Lynchburg DS Blog

Disaster Relief Help

2011-05-27T13:21:00.000-04:00

Lynchburg District Challenged to make 1000 Disaster Relief Cleaning Buckets

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened by the storms that struck repeatedly all over the United States. Like many I want to do something… but what?

Can we put together 1000 Disaster Relief Cleaning Buckets between our 91 United Methodist churches and send them to Annual Conference for UMCOR?

We have two dates set up at Sam’s Club where we can ask for donations and supplies from customers coming in the store: May 29 and June 3.

You can go to Sam's Club Sunday or next Friday and buy Cleaning supplies.
You can join us at Sam’s Club.
You can help us package buckets on June 11 at Timberlake UMC.
Materials stored at Timberlake UMC.
You can give us a donation to help us buy supplies.

UMCOR issues call for disaster relief cleaning buckets

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has issued a call for more cleaning buckets (formerly known as flood buckets). Those attending Annual Conference are asked to bring cleaning buckets to replenish UMCOR's supply. These buckets will be sent with the regular shipment of disaster relief kits collected at Annual Conference June 15-19 in Roanoke. For information: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/.

Disaster Relief Cleaning Bucket - Value: $ 55.00

· liquid laundry detergent - two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottle

· liquid household cleaner - 12‐16 oz. liquid cleaner

· dish soap - 16‐28 oz bottle any brand

· 1 can air freshener - aerosol or pump

· 1 insect repellant spray - 6‐14 oz. aerosol or spray pump

· 1 scrub brush - plastic or wooden handle

· 18 cleaning wipes - handi wipes or reusable wipes

· 7 sponges

· 5 scouring pads

· 50 clothespins

· clothes line - two 50 ft. or one 100 ft., cotton or plastic.

· 24 roll heavy duty trash bags

· 5 dust masks

· 2 pair disposable waterproof gloves - rubber or latex

· 1 pair work gloves - cotton or leather

“Thanks to you, United Methodists will rebuild in Joplin. On behalf of others of our colleagues whose areas have been affected by tornados and floods, I strongly encourage you to lift up the UMCOR Spring Storms appeal. Funds at UMCOR are extraordinarily low right now, and this severely limits our capacity to act quickly and effectively during times of tragedy. Your help is appreciated.” From Bishop Robert Schnase, Missouri Conference

Prayers for Sunday and Psalm 111

2011-05-15T02:32:00.000-04:00

When faced with tough decisions where the consequences are particularly difficult, how do you include God?

Ideally, God is within every phase of the process but it’s not always easy. But if we are to proclaim ourselves Christian then Christ must be within every part of our life.

“I am a Christian,” is not something I merely proclaim on Sunday morning. I must be willing to allow Jesus Christ to influence my Monday through Saturday life as well.

How do I do that? Really!

I’ve been in the midst of some particularly difficult decisions over the past few weeks. During one of my prayer times, I ran across Psalm 111 and found the words comforting but at the same time, challenging.

Maybe they will provide comfort and challenge to you as well.

Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart

as I meet with his godly people.

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!

All who delight in him should ponder them.

Psalm 111 is a song of praise to God but within the praise are some reminders as to why we should praise God.

As I meet with his godly people… We are not alone. We are with others.

How amazing are the deeds… God has a history of being with us, taking care of us.

All who delight in him should ponder them… There is our challenge. Before we make any difficult decisions we should remember and reflect on how God has provided for us.

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.

His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works.

How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

Everything he does…

His righteousness never fails…

Remember his wonderful works…

So, as you agonize over difficulties, remember: “How gracious and merciful is our Lord!”

He gives food to those who fear him;

he always remembers his covenant.

He has shown his great power to his people

by giving them the lands of other nations.

In the midst of facing the possible consequences of your decision, something deep down needs to remind you that God will ultimately take care of you and all those impacted.

He gives food…God will provide for your day to day necessities.

He always remembers his covenant… God will never forget you.

He has shown his great power… God has proven this throughout history.

By giving them land… Here is one amazing example but there are many others.

God will provide.

All he does is just and good,

and all his commandments are trustworthy.

They are forever true,

to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

As you make your decision, remember this:

All he does is just and good…

All his commandments are trustworthy…

They are forever true…

They are to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

Yes, there are difficulties and challenges ahead but in the end we recognize that God is in the midst of us and can be trusted and should be followed.

He has paid a full ransom for his people.

He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.

What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

God has paid a full ransom for us…

God has guaranteed his covenant with us…

What can you say but: What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.

All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!

Fear of the Lord will be the foundation of our true wisdom.

Our obedience to his commandments will help us grow in wisdom.

So, praise him forever!

As you face your toughest decisions, put Psalm 111 beside you. It may not make the decision process easier but it will provide a foundation for wisdom in the midst of the process and you will receive the comfort of knowing that God will be with you.

As you prepare for Sunday, know that God is with you. As you worship on Sunday, may you know that God will also be with you Monday through Saturday. When you are faced with seemingly impossible decisions know that God has provided a framework to guide you and God has a history of providing answers and comfort.

May you be comforted and guided by God’s presence in every part of your life.

Enjoy Dinner with Mell and Larry - May 26 at Timberlake UMC

2011-05-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

Enjoy Dinner with Mell and Larry – May 26 at Timberlake UMC

Special Offering for Larry’s Trip to South Africa and Park View Missions

Larry Davies and Brad Phillips have been named by Bishop Charlene Kammerer as members of the 2011 World Methodist Council. Along with five hundred others members from all over the world, they will be traveling to Durban, South Africa in August of 2011. The Council meets every five years for inspiration, education, fellowship, to strengthen our common witness and to transact the business of World Methodism. The World Methodist Council is the voice of the people around the world who stand in the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition.

The good news for our Lynchburg District, is the honor of being asked to serve. The bad news is they are providing no funds for the trip. We have managed to earmark funds to pay for the hotel, registration and other expenses. What remains is the cost of the flight to South Africa which is expected to be approximately $2500.

In addition, our own Park View Missions is struggling financially to pay the cost of the food they are providing now for approximately 800 families every month. Imagine a shopping cart full of food that will last a family of 4 or 5 approximately two weeks and you get an idea of what they are providing for others. Park View desperately needs our help and the district is trying to do what they can.

So, I have an idea…

On May 26, Glenda Fort is going to cook one of her scrumptious meals. Mell and I and a few friends are going to help. We want to invite you to join us for a wonderful dinner. If you've never had one of Glenda Fort's famous meals, you've really missed out. For years her family ran the famous Koffee Kup and other establishments.

Everything will be paid for before you come. Much of the food will come from Park View missions so you can sample for yourselves the food that is given to the poor. Everything else will be donated.

In addition, David Baldree and a few of his multi-talented friends will be there providing music. Rev. Phil Showers will talk for just a minute about Parkview and I will talk briefly about the trip to South Africa.

We’re doing all of this so that every dollar you give will go to a worthy cause. Every dollar.

50% will go toward sending Larry Davies to the World Methodist Council in South Africa.

50% will go toward Park View Missions and help feed over 800 needy families every month.

It just doesn’t get any better than that.

So come and join us. May 26, Thursday night from 5:30 to 7:30 at Timberlake UMC.

If this works, we may do this several times a year at various locations throughout the district so that we can have more fun and support mission projects at the same time.

Bethany UMC Buying Goats for a Mission in Rwanda

2011-05-02T08:24:00.000-04:00

Mission: Transformation. Reconciliation. Restoration.

“Prison Fellowship Rwanda seeks to transform the lives of those involved in and affected by crime through the good news of Jesus Christ, to pursue nationwide reconciliation and create peaceful communities and prosperous individuals.” – Mission Statement of Prison Fellowship, Rwanda.

Nancy Strachan represents the Lynchburg District in Rwanda. She has traveled there several times and works through Prison Fellowship and Pastor Deo. The remarkable aspect of this ministry has been the reconciliation among the tribes since the atrocities that occurred there years ago. Pastor Deo’s ministry has been a central part of the reconciliation by working within the prisons to bring both sides toward healing.

Recently Nancy sent me the following email about one of our churches. Bethany UMC, of the Bellevue Charge pastored by Rev. H.O. (Tom) Thomas. The letter shares an amazing story of the enthusiasm of a group of children who will make a difference in Rwanda.

Dear Larry,

I couldn't wait to share this good news with you and I will have some photos to share soon as well.

I am Nancy Strachan, Rwandan HUGS, Inc. and met you when you were so gracious to spend time with Pastor Deo from Prison Fellowship Rwanda and me in October. Thank you for hosting us.

Part of our ministry in Rwanda to very vulnerable people is livestock distribution, particularly goats. A few weeks before I left for my March 8-28 trip, a member of Bethany UMC, Carol Lee called to tell me their children wanted to help and were planning to raise money for goats by encouraging the congregation to save spare change for goats until Easter Sunday. By the time I left in March they had enough to give me money for 15 goats (at $35 each).

With their money and money from other donors I was able to distribute 150 goats and sheep, 9 pigs, and 4 hens during my visit to Rwanda.

Bethany UMC in Forest invited me to come on Saturday, April 23 as the children gathered for their Easter Egg Hunt and Party.

I was moved to tears as a little girl proudly announced they had money for 52 GOATS!!!!

These are small kids, not a teen youth group. What a difference this will make in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Rwanda. I have several churches on the waiting list for more goats so I hope the story of these little children responding so beautifully will encourage other children and adults as well.

Larry, some of the people I gave goats to in Rwanda were so poor they couldn't afford to buy a rope to take them home. They made ropes from the leaves on the stalks of maize in a nearby field to carry their goats home. Some came as far as 20 miles to receive their gift.

I thought you might like to know how Christ is alive and well at Bethany! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

In Christ,

Nancy Strachan, Rwandan HUGS, Inc.

Week Following Easter: Highs and Lows

2011-05-01T04:02:00.001-04:00

Prayers

June Carpenter – Automobile Accident

Tim Gerde – Cancer Treatments at LGH

David Lord – Surgery this week

Phil Shower’s wife – Youlanda – Surgery on Tuesday

This week, we especially need to pray for the areas destroyed by tornados throughout the South including our own, Virginia.

A Week after Easter – Highs and Lows

Easter was a tremendous high for me. I observed several worship services with joy and even felt a touch of pride for our pastors and churches. I received emails and phone calls from many more telling me about the crowds and the transformation of people worshipping God.

Later, like many of you following worship I enjoyed a wonderful lunch surrounded by my family. All in all, Easter was a great day as it should be.

There were other highs throughout this week

Attending a clergy meeting held in Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech. I met distinguished leaders and heard football coach, Frank Beamer talk about leadership. (I know, you have to be a die-hard Hokie to love that one.)

I met several of our new pastors this week. Each one seemed perfectly suited for the church they will soon be serving. I could not be more thrilled.

I’m excited about several new ideas that will soon have a lasting impact on ministries, missions and churches within our district.

Of course there was the royal wedding. It was a wonderful and romantic time to share with my bride of twenty years as we woke up at 4:00 AM and watched it together.

But there were also lows

Mell’s mother continues to weaken. We try to visit frequently. This week, she seemed to show some improvement but at the same time we were told they are arranging hospice care.

Our Park View Mission continues to struggle financially and despite the amazing ministry of feeding over 800 families every month there are serious concerns about the future.

