Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Jesus traveled to Nazareth, where he had grown up. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue, as he always did, and stood up to read. The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:16-18). The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The General Board has headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. The GBCS's primary mission is to seek the implementation of the United Methodist Social Principals and other policy statements adopted by the General Conference. The board carries this out through a program of education, witness and action. ...The message of salvation brought by Jesus Christ binds us together as a people and sends us forth to bring healing in the midst of strife, justice in the midst of brokenness, and love in the midst of hate. As United Methodists, we are called to invite people to enter into a community of faith responsive to a vision of justice ministries that is biblically and theologically grounded, and to invite United Methodist congregations to play a prophetic role in bringing God’s vision to reality. Our mission is to advocate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the church and society. Through the General Board of Church and Society I was made aware of a documentary titled Redemption of the Prosecutor. This documentary reveals what a prosecutor learned from his experience as a teacher in a Nashville Prison. I found the documentary to be a very “eye-opening” experience for me, as was the information I received about the criminal justice system. I will be showing the documentary Redemption of the Prosecutor following our worship service on September 8. It is a short documentary, only 22 minutes. We will take some time for discussion following the documentary and end the session by noon. I invite you to join me for this time of learning more about mass incarceration and restorative justice. You can read more about restorative justice and other social concerns of the UMC at www.umc-gbcs.org The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because he has anointed us to bring good news to the poor. He has sent us to proclaim release to the captive and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. And All God's Children Said, “Amen.”
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Many years ago I worked for the Loess Hills Area Education Agency as a Tobacco Prevention Specialist. The key word being “prevention.” My responsibilities included going to elementary schools in the area to talk to the youth about the health risks of using tobacco products. Now, more than ever, health professionals realize the importance of preventative health care, being proactive. The results of being proactive, taking an active role in advance to deal with an expected problem, can be seen everyday in our airport terminals. As a response to the 9-11 tragedy, airport security has been tightened. Almost immediately following the Boston Marathon tragedy, people called for more surveillance cameras, a greater police presence, and tighter restrictions for public spaces. And for people whose job it is to keep our nation safe, this would be an understandable reaction. But what about us? What is our reaction to this horrific attack on innocent people, the loss of lives and life altering injuries? Of course we are deeply saddened, heart broken, and filled with compassion for all affected by this tragedy. Most of us are probably at a loss to understand how anyone could intentionally cause such harm to innocent men, women, and children. Maybe we are filled with anger at the ones who committed this crime. Maybe our sense of security has been threatened. Yet even in the midst of our sadness, confusion, anger, and fear we are called to remember who we have decided to put our trust in. As followers of Jesus Christ, we put our trust in our Lord and seek to follow him. So we pray and we pray and we pray. We pray for all those affected by the bombing. As the scriptures teach us to do, we pray continually. And then we love. We do what Jesus did best. He loved. We love our family, our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers, our church family, people of different races and nationalities. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love. Surely we have to believe that Jesus knew what he was talking about. If we want to be proactive in dealing with the violence and hatred in the world, if we want to change the world, it has to begin within our own hearts. We have to let the love of God fill us up to overflowing so we have no choice but to share that overflowing love with others. Admittedly it can be difficult to see how loving our neighbors can change the world. It seems like such a passive thing to do. Yet the reality is loving one another is often times anything but passive. Loving one another requires patience and courage and strength and self sacrifice. Think about Jesus' love for us. His act of love saved the world. And All God's Children Said, “Amen.” Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Although every Sunday is a day to celebrate as we come together to worship our Lord and Savior, the four Sundays in April have added reasons to celebrate. On the first Sunday in April, April 7th, the High School Youth Group, under the leadership of youth leader volunteer, Tim White, will be leading our worship service. The Gospel Lesson for that Sunday is about Doubting Thomas. The youth will share a drama with us titled The Faith Zone. The following Sunday, the 14th, is Confirmation Sunday. Four youth will be confirmed and join our congregation. Prior to being confirmed, the youth will share their faith statements with the congregation. On the third Sunday, April 21st, we will learn more (via video) about a United Methodist missionary, Larry Kies, serving in Africa. Some of you may have met Larry if you were able to come to our last All Church Birthday Party. Larry was our guest speaker at that event. Our third Sunday offering will go to support Larry's missionary work. April 28th has been designated as Camping Sunday. It is the Sunday we recognize campers and it is a time to get people thinking about camp. And we can't forget about the special event on the 28th held before the worship service. Sunday morning from 8-10am the men of our church will serve a pancake breakfast in Fellowship Hall. The free will offering will be used to help eliminate malaria. I pray you will join us for worship and breakfast during the month of April. We are the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:14 & 27 we read, “For the body does not consist of one member, but many. