of archaeologists and biblical scholars who have commented on this film casts huge doubt upon their claims and the credibility of their presentation.

For any of you who saw the documentary and have become concerned as to whether the film’s claims were real, let me assure you that these “documentarians” have done much more than make simple “connections” between the “dots” held within that tomb.

They have stretched, pushed, pulled, and when necessary, fabricated stories to make the dots align to their preconceived conclusions. Rest easy and have no fear that their supposedly new findings in any way threaten the historical Christian faith handed on to us through scripture and tradition.

Only 6 of the 10 ossuaries in the tomb were inscribed. Only the Jesus (Yeshua) and Mary (Maria) inscriptions clearly match the New Testament records, although they attempt to make claims for Yose and Mattya by following theoretical strands of argument and possibility. While they do point out that Yeshua and Maria are among the most common names of that time, they attempt to mitigate that point by making some pretty incredible assertions about the two remaining inscriptions.

One box is marked “MarianmeMara,” and another, “Yehoda bar Yeshua” (Judah son of Jesus).

Surely, the film assumes, this MUST be evidence of Mary Magdalene, who was secretly married to Jesus, and of Judah, their secretly conceived son.

Nevermind that there is NO record of Mary Magdalene being called “Marianme.” They refer to the 4th century “Gospel of Phillip” as showing “Marianme” was used in reference to her. This is absolutely not something that can be proven, but even from that text is an assumption.

While “Marianme” is written in Greek on the ossuary, they assert that “Mara,” is from the Aramaic title for “master,” a term given to highly respected teachers. This MUST mean, they proclaim, that Marianme is really Mary Magdalene, who was highly respected as a teacher and apostle in the early church. After all, she was Jesus’ wife.

Nevermind that there is absolutely no evidence, whatsoever, in any early Christian writing, or in scripture that Jesus was married. Nevermind that they can’t produce any such evidence.

That, you see (they say) is because of the conspiracy to cover up that truth. Nevermind that our scripture itself names other apostles who were married, and that there was absolutely no shame whatsoever in a Rabbi being married. Nevermind that the early church had no reason to cover up that truth, and that many NT scriptures show that women played important and prominent roles in life of the church.

And on, and on. Nevermind the facts, if you’ve already decided the ending.

There are many more problems with their presentation of the facts, but that’s enough of that for now. Here is a link from Ben Witherington, professor at Asbury Theological Seminary with more information well worth your time if you’re interested in reading more. Go "googling," and you can find all you'd ever want to read and then some.

There’s a lesson here for us all to learn. We often see what we want to ---- and our world is conditioned many times by what we expect it to be.

If we’re convinced that a person in our lives, or some entire group of people, could never be positive, worthwhile or uplifting, then it’s likely that we’ll never experience them in those ways, even when the facts tell us otherwise.

If we’re sure that the world is conspiring against us, that our own political opinions are always infallible or that “some things just don’t change,” you can be sure that they won’t.

If we’re determined to force the peg of our world into some predetermined hole, no matter what the cost, you can be sure that yes, we’ll pretty much always be able to jam it home.

And you can also know that we’ll always be the ones who pay.

Does that mean that there are no assumptions on which we can build our lives? Where is the “rock” of firm foundation that Jesus mentioned as good for “house” building?

How about this?

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Or this?

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” I John 4

Or even this?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1

God is with us, and the good news of the empty tomb can shape the reality of our lives.

Assume the best. It’s what you’ll see.

Grace and Peace,
Adam

Family

“Now, I’d buy a ticket to that family reunion…” my friend’s e-mail began.

Yeah, me too.

Al Sharpton and Strom Thurmond might be related. Ain’t that a kick in the pants?

Only in America, folks. And I mean that.

Like all countries everywhere, the America of today is a product of its yesterdays gone before.

But our history is a particularly curious and convoluted one.

There is so much to be proud of, and so many ways that American dreams and people have made the world so much better than anyone could have imagined.

At the very same time, there are real demons of our past and deep-seated attitudes that have haunted us through the generations and are not yet entirely exorcised today.

The most interesting fact of American life is that our story really hasn’t been entirely told.

We are very much a work in progress.

Sometimes, that work gets hampered because we don’t can’t find positive models of conversation that helps and heals.

Even so, the movement that has happened in our country in the last four generations is amazing and should be celebrated.