My neighbor asked for help working on his son’s house last week. He’s a marine returning from Afghanistan. He’s coming home to a nearly destroyed house. His wife left him and their child is now being raised by grandparents. My neighbor, the father, is in Jacksonville, NC trying to fix the house before his son returns. No one was able to help him. Here is the part that makes me feel really guilty, I’m not there either.

Tornados ripped through several states including Virginia leaving over 300 people dead and billions of dollars in property damage. As I find out more, I feel overwhelmed with the many needs and wonder with all the other problems we’re facing… will we be able to help?

All in all, it was a week full of ups and downs.

Not what I would have expected for the week following Easter.

Maybe you’ve had weeks like this full of highs and lows wondering what it all means.

What is the lesson to be learned?

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

I see the prophet Elijah with new eyes and understand more deeply how he felt following the showdown with the prophets of Baal. After a huge victory, Elijah was forced to run for his life. Rather than celebrate he was depressed but in the midst of that, Elijah heard the voice of God not in the windstorm or the earthquake or the fire but in a gentle whisper.

And the voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

Do you sense Elijah’s frustration? After this week, I can understand how Elijah felt confused rather than victorious, depressed rather than joyous.

But the Lord wasn’t through speaking to Elijah --

Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” (Various Parts of 1 Kings 19)

Here is what I heard the Lord say…

· I am not in the windstorm – do not be discouraged by the storms of life.

· Go back the same way you came – remember from where you came.

· Anoint Hazael to be king – you still have important tasks ahead.

· Anoint Elisha to replace you – there is someone I have selected to help you.

· 7,000 others have never bowed down – you are not alone, others surround you.

Do not be discouraged by the highs and lows of life.

Remember from where you came.

You have important tasks ahead.

There is someone to help you.

You are not alone; others surround you.

Do not be discouraged is my reminder this morning to pray as someone with hope in the midst of the highs and the lows of life.

So as I pray for you during the Sunday following Easter, I pray knowing that God’s gentle whisper is there even in the midst of the storms of life.

I pray this morning remembering from where I came. I’ve grown so much over the years and how God has been with me throughout my journey of highs and lows.

I pray knowing there are many important tasks ahead and that God will provide the answers.

I pray with the comforting knowledge there is someone to take my place when I falter.

I pray knowing that I am not alone. Others surround me, pastors and churches full of people ready to answer the call.

I’m learning to appreciate the highs.

I’m learning to more fully rely on God through the lows.

I’m learning that God is not through yet.

This morning, I will pray for you and eagerly look forward to what God does through you.

Today, I will lead worship and bless the successful completion of a new church building. Proof that God has been at work in our community.

Today, I will take another pastor to a new appointment with renewed enthusiasm, knowing God is there.

Tonight, I will participate in a revival confidently expecting God to work miracles.

Next week, God’s Holy Spirit will guide me and you toward finding answers to the problems we face. Most of all, we will know that God is there.

A "Dying" Church

2011-04-27T11:45:00.000-04:00

The following is a letter written by Patrick Pillow, a young VMI graduate who declared his intention to become a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Right now he is working as an Assistant to the Pastor at Court Street UMC. His enthusiasm for what is happening at the church he serves is contagious so I thought you might enjoy reading it.

Dear Members and Friends,

We are doing way too much! According to many sources in the Lynchburg area, we are a “dying” Church! We are supposed to have only twenty some members in our sanctuary on Sundays; the extra 90 we had on Palm Sunday cannot happen again. We are supposed to be without any sort of weekly programs, so Bible Studies, Wednesday Nite Alive and Choir Rehearsal will have to be cut. Finally, we are supposed to be on the brink of closing our doors, so the twenty plus ministries we support financially will have to be discontinued. It is time we face the fact and realize Court Street United Methodist is a spent force.

Sorry to disappoint you Lynchburg, but we are back and better than ever! For a church on the “brink of extinction”, I think it is safe to say that we are the most stubborn and brazen Church in the entire Virginia conference!

You cannot help but feel energized when you walk into our halls every day of the week. Many of my VMI friends often tell me how they are suffering from “a case of the Mondays” when they walk into their places of business to start the week. I wish they all had the opportunity to feel the way I do as I climb the steps up to Court Street. The leaps and bounds that we have grown since January is truly mesmerizing.

I was so glad to see so many of you take advantage of our Lenten services, delicious luncheons, and the uplifting worship on Palm and Easter Sundays. Just as Jesus’ death and eventual victory over sin led to a rebirth for his people, so too will Court Street benefit from our willingness to put his sanctuary back on the map.

The late spring is a time of bright, colorful flowers, beautiful green trees, and the birth of new life. We are like the caterpillar in the cocoon, just waiting for a chance to hatch and spread our wings in the gorgeous splendor that God has made.

While the Lenten season has come and gone, let us not forget that our Lord’s resurrection offers us the chance to begin anew and continue on a path towards righteousness. Let us keep building, professing the faith, and reviling in his joyous works that are all around us! If this is a “dying” church, I don’t want to be anywhere else…

May the Lord God bless you and keep you,

Patrick S. Pillow ‘09B

Minister's Assistant

Easter Prayer and "The King's Speech"

2011-04-23T15:42:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, Mell and I watched and were deeply enthralled in, “The King’s Speech.” I know, I know, it’s not a real Easter type of movie but in a way it is.

I found it fascinating that the King was in line to come to the throne. He was born for it and supposedly prepared for it but he had one problem. He had a speech impediment and for someone who would literally be known for how he spoke, this was a huge problem.

If the King who was born to be King could not overcome his speech impediment problem, in all likelihood he would go down in history as an ineffective King or even have to give up his throne.

Here is my parallel to Easter. Just like the King we are born with a mission to serve Jesus Christ. We have hopefully been prepared for it but just like the king we all have a problem or two. It may not be a speech impediment but it’s a problem just the same. If we are not careful, it could turn out to be a huge problem.

If we who are born with a mission to serve Jesus Christ and cannot overcome our problems, in all likelihood we will be ineffective in our witness for Christ or even walk away from our faith in frustration.

OK, so the King hires lots of speech experts to help him fix his problem but none of it seems to do any good. Some yell at him, some have him swallow marbles and do all sorts of weird things but none of it seems to work… until he meets Lionel.

OK, so we often try all sorts of things to find our mission or our happiness. We try various jobs, spending binges, wild parties but none of it seems to satisfy… until we meet Jesus.

Now at first, Lionel seems unable to help, in fact at times it seems like he’s made things worse.

Sometimes at first, our relationship with Jesus is a struggle; at times, it seems things are worse.

But over the months and years the relationship between the future King and Lionel strengthens until the moment comes when the King must be King and thanks to his hard work, persistence and the trust and ability of his friend Lionel, the King is able to carry out his duty when he is needed most.

Could it be that over the months and years the relationship between you and Jesus strengthens until the moment comes when you as a Christian must be a Christian where it counts and thanks to your hard work, persistence and trust in the ability of your friend Jesus, you are able to be a witness for Jesus Christ when it is need most.

Yes, the King was meant to be King but he had to be willing to overcome obstacles and accept a lot of help along the way.

Yes, you are meant to be a Christian witness but you have to be willing to overcome obstacles and accept a lot of help along the way.

Easter is here. You are meant to be here. You have been prepared for this but you’ve had a lot of help along the way. Jesus has been guiding you all along through the Holy Spirit and through the lives of others who have come in contact with you.

This Sunday morning people will come at first because it’s a tradition but we can make it so much more. You have been prepared for this. You have overcome numerous obstacles to be where you are today.

Now remember what happened and allow the power of God’s Holy Spirit to make the Easter story be transformed into so much more than a story… let the Easter story become Easter Faith.

Christ is alive and ready to work miracles in your life and in the lives of everyone who come in contact with you or your church.

Easter morning is here…

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. (Luke 24:1-9)

The time has come. Easter is here. The resurrected Christ is with you.

As the King gave his speech, his friend Lionel was protecting him, helping him focus providing helpful advice and encouragement along the way. At one point he said: “Give the speech as if you were talking to me, your friend.”

Wouldn’t it be great if you could picture Jesus, talking to you the same way? “Talk to others as if I were walking beside you and guiding you, your friend.”

Easter is here. The resurrected Christ will be with you.

Amen.

Help a Marine Returning from Afghanistan

2011-04-22T04:51:00.000-04:00

Sargent Nathan Zello with the US Marine Corps has been fighting in Afghanistan for the past year.

His father Keith has been a member of Timberlake UMC and as a master carpenter has led and helped with many building projects, locally and in Mississippi following Katrina.

While Keith's son, Nathan was away, his wife left him, his baby is now being raised by Keith and Carrie. In addition the house was badly trashed. As you read the email below, you will see that Nathan is coming home soon. Nathan has seen extreme action and will have difficult adjustments to make. He also may have to go back sometime soon.

Nathan needs our help. Would you read the email below and pray about ways we could get involved. Keith needs one group to join him at the home in North Carolina and help clean up the mess and do light jobs such as painting. Another group can help with the more serious repairs listed in the email.

Just so you know the house is approximately 4 to 5 hours drive away from Lynchburg in North Carolina.

Read the email below and if you can help, please let me know.

From: zello1@aol.com [mailto:zello1@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 5:58 PM
To: larrydavies@sowingseedsoffaith.com
Subject: Sargent Zello's home repair

Larry:

Thanks again for your assistance in this manner.

His home needs all the carpet replaced, interior doors replaced, drywall work to patch holes in the wall, inside of the whole house needs painted do to the filth on the walls, the yard cleaned up due to all the trash left astray, loose toilets reset, front porch rail painted, curtains and blinds replaced from the dog damage, all the kitchen appliances deep cleaned and hopefully saved, if time permits put siding on the shed in the back yard.

I will get a portable storage unit to put his belongings in while the work is being done, I will have my tool trailer there, and I will be at the house until the job is done. I will go down there on the 29^th or the 30^th.

He is expected back between the 9^th – 13^th of May.

No service member should ever have to come home to such an awful situation. I have hard copy pictures of the house. Let’s welcome him home with a blessing from God.

Keith Zello

Prayer for Palm Sunday: A Bigger Picture

2011-04-17T04:05:00.002-04:00

Prayers

Mission team in Jamaica

Palm Sunday starts our Holy Week

Pastors and Churches in the midst of leadership change

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

During this past week… a lot of important decisions were made by the Bishop and the District Superintendents of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. All week we participated in worship together, prayed together and finally made critical decisions together concerning our pastors and churches throughout Virginia.

Most pastors will not be moving and will be offered another year to continue their ministry where they are. Using what they have learned in the past to help their congregation move toward a future filled with God’s grace.

Most churches will not be receiving a new pastor so they are challenged within their stability to look for new opportunities to be the church in the midst of a hurting world.

Some pastors will be moving to another church and will leave one ministry behind to start anew.

Some churches will be saying good-bye to one pastor and will be looking toward a new pastor and a new future.

Most pastors will be very happy about the decisions made. Some will not.

Most church members will be very happy about the decisions made. Some will not.

On a more personal level, as I drove home, I knew that overall many of our pastors and church members will be pleased.

I also knew that some of our decisions would not be popular and that a few of our pastors and church members will not be pleased.

But, I have the opportunity to see a bigger picture.

Overall, I know we made the best decisions that could be made under difficult circumstances. I will face the smiles and the tears confident that we are creating the best possible opportunities for our pastors and our churches to offer the grace of Jesus Christ to our community and to our world.