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” We need each and every one of you. You are all important to the life of the church. “You are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong to God's household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19b And All God's Children Said, “Amen” Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I recently attended the memorial service for a very good friend of the family. On the life and times folder for this young man's service were written the words, Get Busy Living. This was the philosophy of the man being remembered on that day. This special person was remembered for his love of God and family. He lived life to the fullest. He had the biggest smile you have ever seen. When you were around him, you could not help but smile, too. The phrase, Get Busy Living, was a line from the popular film, Shawshank Redemption. Now I'm not sure when or where that phrase first originated, but the thought has been around for a long , long time. The scriptures remind us that life is short and that now is the time to act, now is the time “to live.” So how should we live? In his letter to the Colossians. Paul tells us to live in union with Christ Jesus. Keep our roots in him. Become stronger in our faith. Be filled with thanksgiving. Don't be enslaved by the old life, the life before you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord. In other words Get Busy Living. When Jesus died on the cross, he destroyed the power of sin in our lives. We have been resurrected along with Christ. We are new creatures. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to the power of God to do the impossible. Are you claiming God's power in your life? What holds you back from living life to the fullest? Give it to God so you can Get Busy Living. This month we remember Jesus' death and resurrection. Easter is a celebration of life, new life, when it was least expected. Even Jesus' closest followers didn't get it. Mourning the loss of their Lord, they hid behind closed doors, afraid and confused. And then Jesus appeared to them and told them not to be afraid. He gave them the great command- “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day.” In other words Get Busy Living! May it be so for us all! And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.” Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I was thinking about the coming of a new year, I recalled words I had read about how to go into a new year. The words can be found in a daily devotional book written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman titled Streams in the Desert. The book was published in 1966. I purchased the book in 1971 as a Father’s Day gift for my grandfather. The book was returned to me after my grandfather’s death in 1975. I found much comfort and encouragement from the reading of this book as I have turned to it countless times for over 35 years. I would like to share with you the words written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman about how to go into a new year: “Advance into this new year on your knees. Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. That first step is all that is needed. Breathe a prayer of courage to fill your legs as well as your heart as you face the unknown, the unexpected. What matters that you know not your destination? Put your hand into the hand of God. He gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul. As He endures, you too, can endure the climb over sharp rocks and crags. Climb with Him to the end of the year – yea, even to the end of life’s trail.” Begin the new year with prayer, and hold on to God’s hand as He leads you through the year. I can’t think of any better advice than that! Wishing you a Blessed New Year! Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What are you passionate about? Thinking about what you are passionate about is a good thing to do as we are entering the Advent season. I encourage you to use your passion for whatever or whoever to make a difference in the world this Advent season. I have been reading a book by Mike Slaughter, lead pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio. The book is titled “Christmas is Not Your Birthday.” Granted there are probably a handful of people reading this newsletter whose birthdays actually do fall on December 25, but for most of us the title is a true statement. The book talks about how often times materialism takes away from the true meaning of Christmas. We can get caught up in buying more and more, trying to fit one more thing into a very busy season, and being relieved when Christmas is finally over. Surely this is not the way to celebrate our Lord’s birthday! We cannot change the way we do things overnight. I know. I tried to talk my children into spending less on Christmas gifts. I suggested we give homemade gifts to each other. You would have thought I asked them if I could move in with them, I received such a quick negative response. But we can be purposeful in doing something for people other than our family and close friends this Christmas season. We can call it our birthday gift to Jesus. At the beginning of my letter, I suggested you use what you are passionate about to change the world. Following are some possibilities:
Of course the possibilities are endless. The point is Christmas is the day we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday. If you have not already decided what to buy Jesus this year, now is the time to think about it. After all, there are only so many shopping days before Christmas! Wishing you a very Blessed Merry Christmas, Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are called to come together to be one – to praise God, to love and care for one another and to reach out to those in need. We are the “Body of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 12:14, 27 we read, “For the body does not consist of one member, but many. Now you are the Body of Christ and individually members of it.” In this chapter, we are reminded that we are all important parts of the Body of Christ. We have all been given spiritual gifts to use for the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church. Your active participation in the life of the church does make a difference. In Psalm 100, we are called to come together to worship, to praise and to give thanks to our Lord and Savior: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, And his faithfulness to all generations.” We invite you to come and worship on Sunday mornings at 10am. Let us all join together in praise and thanksgiving! Your participation is always wanted and needed!
