This summer has flown and in the midst of the days flying we are now on the cusp of school beginning for children, youth, and even adults. Even I am going back to school for seven months to dive into Chaplaincy training. It seems that no matter what age we are, there is ALWAYS something new to learn, or some past learning that needs updated or refreshed.
It is the same with our faith lives! Refreshing our knowledge can be hard as we often think we know all we need to know. While there are some folks bent on convincing us they know everything, I would hazard to guess that most of us believe we know what we know and there may be more yet to know. For clarity, knowledge does not increase our faith, but instead it solidifies it. Our knowledge of Scripture, of the characteristics found in God, the ability to share our stories of faith are critical for our spiritual maturity. We don't need to know it all, but there is ALWAYS more to learn to add substance to the journey. I wonder what that might mean for your personally? Perhaps it's a different devotional that dives a bit deeper, instead of skimming the surface. Maybe it's committing to more intentional prayer time, or reading about a biblical character that you've always been curious about. Do you have a friend, or several friends, who might also want to dig into some biblical topic or other? Do you wonder how to tell those around you about how God has worked in your life without sounding preachy or judgmental? These are just a few things you might consider digging deeper with. Yet, even though we know the things we want to learn, sometimes, just like that second week of school when the new has worn off, we avoid the work it will take to begin and continue in deepening our faith. So, I have a challenge for you! I know, SURPRISE, right? Let's get prepared for "school" together. Our Sunday evening worship has turned into more of a gathering of folks who are interested in digging into the Psalms for their intended meaning. Perhaps you'd like to join us in that and topics beyond, as we continue to meet inside as the weather turns too cool. I know there used to be a men's group that had a weekly study. Perhaps this reminder is a call on your life to get that started again and deepen your faith or tackle current events in light of being people of the Gospel. Maybe you want to start at the beginning and see what you missed. Ask to sit in on the children or youth classes to refresh or gain basic knowledge. The main thing is to do SOMETHING besides talk about wanting to grow deeper in faith. If you have a request of a topic you would like to approach or are needing a resource, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I likely have something in my office you can borrow. If you would like to be part of a group which I lead, but want a topic different from what is currently available, just gather 4-6 friends to attend and we will make it happen. A one time session? No problem! Long term sessions? No problem! Anywhere in between those two? No problem! The problem is when we think we have nothing to learn. So let's learn together! All of us, regardless of age, race, gender or educational level, have things we can learn from each other. So let's get learning! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone along on the journey! – Pastor Kim
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As we look into June and July, and contemplate our summer, I offer this poem. May you find and connect with Adventure, and with God. In the midst of that may you glimmer! Have a fabulous summer and stop by to greet us at OUMC or stop by my front yard for a glass of tea and conversation. Friends are welcome at both spaces! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone on the journey with you! -- Pastor Kim The Lantern and the Wildflower by Kaitlin Curtice If only I could Give you the Gift of Adventure. If only I could box. her up for you, that big red bow on top, glimmering. But this cannot be. Adventure is not to be given or earned. She is a breath that is prayed, a force that is found, found in the soul of everyone and everything. But maybe, just maybe, if I cannot box. her up for you, I can at least point you in her direction. Maybe, at least, I can tell you where I saw her last, what I prayed when I was alone, waiting in a forest under the pine trees, waiting for her to appear. Maybe that will be your Beginning. You see, I didn't learn for a lone time. For years, as soon as I began searching, I hid behind fear, all the while, Adventure waiting for me with a lantern and wildflower. All that time, I only wanted pictures of her, without knowing her presence, her warmth, her smell. But when I met her, I found myself. When I prayed, I found God. If only I could teach you not to be afraid. If only I could tell you that it's okay if you don't have words left to pray. If only I could point you towards that lantern and that wildflower. If only I could show you the way to God. But God cannot be given or earned. No, God is found. So, in that soul of yours, there is the greatest opportunity. You. The world. Breath and prayer embodied. Everything sacred. These things would never fit into a box with a big red bow on top, glimmering. Pastor Kim here, just dropping a line about United Methodist General Conference. You have already received email(s) with some information concerning General Conference and will receive a few more through the end.
Why is it important that we have this information? As I’m sure you are aware, we are taking time over the next few months to explore who we are in many different contexts and how they all come together to create who we are individually, as a Faith Family, and as the Body of Christ. Being aware of what is going on and how to receive information is important to staying informed about who we are as United Methodists. One thing to remember as we hear reports from General Conference is that as United Methodists we are encouraged to use the minds. God has gifted us with the gifts of logic, common sense, ability to attain knowledge and the ability to not agree with every aspect of who some-one else is with grace and prayers for their success in ministry. So do your homework, stay informed and when you have questions feel free to reach out to me with concerns OR joys. Anyone interested in gathering for a 30 minute or so overview of General Conference happenings after church on May can meet in the front pews following worship and I will join you as soon as I am done greeting those who wish to leave right after worship. I will do my best to answer questions and if I don’t know the answers, I will seek them out and send out the answers later in the week. Please continue in prayer for the delegates, staff and Bishops as they move forward with the work God has put upon their hearts. Livestream coverage and other information can be found at https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020/live-stream |
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October 2024
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