Why am I writing this?

Because this morning as I read what all of us will be using today as we prepare our churches for Palm Sunday, I saw the Scripture with new eyes. I was reading the same verses but because of what I experienced, I understood what happened in a different way.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew what was going to happen next.

He knew that he would receive the adulation of the crowd as he rode into Jerusalem. He knew the same crowd now singing “Hosanna!” would soon be shouting, “Crucify him!”

Here is the story from the Gospel of Luke.

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When they reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!

Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to weep. (Luke 19:36-41)

In the midst of the adulation, Jesus wept because he knew what was coming.

So, why did he do it?

Because he too, saw a bigger picture and believed in the decisions that were made. Jesus knew that Palm Sunday, the last supper, the agonizing prayer in the garden, the betrayal, the arrest, the trials, the whipping, the crown of thorns, the carrying of the cross through the city streets, the nailing of his hands and feet to the wood, the agonizing hours of not only physical pain but the emotional agony of being abandoned all leading to a seemingly senseless death.

He knew. Jesus continued to see a bigger picture.

Today, this week, I more fully understand the depth of what Jesus must have endured during the final hours of his life.

So, I now more fully understand why Jesus wept.

I also more fully understand why Jesus did it? He knew but he did it anyway.

Jesus endured the agony of the cross because he knew resurrection would not be far behind.

Seeing the bigger picture would cause Jesus to weep in the midst of Palm Sunday.

Seeing the bigger picture would allow Jesus to endure the cross on Friday.

Seeing the bigger picture allows me to celebrate the joy of pastors and churches.

Seeing the bigger picture will cause me to weep in the midst of pastors and churches who will struggle.

Here is the biggest picture of all.

In the midst of our joys and yes, our pain Jesus Christ is working miracles.

So, at times we celebrate over Palm Sunday.

At times we weep over Good Friday.

In the end, we anticipate – Easter Sunday.

Next Sunday morning, just like we do every year, we will all remember that our celebrations and our joys all serve a greater purpose.

Easter Sunday makes it all worthwhile.

Jesus knew so in the midst of the celebration, he wept.

Jesus knew so in the midst of the cross, he endured.

Jesus knew so on Easter Sunday – he arose.

This morning we sing Hosanna but we also prepare to weep.

Next Sunday we celebrate what it really means to be a Christian.

As I pray this morning, I pray as someone who sees a bigger picture.

As I pray this morning, I pray you will join me in lifting up pastors and churches as they prepare for the future.

As I pray this morning, I celebrate and weep over the decisions that were made.

As I pray this morning, I am filled with eager anticipation of the Easter that is promised for us all.

May God fill you with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit so that Palm Sunday and Good Friday all lead to a glorious Easter morning.

Missions not Worship may be What Attracts New People

2011-04-06T04:22:00.000-04:00

Mission as the Emerging Entry Point for New People by Lovett Weems

It is intriguing that the first connection people have with a congregation tends to change from time to time.

For churches with struggling adult Sunday Schools, it may be hard to imagine that for a long time the Sunday School was the most likely church entry point for most adults, as well as children and youth. Well into the 1950s in many denominations and regions, the most common invitation church members gave their new neighbors or co-workers was to attend their Sunday School class with them. It was not uncommon for church school attendance to run higher than worship attendance. In fact, the Sunday School sometimes seemed to receive more loyalty than the worship experience. This was particularly true on circuits where the Sunday School was an every Sunday experience while "preaching" occurred on a rotating schedule among the churches on the charge.

Most of us are more familiar with the pattern that came next, in which the most likely first connection with a congregation was a worship service. People looking for a church on their own no longer came early to ask which Sunday School class they should attend but came first to a worship service. And church members inviting others to attend their church would now more likely invite newcomers to "worship" with us at our church. In this period the worship attendance in most churches pulled ahead, sometimes well ahead, of Sunday School attendance.

We may be on the verge of another change, in which the entry point to a congregation for more and more people is through service and mission. This seems especially true for the young. For many young people, inviting their friends who don't attend church to "come to my church" may not be the most comfortable invitation to make or the one most likely to receive a positive response. On the other hand, few young people would be reluctant to invite any of their friends to join them for a service project sponsored by the church, and few young people will turn down such an invitation. The sense of commitment to help others among young adults is as strong as their excitement about most churches is weak.

It is too early to know if mission as an entry point to church will take hold in the way that Sunday School and worship did in prior times. But we do know that for increasing numbers of persons with a passion to serve and some disillusionment with the church, mission may be their most likely entry point – if churches are actually serving others and including new people in such service. We also know that, in this time when "belonging leads to believing," it is often only after a person comes to trust a community and to feel accepted by that community that there is much interest in what the community believes.

Lovett H. Weems, Jr.

What Does A Pastor Do?

2011-03-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

From "Leading Ideas" By Elizabeth Evans Hagan

I've been a part of several conversations lately with new church attendees and community members where I have been asked the question: "Now, I know you work on your sermons, but what do you do the rest of the week?"

It's a timeless question that generations of pastors before me and beside me have been asked and have answered each in his or her own way; for there is no rule book about how a pastor structures his or her day. It's usually based both on the personality of the pastor and expectations of the congregation. It's a unique job with some deadlines (Sunday is always coming, for example), but it is also a job with a lot of unspecified responsibilities that can be attended to at a pace according to congregational needs. I always say that no day of the week is ever the same, and I never have reason to get bored!

But these are some of the "doing" tasks that my last week has included:

One-on-one meetings with parishioners going through times of crisis, including taking communion to a church member in the hospital
One-on-one meetings with families or individuals interested in learning more about the church or becoming official members of the congregation
Follow-up conversations or emails with visitors from Sunday morning
Planning meetings and phone conversations with church leaders about new initiatives for growth in congregational life
Attending to the administrative tasks of the church office by supervising two other staff members, overseeing communication coming from the church office, and planning the church calendar with the church administrator
Attending to church outreach by updating the Facebook fan page, twittering about important events, working with church administrator to update contact list for weekly email, making sure the website is up to date, and of course blogging when new ideas come for posts
Meeting with church members who come into the office to ask questions or say hello
Representing the church at community functions
Preparing for upcoming Bible studies
Planning for worship and editing the bulletin
Connecting with colleagues in the area for meals for shared learning and support
And, of course, preparing for sermons by researching, meditating, and sitting still long enough for God to have the opportunity to form my thoughts in the direction of the message the congregation most needs to hear

And the list could go on. It also could record things that I wish I had more time for – additional parishioners I would like to have contacted, more study time I wished I had. When I think about what I do and don't, I always try to give myself grace to embrace the possibilities found in the next week.

While I can't answer the "What does a pastor do?" question for all my colleagues, know this: there's so much more to the pastoral life than what you see on Sundays. Sundays are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the focus tasks of our job.

Yet, I wouldn't have it any other way! I get surprised daily by something new. I am and will continue to be grateful for this wonderful opportunity to put my energy and time into an organization with a great future because, in the end, church life is not about the pastor. It's always about the congregation. This is why we work so hard. Pastors are just the catalyst for helping congregations reach their potential as we are transformed together into the community of faith that God would have us be.

Maybe, then, another good question for us to ask is: "What do congregation members do to enrich and support the lives of their faith community?"

Elizabeth Evans Hagan is pastor of Washington Plaza Baptist Church in Reston, Virginia. Hagan is an alumna of the Lewis Center's Lewis Fellows leadership development program for young clergy. This article originally appeared on her blog found at http://preacherontheplaza.wordpress.com.

Salem UMC Mission Team in Nashville TN

2011-03-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

On Friday, I received word from the Tennessee Conference Disaster Coordinator, that our team had been reassigned to Dickson, Tennessee. Dickson of a town of just over 19,000 people 40 miles west of Nashville. Our team is staying at First United Methodist Church in Dickson, in the "Church Hospitality House. This year for the first time, many groups in the town are providing for us. Last night First UMC fed us supper, and tonight the local Rotary Club provided us with a BBQ feast. Every night a different group from this town is providing us with a meal. Yet the real blessing is in the ministry that is taking place here.

Each day, the fifteen of us split up into two groups. One group is working on a house that received three feet of water in the basement, which contained the kitchen and a living area. We are tearing out and reinstalling insulation, sheet rock, and a bathroom at this house. This lady works at a Psychiatric Hospital, and has provided lunch for our group each day. The Red Cross, and the Tennessee Conference are helping her with the cost of materials.

The second group is working on the home of a family of nine. Yes I said a family of nine. This family lost everything in the flood. Amazingly, this same family had lost everything a few years before to a tornado. They received some money from FEMA, that they had used to purchase a lot on higher ground. Someone had then given them a 1970 model two bedroom mobile home. The father who is legally blind has taken the trailer and built around it, in an attempt to provide room for his large family.

This family is in such need, their cabinets are empty, their living room is bare, and their children do not have beds. All the appliances in their trailer are original equipment from 1970, and show their age. The father apologized, when we purchased a $48.00 breaker box for him. He does not know that by the end of the week we plan to provide the children with beds, and possibly new appliances for their kitchen.

We welcome your continued prayers, and praise the Lord for the chance to serve Him in Tennessee.

Blessings, Charles Schooler, Salem UMC

Evington, VA.

Welcoming Newcomers -- Recruiting Volunteers

2011-03-16T08:50:00.000-04:00

Top 10 Learnings about Welcoming Newcomers -- By Keith Anderson – From Leading Ideas

Churches often define their success in welcoming newcomers by the number of people who become members of their church. At Redeemer we have shifted our focus to improving the quality of our welcome, and it feels like maybe we're on to something. We've found our way mostly through trial and error — and listening carefully to the feedback of our visitors and newest members. These are the top ten things we have learned about welcoming newcomers to our church over the last five years:

Everyone is different and nothing is ever straightforward. This is our mantra. There is no one pattern for the way people enter, engage, and join our congregation. Every person and every situation is different. We try to honor that and not insist on uniformity. This requires flexibility and improvisation on our part, but it enriches our understanding of welcoming and the beauty and diversity of the Body of Christ.
Expect new members. We used to wait until we had a critical mass of newcomers to schedule a day to welcome new members. Now, at the start of the year, we schedule two dates a year to welcome newcomers - one in the fall and one in the spring. This has helped us move from a mindset of "if people come" to "when people come." That approach has extended into Sunday mornings as well. We confidently expect that there will be someone new and plan accordingly.
Hold no classes. We don't have newcomers classes. Our only welcoming event is a newcomers brunch that we have a few weeks before welcoming new members in the spring and fall. The brunch is always a graceful event. Newcomers can meet each other and meet current members of the congregation. We find that the inculcation that congregations try to instill at newcomers classes happens more naturally and more fruitfully through conversation, visitation, involvement, and developing relationships. People don't want to hear about it; they want to experience it.
Maintain an expansive idea of community. You don't have to be a member of our congregation to be part of our community. Thanks to the internet and social media, people are part of our community long before they arrive at church — if they ever come. They have a sense of who we are, what we do, and how we live the Gospel through our website, Facebook Page and Sermon Blog.
Understand people's passions. Listen for the way God is calling people to live their faith — at work, home, and/or in the church. Set people free to follow God's call.
Enable people to participate right away. Our congregation used to have an unspoken waiting period for participation. People would regularly be members for months or years before being asked to take a leadership role. Now, we encourage people to get involved before they are members. We believe that you don't need to be a "member" before you can start living out God's calling in your life.
Know that it's not a failure if someone does not join. The end result of welcoming is not necessarily membership. If someone only comes for one Sunday, then we have ministered to them in some way. If people are with us for a while and decide not to join, we feel we've contributed to their discernment process. If you make welcoming about membership, it's a set up for disappointment. Not everyone will join, and there will never be enough new members. Make it about ministry instead and decide how you will measure success.
Expect that the individual will transform the institution, not the other way around. We have a dream that one day, when we tell the stories of our congregation, we won't tell time by when pastors came and left, but when people came to our church — not "And then Pastor Anderson was called...," but rather, "Then Karen and Katie joined the congregation...." We expect newcomers to transform us, not for the church to make everyone the same.
Everyone is a greeter. One of the best things we did to be more welcoming was no longer to have official greeters — those people churches place near the front door to welcome people. By designating certain people, it let everyone off the hook. Now, it's a shared responsibility. Every Sunday after church, as I greet people leaving the sanctuary, there are several members engaging visitors in conversation after church. It is a beautiful scene.
Decide to be assertive. There's always a fear that you will drive people away if you are too assertive. That's a risk we are willing to take. Except for one or two exceptions in five years, this has never been a problem. Indifference and indecisiveness are far worse than assertiveness.