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! And All God’s Children said, “Amen” Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In September I opened an envelope addressed to the Oakland UMC. The enclosed letter was a thank you to the people of the Oakland UMC for their generous contributions to the PET project. In April of this year our third Sunday special offering was designated to go to the PET Project. If you were able to be at the worship service on April 22, you may remember seeing a PET during the service. PET is an acronym for Personal Energy Transportation vehicle. The PET Project began in 1995 in response to a need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines. Reverend Larry Mills, missionary in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West of this great need. Mel contacted Earl Miner, product designer, and the process to create a sturdy, simple, and low-cost vehicle to serve the needs of those with limited mobility began. Millions in our world have been disabled by landmines, accidents, disease and animal attacks. Many of these people live in areas where the typical wheelchair cannot go. The PET is designed to go where normal wheelchairs cannot. PETs are made in both child and adult sizes. All PETs are built by volunteers. The Mission Statement of the PET Project is as follows: The Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Projects mission is to provide mobility for all of Gods children. We seek to provide first for those in greatest need and with the least resources in poor or underdeveloped countries. The PET Project is a part of the ministry of Jesus Christ, whose disciples said, In the name of Jesus Christ, arise and walk. Acts 3:6. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we give because we know it is what our Savior has asked us to do. We give trusting God to use and even multiply our gifts in order to do the good w are called to do. Often times we do not know how our gifts has blessed others. The letter on the following page to all of you from the PET Program is a story of how your gifts have been a blessing to others. Enjoy and thank you for giving! And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.” – Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Years ago, when I was employed as the Parish Assistant at the Atlantic First United Methodist Church, I had a conversation with an inquisitive unchurched young lady. She asked me several questions about the church, which I have long forgotten, except for one. The question I remember went something like this, "Where does the money come from to pay the church's bills?" My quick response, "from the people who are a part of the church," left her wide-eyed and doubting the sincerity of my answer. As I reflected on the conversation, I could see that people who are not familiar with how the church works might think operating funds for churches come, at least in part, from taxes, government agencies, nonprofit groups, etc. When you think about it, it does take a lot of faith to build a church building and to believe that there will be funds to keep it going for future years. Yet, as children of God, we are called to be people of faith. Second Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight." Often times we don't know what is around the corner. We have to walk by faith. And as we step out in faith, we learn that God is faithful and can be trusted. The Stewardship Committee and I would like to thank you for participating in the ministries of the Oakland UMC by your prayers, your presence, your service, your witness, and your gifts. We thank you for your generous contributions to the general budget of the church and to the mission work of the church. Your generosity has made it possible for us to reach out to countless people in the name of Jesus Christ. On Sunday, September 16, when you arrive at church, the Stewardship Committee will present you with an envelope containing a giving card, a stewardship form of service sheet, and an automatic funds withdrawal form (in case you would like to set up an automatic withdrawal). You can take the envelope and contents home and complete at your own convenience. We ask that you bring your completed giving card and service sheet to church on Sunday, October 7, to be brought forward during our service of Holy Communion. Following the giving of the bread and cup, we will consecrate the giving cards. In closing I would like to share with you the following scriptures from 2 Corinthians: “Each one should give then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. As the Scripture says, ‘He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever.’ And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-10) And All God’s Children Said, “Amen” Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate our birthdays together! The All Church Birthday Party will be held on Sunday, August 19. This year we will do things a little differently. We invite you to join us for a light meal at 6pm (food and drink will be provided). Larry and Jane Kies, missionaries serving Africa University in Zimbabwe, will be our special guests. Jane is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries teaching intensive English to students from non-English-speaking countries at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, southern Africa. Jane was born in Ndola, Zambia and grew up in Africa and England. Jane’s husband, Larry, Is also a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global ministries serving as technical advisor to the Africa University Farm. Larry grew up near Jessup, Iowa, where his parents gave him his love of farming and sense of global mission. Larry and Jane have four children. The Kies will share about their missionary experiences following the 6 pm meal. Around 7pm we will gather around our respective birthday tables and enjoy celebrating our birthdays together. We hope you can join us for this special time in the life of the church! |
AuthorPastor Kim Dewey Archives
March 2024
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