My grandparents grew up in a world where racial lines were clearly demarcated and never to be questioned. My parents’ generation experienced the civil rights’ movement and integration. That generation bore the pain of change (whether black or white) and struggled to find a way toward that healthy conversation that didn’t end in violence and frustration. I grew up in a different world, though the mix of new and old assumptions have surrounded me throughout my life.

My sons are growing up in a truly different time. It’s not unusual to hear Haitian French, Spanish or Asian languages on the sidewalks and in the common areas of our neighborhood. All the important places of their lives are populated by a wonderful mix of people: some who look like them, and some who don’t.

At school, at church, at the neighborhood pool…they are learning that it really is the content of a person’s character that should stand as the measuring stick of their lives.

Now, I don’t mean to be Pollyanna. Already, my boys have noticed that they need lots of sunscreen at that pool…more than lots of their friends. But I swear, that’s about the extent of what skin color means for them right now.

Recently, when our three year old had some questions about the ways that people look, we asked him what color he was.

“Pink,” he said.

Sounds fine to us.

When they inevitably encounter the idea that says one skin pigmentation is somehow better than another, I believe with all my heart that they’ll reject it. Good conversation, positive friendships and healthy experiences will be the reason why.

One thing I know for sure… loud politicians will not be the reason.

I pray that history will never let Strom Thurmond’s voice stand as speaking for white people everywhere. Although some of his policies and opinions moved throughout his lifetime, he still stands in history as the icon of the “Old South,” running for President in 1948 on a segregationist ticket. He got 39 electoral votes, people.

If white folks don’t want to be judged by Strom, black folks sometimes feel the same about Rev. Al.

Here’s what I mean. Cruising channels a couple of days ago, I came across a panel discussion of African-American politicians and entertainers on TV Land, called, “That’s What I’m Talking About."

Comedian Wanda Sykes was on the panel, and so was Al Sharpton. At one point, Wanda said, “Don’t take this wrong Al, but sometimes I see you on TV, and the first thing I think is, ‘Lord, please don’t let him say something crazy.’”

Rev. Al did not look pleased.

You see, I think Al and Strom might have more in common than an ancestor. They shared a love for the spotlight, and a love-affair with mass media. Both of them could always find the camera and the microphone. Politicians at heart, publicity is like life-blood. They both wanted the seat in the Oval Office.

“I’d buy a ticket for that family reunion.” Me too.

But, I’d rather have a ticket at the kind of reunion that ought to happen in churches, that reflect our communities, every single morning.

Jesus didn’t have a lot to say about “race,” per se, but he sure did have a lot to say about crossing society’s boundaries. He touched those who were considered untouchable. He drank water given to him by a Samaritan woman. He leveled playing fields, championed unlikely heroes in his parables and dared to eat with “sinners.”

That’s you and me, all of us, no matter what SPF you need when you’re down at the pool. Thanks be to God for the good ol’ U.S. of A., warts and all. Thanks be to God for the distance we’ve traveled, and thanks to God for the journey that we will yet make together.

Take somebody’s hand, and make a different conversation ---- a different tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,
Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

This Sunday our own Tim Potate will preach in both Sunday morning worship services. Tim is working through the process of candidacy for United Methodist ministry, and we’re proud to support him in every way that we can. An anonymous donor has begun a scholarship fund in Tim’s honor to support him in any educational expenses he may incur, and all are welcome to donate to that fund.

Sunday School at SOTH: Sunday School is one of the most important moments in our Life at SOTH: Between worship services, at 10:15 a.m., Sunday School classes are available for children and youth of all ages. Please make every effort to support your child’s learning of scripture and deepening of their faith in a fun and upbeat environment.

Sunday School for Adults is available in small group at The Ranch, or in the worship space, as our large group studies The Gospel of John. We use clips from a recently produced film based on the Gospel, and work hard at learning what the scripture is all about. Coffee, conversation and a solid Bible lesson, all just after or right before your Sunday worship experience. Sunday School at SOTH is worth the trip!

SOTHUMC.NET report: Thanks to all of you for the great work you’ve done inviting others to come check out our new website, www.sothumc.net! Since last Thursday, we’ve had over 200 visits, with over 1700 pageviews! Keep up the good work, and invite all your friends to check it out.

Baby Noor in today's AJC: An Update on Baby Noor ran on the front of today's AJC. She is struggling to find needed medical care in Iraq, and her family continues to confront many of the troubles that we knew they might face. Please continue to lift up this wonderful little girl and her family, and all the people of Iraq and members of our armed forces who are in harm's way. We pray for their safety, her health and for peace with justice in our world.