Keith Anderson is pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Woburn, Massachusetts. He blogs at pastorkeithanderson.net, where this article first appeared.

Ministry Minute: Ideas for Recruiting Volunteers

n Written by Sue Brage

Permalink: http://www.churchvolunteerdaily.com/?p=2390

Take a minute to invite someone into ministry... we make it easy! This unique resource is a great team activity for your next staff or leaders meeting! Simply follow the three steps below and you'll have everything you need to recruit new volunteers in a personal and creative way.

It seems like a no-brainer, but statistics show the number one reason people volunteer is because someone asked them! Here are 3 quick steps for inviting someone into ministry. Think of it as having a party - and your prospective volunteers are the very important guests...

Step 1 - The Guest List
Make a list of people with the right qualities. Need someone friendly? Organized? Someone tech-savvy?

Step 2 - The Invitation
When it comes to inviting people - get personal. A handwritten invitation or note will really get their attention! In your note, share how they will make a difference and describe why you enjoy serving. End with a personal invitation to meet up and talk about the possibilities! (Download our Ministry Minute invitation to use with your team.)

Step 3 - The Party - a face to face meeting
Be sure to follow-up to arrange a time to meet face-to-face and share what God is doing in your ministry, and how your guest could benefit from getting involved. If they are not ready to commit, invite them to a casual event where they could simply be around the people and see the ministry in action. There's nothing like experiencing ministry first-hand!

Tragedy in Japan: What can we do?

2011-03-13T03:51:00.000-04:00

Like you, I have been watching with horror the news from Japan. I’ve also received feedback from a member of our family in Hawaii and from my mother who is attending a funeral in Los Angeles. In addition, several of my Facebook friends are reporting stories from relatives or friends in Japan.

So far, damage in Hawaii and on the West Coast seems moderate but the damage in Japan is far more severe. Over the next few days, I expect we will hear of considerably more destruction than is being reported now. Now, the danger of a nuclear meltdown seems likely. I can’t begin to imagine what that would do.

How can we help?

Because Japan is not a third-world country I anticipate they will have more specialized needs. I’m waiting to hear from UMCOR within the United Methodist Church and from other mission contacts as to what those needs are.

So, what should we do now?

Pray. We can pray for the people who are going through so much misery. We can also pray for God to guide our congregations for an appropriate response.

Special Offering. I would suggest giving a special offering this Sunday to store within your church until we hear more ideas. Within a few days, we should be receiving more information.

Email Suggestions. This is where all of us working together can help each other. Some of you are better at doing online research and some of you have great mission contacts of your own. Please find out what you can and offer suggestions over the next few days.

As I hear more ideas on how we can provide help, I will gladly share them.

I believe we are never stronger than when we reach out to help those caught in the grip of a disaster. May God guide us all as we seek to do our part to help those in need.

Psalm 56 has a verse that offers comfort in the midst of our tragedy. In the midst of his own tragedy David writes: “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” (Verse 3)

I pray that the people of Japan and all the rest of us will find God in the midst of our fear. May we feel God’s holy and protective presence in the midst of our anguish. May the people of Japan see in us the comforting hands and feet of God.

God bless, Larry

From UMC.org – An article from UMCOR our relief agency.

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5723451&ct=9172069&notoc=1

Ideas from Churches Across the District

2011-03-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

From Salem UMC in Evington led by Rev. Chuck Schooler

Recently, I visited Salem UMC, in Evington, where Chuck Schooler is pastor. We were celebrating the open house for a new rotation model Sunday school. Several months ago, Chuck visited a workshop where he learned about Power Xpress, a rotation Sunday School curriculum sponsored by Cokesbury. Chuck came back fired up ready to give it a try but I had no idea just how determined he was.

The entire children's hall of this small church had been transformed to this new model. Inside there was:

· Movie Theater complete with special seats, a raised floor and a popcorn machine.

· Sports room with the walls painted with various favorite sport team logos.

· Computer room filled with computer stations.

· Craft room ready for and decorated to do almost any craft.

· Science room with anything needed for experiments.

The rooms were creatively decorated and filled with hands on examples. I admit that my mouth was open and I was speechless at what this enterprising pastor and church had accomplished.

The church was full of children. Does that surprise you? When I asked Chuck how he managed to do all this, he smiled and said: "Larry, I just shared what I learned and asked people if they thought we could do it? God and the enthusiasm of others did the rest?"

From Bethesda UMC in Huddleston, led by Rev. Tammie Franklin

Last Sunday, I led a one day revival at Bethesda UMC in Huddleston where Tammy Franklin is pastor. I never heard of this but Tammy organized it because she found attendance dropped off at a typical revival after the first day. So, she decided to do it all within the one day time frame.

11:00 - First Revival service of worship followed by Lunch

Special music from a local group followed by the final revival message

This could also be a commitment Sunday where the emphasis is on celebrating the church's past and planning for the future.

From Lynchburg District Youth led by Shawn Kiger

I visited our District Youth retreat at the 4H Center near Smith Mountain Lake. I was there to serve communion to the leaders and participants. Not only did our youth have a great time but they were joined for the first time by youth from the Danville District. Because of their participation they were able to bring a dynamic speaker, Duffy Robbins, someone they could never afford without the extra help provided by Danville. In addition they had such a great experience working together they are going to do it again next year.

Doing projects together allows you to think and dream bigger. How big is your dream?

Doing projects together requires skilled and enthusiastic teamwork. How good is your team?

From Bethlehem UMC in Concord led by Rev. Dan Dibble

We began a new youth revitalization project last week. Over several weeks, I put a WANTED poster in the bulletin for youth to assist me in presenting the message each week. The younger children already assist me in handing out sermon outlines and focus objects that they help me make.

The new youth group is very excited about becoming an important part of presenting the message.

Since we try to make our projects about Teams, they've already given themselves a team name.

The formation process has been:

Phase I: Promotion - Promote and organize to meet and discuss gifts and abilities within the team.

Phase II - Prepare - Meet for prayer, scripture readings, and reflection on the messages.

Phase III - Present - Plan and present messages - INSIDE and OUTSIDE - using their gifts and abilities.

Four great examples of how God can work within us and stir up something new.

WSET - Worship Space Enhancement Team

Volunteer Expiration Dates by Dan Pezet

2011-03-02T05:52:00.000-05:00

From "Leading Ideas"

Expiration dates are on all sorts of things and for good reasons. We can find them on loaves of bread, gallons of milk, and egg cartons. Expiration dates are on our driver's licenses, professional certifications, and even the President of the United States. These dates make sure things stay fresh, maximize effectiveness, and give us an opportunity to evaluate the need for change. And these are great reasons to put expiration dates on volunteer positions in the church.

Sometimes we put someone in a position and leave them there until they are used up. When volunteers are excited about doing good work for God, they begin like a freshly struck match. Their flame and energy are intense. Too often, though, we leave them burning in one spot for so long that their flame can sputter and die. Expiration dates can protect us from burning out volunteers.

Rotating fresh people into positions can achieve maximum effectiveness. Baseball coaches know how many pitches their pitchers can throw before they start getting tired. They have a whole crew of pitchers that they rotate in to keep them fresh and effective. Rotating volunteers in the church setting is just as important. It keeps the ideas fresh and the energy level high.

Rotating volunteers can also keep programs from getting stuck in ruts. In baseball, there are some situations when a left-handed pitcher can be more effective than a right-handed pitcher. The same is true in church work. Sometimes we need to change things to achieve our mission. Establishing a culture of rotating volunteers helps the church to be more prepared when changes become necessary.

Expiration dates are a form of checks and balances. An approaching expiration date is a wonderful opportunity to evaluate and to redirect. Every four years, we have the opportunity to evaluate the needs of our country as we decide who should be the President of the United States. When volunteers stay in one position too long, it becomes difficult to make necessary changes.

We tend to resist expiration dates because it is easier to let someone stay in one spot than it is to find and train a replacement. But it is well worth the effort. As leaders in the church, it is our duty to help people find meaningful ways to serve. And using expiration dates to allow more people to rotate into places of service gives the church community a broad expression of faith.

Dan Pezet is pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama. He blogs at www.churchandtea.com.

Prayers and Response to "Empty Churches"

2011-02-27T03:54:00.001-05:00

Prayer Needs

Tammy Franklin – Her Dad is coming home from nursing home.

Bill Burleigh – His daughter, Sarah and her fiancé lost their home by fire.

Day 29 of 30 Day Prayer Challenge.

Response to WSET-TV story – Empty Churches.

Over two days last week, WSET-TV aired a two-part special on the church called: Empty Churches.

If you missed the stories, here is the web address:

Part 1: http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=14136999

Part 2: http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=14144441

Part one featured two of our United Methodist Churches as mostly empty on Sunday morning.

Part two showed “Tree of Life” as a church that was full and attracting thousands.

I’m disappointed that two of our United Methodist churches that were making a difference in the midst of church struggles were used as examples of empty churches while none were used as examples of churches making a positive difference.

Court Street UMC was struggling with less attendance. New leadership and changes have not only helped the church do better but one of their younger members is now seeking the ordained ministry.

Fairview UMC recently became a distributor for Backpack for Kid’s Sake for one of our Elementary schools and each week packs enough food for over 150 children to have plenty to eat each weekend. Fairview is also doing better.

I was upset that our churches were portrayed in a way that was not suggestive of how we are doing as a whole. These were two churches who in their own unique way are dealing with those issues with success as is our whole district.

And, why “Tree of Life” as the example of success when there are so many others? Why not use a United Methodist Church here as well in order to be more consistent?

I have known and admired Rev. Mike Dodson, the pastor of Tree of Life for years and I know he would be the first to say that his church is not the only answer to reaching out to the community in the name of Jesus Christ.

As I have spent the last two and half years travelling across the district I have come to love the pastors and churches in our area. I appreciate the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment that comes from each church.

But… the basic premise of the story, unfortunately, is true.

Overall church attendance is declining in America. More people sit at home on Sunday morning than go to church.

Mainline churches are declining while independent churches are growing. Many of our churches, including United Methodist churches in this area have more empty pews than full. Even the two churches mentioned struggle with filling empty pews.

Tree of Life is a positive example of how churches in the midst of decline are growing rapidly. We may not always agree with their theology or their style of worship but they are successfully reaching the unchurched.

Now… what should my response be?

Should I be upset that churches I serve and love were portrayed in a less than positive light? Sure. But that is a reflection of my pride rather than a legitimate response.

A better question would be: “How would God want me to respond?”

I think God would ask: “What can we do as churches to better reach out into the community for people who should be sitting in those empty pews?”

In Matthew 28, Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (18-20)

Jesus is given all authority. Our response should be…

Make disciples and baptize them…

Teach the disciples…

Jesus will be with us, even now when we struggle to fill empty churches.

Do we have enough passion for reaching out to the unchurched? Are we serious about offering the “Good News” of Jesus Christ to our friends and neighbors?

The truth is… we can do better.

Maybe this is the needed response to our 30 day prayer challenge. We’ve reached day 29 and like many of you I have been praying regularly for God to guide and direct us. What should be our big dream? How do we form those good teams?

So… how should we respond to the Empty Churches story?

God’s answer would be: reflection, repentance, prayer and a call for action.

Reflection because we do need to think about where we are today as the church and what our future could look like if we are not willing to make changes.

Repentance because we are not reaching the unchurched community as we should and we want to do better.

Prayer for God’s guidance as we ask for creative ideas that will help us get to know our neighbors better. Prayer for courage as we learn to share our testimony in a way that will be understood and appreciated.

Action as we assertively look to offer specific acts of kindness and ministry toward others in a way that visibly demonstrates our love for God and for them.

Rev. Mike Dodson with Tree of Life said something challenging and helpful when describing his church: “Our three things are being creative, innovative, and demonstrative.”

As churches, he was not saying, we should be more like “Tree of Life.” He was saying within our own beliefs and practices…

· Be more creative in the way we worship and teach.

· Be more innovative in the way we plan programs.

· Be more demonstrative in the way we reach out to others.

Good advice but a huge challenge.

Jesus is given all authority. Our response should be…

Make disciples and baptize…

Teach the disciples…

Jesus will be with us, even now when we struggle to fill empty churches.

This is the biggest dream of all… make disciples and baptize.

This is the greatest team of all… teach the disciples.

Here is the greatest truth of all: Jesus will be with us.

Long after everyone has forgotten about the “Empty Churches” story on TV, our churches will continue to grow stronger by making disciples and teaching, secure in the knowledge that Jesus will be with us always, even to the end of the age.

Help Wanted: Film Crew or Park View Mission

2011-02-24T04:48:00.000-05:00

Lynchburg District Film Crew

Do you have a passion for telling God’s story through video?

Then the Lynchburg District has an opportunity for you. We are looking for 6 to 10 dedicated volunteers to tell the story of the Lynchburg District in a continuing series of short 2 to 3 minute video clips. You can work a camera, record ideas, be a narrator – there are a variety of needs. Join a Godly crew that will tell the story of the Lynchburg District.

Send me an email and tell me who you are, what church you are from and why you would like to be a part of the Lynchburg District Film Crew.

Write me: LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com

Park View Community Mission

In 2010 we gave 545,000 pounds

of food to over 21,000 people.

1,550 senior citizens

10,898 adults 18-64

8,590 children 17 & under.

The largest food ministry of this type in Central Virginia.

Every month we give families a grocery cart full of nutritious food at a cost to us of $10; less than 20¢ per meal! This year we will help more people in both the city and the counties and give away over a million pounds of food. You can help. Just $10 a month will feed an entire family.

Imagine feeding a family healthy food for only $120⁰⁰ a year!

Don’t just imagine it—Do it!

$120 feeds a family with enough food to last two weeks each month for a full year.

You or your church can help this valuable district mission in three ways:

1. Host a Wednesday night supper and service and serve and provide a meal for 125 to 150 hungry people.

2. Take up a special offering in your church. Free Bulletin Insert available.

3. Send a tax-deductible contribution to:

Park View Community Mission

2420 Memorial Avenue

Lynchburg, VA 24501

Prayer for Pastors and Leaders - 2/20/2011

2011-02-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

Prayers

Rev. Eugene Condrey’s daughter, Deborah Gorman died suddenly on Feb. 14 of this week. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Day 22 of our 30 Day Prayer Challenge: How big is your dream? How good is your team?

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

This past week, in our leadership group that meets every Thursday morning, I shared what I believed was the most significant moment for me as a leader during the past year.

The lesson was about “Leadership in Turbulent Times.” Our churches face huge challenges today and we must face those challenges boldly as the church of Jesus Christ. So leadership is a key priority. The following happened in September of last year at our monthly meeting.

Rev. Young Jin Cho, District Superintendent in Arlington was leading our daily worship. As part of his message he confessed his failure as leader. He said: “Our churches are not growing in numbers or in faith so I am fasting before the Lord and asking for forgiveness and a new direction for our churches and for our district.”

His message was given with such sincerity and humility it was obvious we were all touched. I could literally feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. What Young Jin said out loud echoed what many of us felt inside. Our churches were not having the impact within our community that was needed. How could we do better?

Near the conclusion of the service as the last hymn was being sung, Bishop Kammerer came forward and knelt at the altar in prayer.

I found this gesture moving not because I had never seen her pray but because of her genuine act of humility by placing herself at the altar before God in a way we had not witnessed before. It was as if God was in the room preparing her and us for what was to come.

Following the worship service, the Bishop started our meeting by asking us to join her in fasting for the direction of our churches. She asked us to fast for one day each week for the remainder of the year and during that fast we should pray for God to guide us and work in us and to strengthen our leadership and our spiritual life with God and among each other.

It was a simple request to seek new direction from God through fasting and prayer but for some unexplainable reason, this time was different. I was moved because we were no longer simply doing the work of the leadership body.

We were agreeing to humble ourselves before God in fasting and prayer and turn the leadership back to God. We were a cabinet setting direction for the 1200 churches of the Virginia Conference. But, this time, we were the ones who needed to listen… to God and to each other.

This time, we would no longer be relying on our brains, our political connections or our leadership ability.

This time we were being asked to lay ourselves humbly before God and pray for God’s leadership… not our own.

This time we were being called to use our spiritual resources to fight a spiritual battle.

Over the next few months, I struggled with fasting and prayer one day each week. But in the midst of the struggle, I saw a vision for our church and for our district. In the midst of the struggle, I saw the reassuring presence of God reminding me:

Christ is still head of our church and God is still in control of creation.

In my devotional reading today, I came across this amazing story.

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4:35-41)

While the disciples panicked, Jesus remained calm and in control. Christ was in charge even in the midst of a storm.

We are in the midst of a storm today.

Our community is crying out for spiritual leadership. We no longer want to be like the panicked disciples in the boat crying out: “Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

In the midst of our storm, I learned a lot from our Bishop. I found answers as I joined her in a time of fasting and prayer. I experienced God’s calming presence and I received affirmation of the same calming presence from many of you.

In the midst of our storm, we can refuse to panic.

In the midst of our storm, we can rely upon God.

In the midst of our storm, we can fast and pray before God.

In the midst of our storm, we can confidently look forward to Christ calming the winds and the high waves of water. We can know that God is still in control.

In the midst of our storm, we should anticipate our churches being in the middle of the solution not cowering in the boat.

In the midst of our storm, will you join me, by using the spiritual resources God provided for us… not for my sake but for the sake of our churches and our community?

1 Timothy 4:13 – “Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them.”

Today, as you prepare for worship, know that spiritual resources are at your disposal. When you read Scripture, encourage the believers and teach… you are unleashing the almighty power of God.

When you fast and pray before God you are allowing God to work within you as a leader.

So today, I will pray before God and for you. This week, I will resume fasting and praying one day per week and encourage you to join me.

We live in the midst of a fierce storm.

But we serve a mighty God who can calm the winds and the waves. God is still in control.

I will be praying for you today. Better yet, may we pray for each other and for our churches and community and for our world.

The Spirituality of Leadership

2011-02-16T04:45:00.000-05:00

The Spirituality of Leadership - By Byoung Sam Kim - From "Leading Ideas"

The church of the future must emphasize spirituality. We traditionally have asked people to come to church simply because it is a good thing to do. But that won't work anymore if you are not capable of moving the spirits of those attending. Howard Schultz of Starbucks said, "I don't sell coffee. I want to evangelize coffee." He took away this wonderful word from us! Why do people drink Starbucks? Is it because of the taste of the coffee? There is a certain experience that they give you when you go to Starbucks, and people go for that. But the church has often lost its sense of spirit and experience in worship.

When I became pastor of Manna Church near Seoul, South Korea, I was curious to know what kind of pastor the church members expected me to be. So I asked the members of the congregation. I opened myself to whatever they wanted to say. I got two clear answers. Members wanted an ethical leader. They also wanted a spiritual leader.

Twice a year at Manna Church we have a special morning service. I told members that for this week I would fast and lead the services. The service time is about an hour and a half. It is praise, sermon, and then prayer. Because I was fasting through the whole week, it was very difficult for me. As the days went by, people noticed how different my face looked. Members began to say, "Maybe it is because you are fasting, but we can see a light shining on your face." I could never tell them how hungry I was.

For three years I fasted every time we had the early morning services. For three years it was hard, but that is when the members began to pray for me.

God gave us many miracles at the special early morning services. This year, over 4,000 people gathered at 5 am. More amazing was that over 1,000 children and youth came. When I saw all those kids, tears dropped from my face.

When I see the kids gathered, I always bow to them. I tell them, "I don't know what you will become when you grow up, but I have high hopes for you, and I respect you." And in the past year, other amazing things happened. The number of young adults attending the young adult Sunday service doubled. I do five sermons every Sunday, but I always preach for the young adult service. And I regularly bow to the young adults as well. The young adults know how much I love them.

I work very hard at being a good pastor to my church members. And that means being the spiritual leader they expect.

The Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim is lead pastor of Manna Church near Seoul, South Korea. This article is adapted from a presentation Dr. Kim made at Wesley Theological Seminary in 2010.

Light in the Closet?

2011-02-13T04:30:00.002-05:00

Prayers

Rob and Mary Alice Colwell – Passing of Mary Alice’s sister, Carolyn Gresham

Steve Turner – LGH for tests

Gene Condrey – LGH

Herndon and Kim Jeffreys – Noie, their daughter had surgery at UVa

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Mat. 5:14-16)

Max Lucado describes when an electrical storm caused a blackout in the neighborhood. He felt his way through the darkness into the storage closet where he lit four candles.

But as he started to take the candles out of the closet they started speaking to him.

“You can’t take me out of this closet.”

I know this sounds strange but bear with me.

Max felt foolish but he answered the candles and said: “Why won’t you come out of the closet? You are meant to give light. You can’t give light in a closet.”

The first candle said, “I can’t come out of the closet because I’m not ready. I need more preparation.”

The second said, “I have important meetings to attend and I need to get better organized.”

The third candle said, “I’m still trying to get my life together. I can be a bit of a hothead.”

The fourth said, “Being a light to the world is not my gift. I am a singer and she began singing, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." The others soon joined in.

Finally in frustration, Max starting blowing the candles out just as they were singing, "Won't let Satan snuff me out..."

As he walked back out into the darkness, he bumped into his wife and the story ends with this conversation.

"Where are the candles?" she asked.

"They don't...they won't work. Where did you buy those candles anyway?"

"They're church candles. Remember the church that closed down across town? I bought them there."

“Oh,” he replied. “Now I get it.”

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

I hope you smiled just a little as you read this.

How many in your church would say: “I’m not ready. I need more preparation.”

How many would say: “I’m not organized. We need more meetings.”

Or: “I’m still trying to get my own life together. Fix my own problems.”

Or: “This is not my gift. I would rather do something else.”

This in many ways is our frustration and challenge as a church. We are called to be a light to the world but so often we are keeping the light bottled up under a basket called, the church.

The truth is…

Every church at times contains people who would rather keep their light in the closet.

Every one of us, including you and me at times would rather keep our light in the closet.

So, why am I writing this?

First, to make you smile and see that you are not alone.

Second, to know that the answer will not come easily.

Third, to know that you are part of the answer.

My prayer for you this morning is to be open to God’s guidance and direction as you seek to be an example of the light and at the same time encourage others to join you.

May you feel God’s presence today.

May your light shine brightly today… inside at first but soon outside the closet.

10 Wishes from a Pew Sitter

2011-02-10T10:21:00.001-05:00

Day 12 of the 30 day challenge: How big is your dream? How good is your team? How are you doing?

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen and reflect. Thom Schultz of Group Publishing wrote “10 Wishes from a Pew Sitter” and I can’t say that I totally agree with it but I found these comments all stimulate discussion about how to be the church.

Suppose you could have a group of your church leaders sit in a room and do nothing but discuss these 10 wishes. Here are some questions that you might ask.

·         How can we practice hospitality in a way that allows visitors to feel welcomed?
·         How can we make our worship and sermons more relevant and meaningful?
·         How can we encourage feedback from the congregation that would help us truly provide worship that is stimulating, thoughtful and meaningful?
·         How can we set the example for balancing our devotion to serving the church with our devotion to serving the needs of our family?
·         How can we provide an atmosphere during or after worship where we can talk about how we should respond to what we hear?
·         Why does the writer want us to get rid of our pews… really?

There are more questions you can ask but what a great way to meet and talk about how we can be a better church in a rapidly changing world.

10 Wishes from a Pew Sitter                   -- Thom Schultz

As a pew-sitter, I have a few wishes for the church leaders I know and love:

Banish the "stand and greet your neighbor" time in the worship service. I know your intentions are good, but it's forced, fruitless and goofy.
Forget everything they taught you about three-point sermons. You're wildly successful if you can get across one point. Just one point. Then sit down.
Get out and spend time with real people. Schedule lunches at your members' workplaces and schools. Listen. Get a feel for how real people live.
Encourage regular evaluation. Use comment cards. Ask us what we remember from last week's sermon. Then take us seriously, and adjust.
Crank down the volume of the band. Allow us to actually hear the voices of the flock.
Burn the fill-in-the-blank sermon guides. They're insulting, distracting and ineffective. (Can you imagine Jesus using them? Let's see, "Feed my _______.")
Show hospitality. Encourage people to enjoy a cup of coffee-during the service.
Let us participate. Entertain our questions-during the service. Let the real people around us tell how God is working in their lives.
Relax. Make some real friends. Spend more time with your family. Don't schedule every evening with church meetings.
Get rid of the pews. Really.

God in the Midst of Joy and Pain

2011-02-06T03:38:00.000-05:00

Prayers

Family of Jean Eberhardt – Celebration of Live Service yesterday – Leader at Heritage, within our District and Conference

Jerry Viemeister – Considerably better. Infection is healing.

Noie Jeffreys – Daughter of Herndon and Kim – Extensive Surgery at UVa on Thursday morning.

Several Unspoken Requests

Day 8 of 30 Days of prayer: How big is your dream? How good is your team?

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

My past week could best be described as… intense.

There were exciting events that were joyful to watch.

There were several agonizing setbacks that were painful to watch.

Several of the same events included elements of both joy and pain.

The writer of Psalm 30 seems to be describing such an intense time of joy and pain.

Psalm 30 - A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple.

I will exalt you, LORD, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.

You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

I love this description of God. Yes, at times God will be disappointed in us but like the ideal parent. Anger and disappointment lasts but a moment. But God’s love lasts a lifetime. Disappointments will come but joy will follow.

When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!”

Your favor, O LORD, made me as secure as a mountain.

At times we are prosperous and there is a sense of fulfillment and security.

Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.

I cried out to you, O LORD. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,

“What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave?

Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness?

Then there are the painful times when there is a sense of helplessness and abandonment.

Here is the lesson…

At times we will experience both joy and pain.

The question: How will you respond?

The answer: Faith that God continues to love us in the midst of both joy and pain.

Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD.

Here is God’s prescription:

Hear me

Have mercy on me

Help me

Continue to hear me as I come to you.

Have mercy on me when I fail you.

Help me learn and grow from my mistakes.

So, at the end of an intense week of joy and pain… what does God promise?

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.

You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

Mourning will turn to joyful dancing.

Clothes of mourning will be replaced by clothes of joy.

At the end of an intense week of joy and pain… how should we respond?

that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O LORD, my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Continue to sing praises and not be silent.

Continue to give God thanks forever.

Joni Eareckson Tada, because of a diving accident as a teenager is now a quadriplegic. Yet her ministry and faith in God is an example for us all. In her daily devotional she wrote the following prayer for today:

Lord and Savior, I have every confidence in your character. You are utterly reliable and truthful. Today, I am going to take you at your word even if doubts or fears arise. You have the words of life and I am happy to say, I believe the Lord!

My prayer for you today is that you will continue to have confidence in the character of God whether you are in the midst of joy or pain.

I pray you will continue to believe that God is utterly reliable and truthful.

I pray you will take God at His word even if doubts or fears arise.

I pray you will have the words of life today and be happy to say…

I believe the Lord!

How Big Is Your Dream? How Good Is Your Team?

2011-02-03T04:54:00.000-05:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge: How Big Is Your Dream? How Good Is Your Team?

Last week at Leadership Training we were challenged to make a commitment to pray over two questions that we have heard since our clergy retreat last September:

How big is your dream? How good is your team?

For the next 30 Days, I challenge you to join me in dreaming big. Every day, simply set aside a time for prayer and ask God to give you big dream. Here is what I predict:

1. You will have your life and purpose stretched far beyond what you ever imagined.

2. Some of you will make radical life changing decisions over the next few months.

3. Most of you will see a clear example of God working within your daily life.

4. Our church will become even more of a leader and example within our community.

5. Our church will take on at least one new special project through God’s leading.

6. Our church will become even more vital as you continue to make a difference for God.

“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth— (Joel 2:28-30)

How big is your dream?

What do you feel God is calling you to do or be this year?
What do you feel God is calling your church to do or be this year?

1. Big dreams are the product of prayer and spiritual preparation.
2. Big dreams often come from unexpected sources.
3. Big dreams at first sound silly and unrealistic.
4. Big dreams become a vision that will shape you and your church.

My Dream after 30 Days: ___________________________________________________

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. (Mark 1:16-20)

How good is your team?

Who is on your team offering encouragement and help?
Who is on your church team helping to move the church forward?

1. Where is God on your team?
2. A good team needs good leadership.
3. A good team requires a willingness to share and sacrifice.
4. A good team requires constant nourishment.

My Team after 30 Days: ___________________________________________________

Please join me in the 30 day challenge and feel free to regularly email me and let me know how you are doing. My prayers are with you as you dream big and work to build good teams.

Leadership Training: How Big Is Your Dream? How Good Is Your Team?

2011-01-27T09:42:00.001-05:00

How Big Is Your Dream?

· What do you feel God is calling you to do or be this year?

· What do you feel God is calling your church to do or be this year?

Diane Sawyer, co-anchor for the television program, “Good Morning America” gave an interview for the 60^th anniversary Guidepost issue and talked about a Junior Miss Competition and meeting Catherine Marshall, the famous author.

Expecting just a last minute pep talk, Diane was not prepared for what Catherine had to say: “You have set goals for yourselves but I don’t think you have set them high enough. I think you should take those goals and expand them. Think of the most you could do with your lives. Make what you do matter. Above all, dream big.” (Mar 2005)

Diane took her message to heart and has learned to dream big but what about the rest of us? Will God help us set higher goals and learn to dream big? Has your church learned to dream big?

“Larry, I have a stressful schedule and work too hard already? What more can God expect?”

Dreaming big has nothing to do with stress or work habits. Here is the question: “Do you believe God can do big things through you and your church? Are you seeking to fulfill God’s purpose?”

How Good Is Your Team?

· Who is on your team offering encouragement and help?

· Who is on your church team helping to move the church forward?

Nicholas, approximately 30, grew up in the church but walked away. Recently he wanted to deepen his faith with God but wasn’t happy at the churches he was attending. So, taking matters into his own hands he started a group on Facebook. He signed me up first and then asked a few friends. Next thing I knew, there were over 80 young adults sharing their hopes and dreams and their struggles with faith. They were recommending Bible Verses and praying for each other.

Nicholas later wrote me: “I just got this feeling the other day about starting a new group on FB. I believe God wanted me to do something for Him, so I pondered on it throughout the day and prayed about it the other night. God gave me the OK, so I got up the next day, started the group, and have enjoyed and been blessed by how everyone has responded. I need a group of believers to hang around since I'm currently not attending church regularly. I want to keep up with this and hope that we can all use this powerful piece of technology to God's advantage!”

Nicholas was inspired to do something significant and found a unique way to not only pursue his big dream but formed a great team in the process.

So…

How big is your dream? How good is your team?

Matthew 28: 16-20 -- The Great Commission - Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Dream: Go and make disciples of all nations.

Team: Teach these new disciples.

That will be the theme of our Leadership Training this Saturday. It will be stimulating and exciting. I believe you will all come away with something useful that will you and your church.

So come and join us. Whether you’ve registered or not, come anyway.

Just come expecting to find big dreams and good teams.

See you there.

Larry

Psalm 19 and Sunday Prayer before Worship

2011-01-23T04:10:00.000-05:00

Prayers

Jerry Viemeister
Several unspoken requests
Pastors who are considering a change – retirement or move - For the past several weeks and for the next several months, I will be heavily involved with churches and pastors considering change. Each year, I realize how traumatic this kind of change can be for the church and for the pastor and family. Please pray that the change becomes beneficial both for the pastor and family as well as the church.
Our Leadership Training Event on January 29. Pray that we offer real help as church leaders come from all over the district to learn how to be better leaders within their church.

My devotional reading this morning included Psalm 19, a Psalm that always helps me put my troubles in better perspective as I read of glory of God.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

This is a powerful reminder that God is in control. At times I may feel helpless but God displays his craftsmanship day after day and night after night. The message is heard throughout the earth.

Here is my favorite part:

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

I have seen many radiant brides and bridegrooms after a wedding. It’s a look that confidently anticipates the future. And there is the image of a great athlete eager to run the race full of confidence in what the future holds.

In other words, be strong, be confident… not in yourself but in the God who created you and called you.

Do you need proof? Look at the sun rising in the heavens and follow its course. Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.

The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect… reviving the soul, making wise the simple, bringing joy to the heart and giving insight for the living. The instructions we receive from God matter just as much in the digital age as they did thousands of years ago.

Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever.

The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

Reverence for the Lord and the Laws of the Lord are pure, true, fair and last forever. This is the grounding we need to know that what we do is right, more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. What we teach, how we act, what we do still matters and still makes a difference whether in our church or in the community.

They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

We are hearing of a warning and a reward. We recognize and name our sins so they can be cleansed. We recognize sin in the same way doctors diagnose a disease in order to offer a cure. Only then, can we serve God with grace, knowing we are free of guilt and sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

These are words often said before beginning a devotional message but after reading the rest of the Psalm, we can say them again with greater confidence.

These are God’s words, not mine. This meditation is from God, not me. For God is my rock and my redeemer.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Amen.

May you feel God’s presence within you today.

Rest and Thank you

2011-01-20T05:26:00.000-05:00

During the past couple of weeks, our pastors and other leaders have been busy fulfilling the requirements of closing out 2010. Data about our attendance and membership and our finances are now entered in their proper place. The work of 2010 should be complete and we should be ready to begin 2011.

But, pause for moment…

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Since we are the ones who dwell in the shelter of the most high; let us pause for a moment and find rest in the shadow of the almighty.

Rest is God’s way of restoring us from rigors behind and preparing us for the trials that lie ahead. As a part of our rest let me take a moment and simply say, “Thank you.”

To all of our clergy whether you were full time or part time, Deacon or Elder or Local Pastor. Thank you for giving of yourself in so many ways. To all who serve as part of a church staff. Thank you. You served your church and your community well.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge --

To all of our volunteers, from every church, small, medium and large. Some of you were leaders of our many ministries and missions, some of you taught Sunday school, took care of the yard, visited those in need and performed the many hundreds of other tasks that are so vital in the life of the church. Thank you. You served your church and your community.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety --

To all of you who gave of your time and resources, whether through a check or spending time in the nursery. Thanks to you, we made a difference for people in need in our community and around the world. Your gifts matter and your generosity is appreciated.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

To those impacted by the ministry and mission of your church. Think of the hundreds of ways your church made an impact on your life and others around you. Whether, through the music and the message heard during worship or through a small group Bible study or through a visit when you were sick or through a phone call just to see if you were okay or through a devotional reading prepared by someone in your church. This is why the church exists: to bring the message and grace of Jesus Christ to you.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

The next two verses continue God’s promise: For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Just take a moment and soak in the promises of God.

We dwell in the shelter of the most high –

We find rest in the shadow of the almighty -

He alone is your refuge –

He is your place of safety –

He is your God –

You can trust him –

He rescues you from every trap –

He protects you from deadly disease –

He covers you with his feathers –

He shelters you with his wings –

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Wow!

For 2010, you and your church made a difference.

Thank you. Rest in the shelter of God’s refuge and be renewed and refreshed for 2011.

Prayer for Pastors on Sunday Morning

2011-01-16T04:27:00.000-05:00

In my daily reading was this passage in Matthew:

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Mat. 11:25-30)

First… Jesus prayed this prayer – so it’s important.

Second… The real message will be hidden from those who think themselves wise.

Third… We must be childlike to understand.

So, Lord, let me be childlike as I look at this prayer. Let me trust and absorb rather than examine.

My Father has entrusted everything to me.

No one truly knows the Son except the Father,

and no one truly knows the Father except the Son

and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

So Lord, what has been entrusted to you and who will you reveal it too? With child-like faith, help me to understand.

Help me to trust in what you are getting ready to say…

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you.

Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy to bear,

and the burden I give you is light.”

At times the lot of being a pastor is to carry heavy burdens.

Burdens for yourself and your family… finances, sickness, grief

Burdens for your church family… so many struggles within your church

Burdens for your community… reaching others for Christ

At times the burdens of being a pastor can be more than any one person can bear. Yet you are expected to step into the pulpit each Sunday morning or work within the congregation each Sunday morning and bring God’s Word as a message of hope. At times, it seems impossible.

But Jesus says, (With a warning to accept this with childlike faith.)

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you.

This morning in the midst of my own burdens, I stopped analyzing and started to simply accept.

Jesus, I am weary and the burdens seem heavy. Help me to simply accept the rest you offer. Help me to accept your yoke.

Maybe this is a gentle reminder that the burdens I feel do not have to be mine alone just as the burdens you feel are not yours alone. As you step into the pulpit, may you know this morning that Jesus took on those burdens a long time ago.

So rather than analyze -- Take a moment and feel the presence of Jesus simply giving you rest, and shouldering the burdens along-side you.

As Jesus relieves you of your burden, he then says,

Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

Jesus is walking beside me relieving me of my burden. He is teaching me through the example of his humble and gentle spirit and in the midst of that teaching…

I am finding rest for my soul.

I feel better already. I feel less alone. I feel a part of something so much bigger than… me.

For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light.

Thank you, Jesus.

Today, like many of you, I will be stepping into the pulpit.

Today, I feel the burdens shift and grow lighter. I will teach the way Jesus would want me to teach: My burdens no longer heavy will no longer interfere with Your Word.

I pray for you… the same.

Prayer Response to Tragedy in Tucson

2011-01-09T04:27:00.000-05:00

“Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in critical condition after a shooting rampage at a Tucson, Arizona shopping center that has shaken the nation and left at least six people dead and more than a dozen wounded. Giffords, was shot in the head at point blank range by a man who opened fire during a meet-and-greet with constituents. Among the dead are an aide to the congresswoman, a 9-year-old girl and U.S. District Judge John Roll. President Obama called the shooting ‘a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country. We are going to get to the bottom of this and we will get through this,’ he said.” (from USA Today)

May we join together in prayer as a response to this horrible tragedy.

Our hearts grieve for the loss of precious lives and for those who were wounded. Lord, provide comfort and healing in the midst of sorrow and pain.

We pray for the families involved in this senseless tragedy.

We pray for the community as they pull together.

We pray for our leaders who need our encouragement as well as our criticism.

And we pray for God to show us how to rightly respond to this crisis.

How can we get more involved to help those in need?

How can we look more carefully around us and ask our neighbor, our coworker, our friend: “How are you doing?” and really mean it?

Lord, give us the compassion to care and the courage to act.

Thank you, Lord for bringing us healing and comfort in the midst of our despair. Help us to trust more deeply in You. We ask all of this in the Holy name of our Lord and Savior. Amen.

In the midst of tragedy -- The Apostle Paul writes:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

(Joy is an attitude of trust in the midst of doubt.)

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.

(Being considerate is our best witness in the midst of conflict.)

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

(The Lord provides hope in the midst of despair.)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

(Worry accomplishes nothing but prayer is a step forward.)

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

(Replace worry with trust.)

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

(Replace worry with peace.)

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:4-7)

May your hearts be full of peace as you serve Christ today.

May your church be ready to hear God’s Word.

May you be ready to serve as God gently guides your path.

May we do it all in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers for the New Year

2011-01-02T04:11:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

My memories of the first Sunday of each New Year are full of mixed emotions.

Anticipation mixed with fear. Excitement blended with dread.

It’s wonderful to say that you are beginning again but it’s scary to say you’re starting something new when that usually means you are giving up something comfortable.

Maybe a better way to look at the New Year is not to feel like you’re starting all over.

Maybe a better way is to think about making adjustments for improvement.

After all there are certain basics of our lives and faith that will guide us long before we make any New Year resolutions.

For example: Every January 1 - I have to decide which yearly devotions I’m going to read every morning. I also read from at least one book every day but I’m guided by several daily devotions. I could start fresh every year but that is too much change and seldom helpful. Instead – I start with the Bible. Maybe a different translation but I start here.

First – Through the Bible in One Year

Then add one devotional helpful last year and worth reading again.

Then add at least two daily devotions that will stimulate continued progress.

That will preach:

· Something basic and foundational.

· Something carried over that was helpful and bears repeating.

· Something new to stimulate continued progress.

Maybe this is good advice for a lot of what we try to do as leaders…

Remember what is basic and foundational.

Carry over and celebrate what was helpful and bears repeating.

Strive to create something new to stimulate continued progress.

Jim Robey, former pastor from Alabama has become a life coach for the United Methodist Church. He has been a coach and friend to me for many years. He gets more specific and asks three great questions:

1. What am I bringing from last year into this new one?

· what joys and sorrows, what is working and not working, hopes and dreams, sense of calling and following where God leads, unfinished business and new possibilities...

2. What would make this year “wildly successful” for me?

· my dreams and God-given yearnings, the “hunger of my heart,” specific goals that are pulling me forward...

3. What additional resources will help me “be” my best?

· people, experiences, spiritual practices and structures that will help me “be” what I desire in order to pursue my dreams...

Then Jim quoted from the following passage of Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

For me it’s comforting that God is giving us a road map for the New Year.

· We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses…

· Let us strip off every weight that slows us down…

· Let us run with endurance…

· Keep our eyes on Jesus…

· Think of what he endured…

· So, don’t become weary and give up…

As you begin your New Year with your first Sunday, please know that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. I am one of those who will be praying for you and your ministry.

May you cling to what is basic and foundational.

May you carry over and celebrate what was helpful and bears repeating.

May you strive to create something new to stimulate continued progress.

May you especially know that you were called by God to be where you are today and that God will be with you today, tomorrow and forever.

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

Jim Robey, a United Methodist minister, was the first clergy to be endorsed by UMC for the Ministry of Life Coaching. (He is also endorsed as a Pastoral Counselor.) His appointment is as the Executive Director of ATTENTIONAL GROWTH INC, a non-profit organization which he founded. For more about Jim go to his website at: http://www.attentionalgrowth.org/

You are invited to an interactive conference call entitled 3 Keys to Successfully "Begin Again" on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 2pm ET. Jim Robey will be joined by his friend and fellow coach Dr. Larry Ousley. For more information and to register click: http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/TVDKE81QOZA8H5QM

Prayers in the Midst of Cancelled Services

2010-12-26T07:11:00.001-05:00

Well the snow came after all: Just enough to either cancel services or enough to keep all but the hardiest of souls from attending. We began this year with record snow storms, often cancelling services so it seems fitting that we end 2010 the same way.

This is a classic bad news/good news situation.

The bad – it makes it tough for churches financially.

The good – it gives us the opportunity to slow down and think about the real source of our financial base.

Snow always reminds me that God is ultimately in control of everything, even our finances. At the beginning of this year, I thought the snow storms would put all of us in horrible shape from which we would never recover. Yet for most churches, not only did we recover, we did pretty well and managed to make a huge difference in our community.

Nearly every single church in our area made a difference somewhere. In fact in many of the churches I visited, you made a difference far beyond what would have been reasonable.

So, today, I’m going to give more of the worries to God and spend my worrying time in prayer for you and for our churches.

Here is what I came across in my Bible reading today from Zephaniah, Chapter 3. It’s been awhile since I’ve read from this book. I’m always amazed at what I missed. After a lot of painful predictions, the book ends with the following promise.

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

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.

On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed.

On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the LORD, have spoken!

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

Shout aloud… be glad.

The Lord will remove his hand of judgment.

The Lord himself will live among you.

Your troubles will be over and you will never again fear disaster.

Those are words of comfort and promise we all need to hear from time to time… especially these times.

Cheer up! Don’t be afraid.

For the Lord your God is living among you.

He will take delight in you with gladness. He will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Don’t we need to know that?

I will gather you who mourn. You will be disgraced no more.

I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones;

I will bring together those who were chased away.

More promises we need to hear.

I will gather you together and bring you home again.

I will give you a good name.

Here is the best part… remember the source.

I, the LORD, have spoken!

Enough said. I hope you spend the day doing more praying and less worrying.

May God bless you with a special day and prepare you for a special year.

Someone in Need of Help

2010-12-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

Amanda Blankenship is the daughter in law of one of our pastors, Glenn Dawson. A friend of hers named Troy Waugh was killed under tragic circumstances. There is no money for the funeral or for Christmas for that matter. I'm going to help the family out through the district but if we're really going to help this family I need your help.

I'm setting up a fund. If you can help, you can send a check through the Lynchburg District at 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. Just make sure you let us know it's for Troy Waugh and we'll get it to the family. We want to help with funeral expenses and with Christmas if possible. He will be buried here in Lynchburg.

Amanda's letter is below.

December 20, 2010

Mr. Davies,
Thank you so much for replying to my email earlier. I’ve been thinking for the last few hours, ‘How can I put into words how special Troy was and what makes his story so important that others will want to help his family? One hour later, I’ve wrote a huge story about Troy, but I’m so exhausted from these last few days that I just do not know if I’m actually getting to the heart of what’s truly important right now and that’s the family that he has left behind due to his sudden death Friday morning.

Troy Waugh, we know him as Boomer ( a nickname he earned in elementary school, rec. baseball for hitting the balls over the fence) died Friday morning at the age of 31, likely due to complications from Diabetes. He was a married to Nancy, currently a cook at the Boys & Girls Club in Dallas, Texas and father to 2 sons, ages 13 and 11, and one daughter, age 10.

Troy and Nancy had lived in a suburb of Dallas for the last 8 years but had decided to move to Elon, his hometown (he graduated from Amherst High School in 1997), to escape the busy city life of Dallas. They were here for 6 months when his father in law was diagnosed with Cancer. Nancy and 2 of their children went to Texas to be with her father during his treatments. To afford an apartment, she has also been working as a cook at a Dallas Boys & Girls club.

After spending this past week with his 11 year old son, Troy boarded a bus to Texas to be with his wife & family during Christmas. Boomer was an insulin dependent Diabetic, and it’s to my understanding that the bag containing his insulin was dropped when boarding. So eager to see his family, he attempted to ride 31 hours without his necessary insulin. Troy was found on the bus, unresponsive, 2 hours from his wife. He was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarcana, Texas, and pronounced dead.

Troy was a wonderful friend and I could talk all night about him. We have been best friends since age 11….but tonight, again…I need to stay focused on his wife and children, and the rest of his family that are all grief stricken. His mother, Peggy Bennet of Monroe, VA, has been working deligently trying to plan a funeral for her son whose body is in the process of being flown to Lynchburg now, and trying to console a wife and grandchildren that are halfway across the country. Peggy is an employee at Central Virginia Training Center and is a caretaker of an intellectually disabeled family member. His step father, Clifford Bennet, is a custodian for Amherst County Public Schools. Troy’s youngest sister, Tameka, was able to book flights for the wife and children today, and they will now be able to attend Boomer’s funeral. But now in the aftermath I see how hard this is going to hit this family. Nancy has lost her companion and three children have lost their father….and of all the horrible times for this to happen…. right here at Christmas.

I have spoken with the family many times over these last few days and discussed many aspects of what’s happening right now…but I cannot muster up the courage to mention Christmas for the children. It would just add insult to injury. Nancy did not have the money to pay for airfare and almost had to miss her husband’s funeral so I know that she does not have the means to pay for presents.

So, I guess I’m writing as a call for help. These children have lost their father and now they are about to lose the joy of Christmas, too. They might also have to move permanently to Texas although they have grown fond of their family and surroundings here in Virginia. The only way I can think to help is through monetary donations or gifts. At least without some of the financial burdens that are now being laid upon this family they will be able to think more clearly and hopefully get back on their feet faster.

Davis & Turner Funeral SVS of Lynchburg VA is handling the funeral arrangements, their phone number is 434-846-9011. As of earlier, Troy’s funeral is planned for Wednesday at 1pm at a church on Rt. 635, in Elon, VA.

Mr. Davies, thank you so much for your attention. I know this time of year is one in which many people are in a financial pinch and will find it hard to donate which is completely understandable.

Thank you again,
Amanda Blankenship
Blankenship.ag@gmail.com

The True Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-21T08:39:00.001-05:00

The True Meaning Of Christmas by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

Merry Christmas from the staff of the Lynchburg District

Prayer for Pastors and Worship Leaders

2010-12-19T04:33:00.000-05:00

A writer on a television variety show wanted to do an old fashioned Christmas. Everyone thought he was nuts. This was Hollywood. There is no snow? No Christmas trees? Then they begin to question whether Christmas is even realistic anymore? Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25? Finally one asked the central question: Where is God anyway?

The financial crisis may be easing somewhat but times are hard for so many. Where is God for them?

Some are going through crisis: divorce, grief, illness. Where is God for them?

Nearly all of us are feeling more personal pressure now than ever before. Where is God for us?

If the truth be told. God doesn’t seem that close to many of us anymore or your church would be full.

If the truth be told, are people attending your church to celebrate the God who gave them the precious gift of salvation or are they merely coming out of habit?

If the truth be told, are we still excited about the God who called us into ministry or are we preparing our professionally organized message with all the right words but none of the passion?

Where is God for us?

If this were a sermon, I would start giving you Scripture and answers because that is what we as preachers do. I can do that and it might help you but I’ve got a better idea.

You know the story. You’ve studied the Scripture. Now answer the question for those who are sitting in the pew looking for something besides the habit of coming on Sunday morning.

Where is God for you? Where is God for our community? For our world? Most of all, where is God for them?

Help me to believe again? Help me understand why Christmas is more than opening a few presents, eating a lot of food and attending a few parties.

Deep down, you know the answer because you were called by God. God chose you to give that answer to your congregation and to inspire your congregation to go out into the community.

God chose you to remind others with all the passion you can summon that God is here. God is everywhere. Merry Christmas! Our Savior is born.

Remember the writer at the variety show? Well, they decided to celebrate Christmas after all.

At the end of the show, they brought in a trumpet player from New Orleans who almost died during Hurricane Katrina. He lost his home and all of his possessions. More than anyone, he had the right to ask: Where is God?

But in the midst of tragedy he found God. First, in the outpouring of help from friends and neighbors. Then, a church from another state sent people, not once but many times to rebuild his home. But more than rebuild his home, they witnessed to him their love for Jesus Christ.

By the time, the church group left, they had built more than a home. They had restored this musician’s faith.

In the midst of his tragedy, he rediscovered his passion and love for God!

So at the end of the show, the stage grew quiet while a single spotlight focused on this grateful musician as he gave thanks the only way he knew how.

He told his story…

Then he put his trumpet to his lips and played his own version of, “O Come All Ye Faithful”

At first, all you could hear was medley but there was something special about the way that musician played. As the camera panned the audience you could see people at first mouthing the words quietly but gradually they began to sing louder.

O come all ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant.

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him, born the King of angels.

O come let us adore him.

O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

As the audience sang the final words you could see the transformation. The once passive audience now looked animated and involved. Nearly all of them were smiling.

The show ended in silence, spotlight first on the audience, then on the transformed musician, while the screen simply flashed the words: Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Where is God?

O come all ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant.

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him, born the King of angels.

O come let us adore him.

O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

You know more than anyone. You were called to bring your story to us.

Merry Christmas.

I will be praying for you but more importantly, I will pray that God’s Holy Spirit guides and directs you.

Merry Christmas.

Top Ten Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Gift Ideas

2010-12-15T07:16:00.000-05:00

From Church Volunteer Daily

December 15, 2010 | Written by Sue Brage Permalink

10. Supplies - often teachers and leaders can use some fresh supplies for their rooms or to use with their teams. Show them you care by meeting those needs this Christmas.

9. Laughter - share a funny holiday story or video with your volunteers. Be sure to tell them you are sending the gift of a smile in appreciation for all they do.

8. Meal - prepare a large pot of soup or spaghetti sauce. Divide and deliver to each volunteer along with a lovely Christmas card and perhaps a nice loaf or bread or small plate of cookies for dessert.

7. Photos - arrange for a photographer (ideally, a church member willing to donate their services) to photograph your volunteers and their families in a pretty spot near the Christmas tree. Make the digital files available as your gift to them.

6. Stress-relief - find a masseuse with a chair who would be willing to come and set up at your staff meeting or Christmas party.

5. Fun - buy a fun, family game, DVD, or even a gift certificate (bowling, anyone?) that they can share with their families. Or better yet, rent a few lanes at the bowling alley and invite your volunteers to come for a family fun night on you!

4. Prayer - take time to pray for each of your volunteers and their families. Take time to share what you felt during that prayer time or a special verse that came to mind for them.

3. Spiritual Encouragement - is there a book your pastor has recommended recently? Purchase a copy for each of your key volunteers. Remind them that their spiritual growth is important to you.

2. Parents Day Out - provide free child care on a weeknight or Saturday morning for your volunteers. Give them the chance to get some shopping done or just rest during the busy holiday season. (This could be arranged at the church or in someone's home, depending on how many volunteers you have.)

1. Time - arrange a substitute, give them a Sunday off, or even fill in yourself, and let your valued volunteer have a break from their normal serving time.

3 Tips for "Above-Average" Leaders

2010-12-14T09:19:00.000-05:00

-- Sue Barge - Editor of Volunteer Daily

Christ calls us to live an "above-average" life; a life of influence and impact. The reality is average, status-quo, ordinary living doesn't inspire others to follow Christ more closely. Radical, above-average, extraordinary living does! I don't know about you, but at times this has been a challenge for me! Average seems so comfortable, so appealing, so safe. Not to mention, it’s what everyone else is doing, so it makes life easier... or so it seems.
However, remember our verse from Isaiah?

"If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:9)

My question for you today is: Are you willing to be above average? If you want to reach others and change your world, the answer needs to be yes.
To be above average, you must:

Do what others won't

Have you ever heard someone say, Oh I would never do that? I have. Many times, in fact. Often that is a sign that I am on the right track. To live - and serve - in an above average way means you are willing to do what others won't. Don't let this bother or intimidate you! Recognize that every leader faces the same challenge, starting with Jesus. He certainly could have settled for an average lifestyle, but He chose to lay down His life to fulfill His purpose.

Create productive habits

Leaders choose what to do with their time, their health, their desires and appetites, and their words and thoughts. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time...." Our time and energy needs to be fruitful, not frivolous. We all have areas of life that are uncultivated and unfruitful. Often all it takes is for a seed to be planted and we can turn that around.

Refuse to live an average lifestyle

Average people (and leaders) don’t stop to examine what they are doing. Often, they live by their emotions and take the path of least resistance. To be above average, you may need to watch less TV, read more books, set goals (and be accountable to reach them), take care of your health, eat better, exercise more, forgive, encourage, and take more risks...than the average person! Of course, this also means you get to see God do more in and through you than the "average" person might.

Are you ready to be above average? I hope the answer is yes, because that means you will be able to reach more people with the love and encouragement of Christ, and lead them to grow and mature into His image. That is worth the inconvenience of letting go of the status quo...