Sharing the Christmas Spirit

Early last week I was on the doorstep of Hedberg Library (in Janesville) before 9:00 am waiting for it to open that I might check out the book Stanley Weintraub wrote, “Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Service”.  Sunday's sermon was going to include the story of peace in the midst of this war and the singing of the well-known hymn, Silent Night by the opposing soldiers.   

As I waited, I said hello to a young man sitting on the bench by the library doors.  He said hi and then came over to introduce himself.  His name was Charles; I noticed he had some difficulty in talking, his hands and arms moved in jerky motions, but he had a nice smile and seemed pleased I had noticed him.  

After he had introduced himself he reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Jesus Christ.  He told me about the church he goes to – the one on the hill.  He told me of how nice it is and how nice the people are.  I mentioned briefly that we will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday soon and he replied, “I know!” (very excitedly).  It was a pleasant chat and I enjoyed getting to know him just a little bit.  As he went inside the library I heard one of the ladies behind the library desk say, “Good morning Charles.  How can I help you today?”  Obviously a regular visitor.  It’s wonderful, the opportunities we have, to get to know someone when we say hi.

Memories

What memories are we making and keeping? 

It is so tempting to keep hold of the memories which can keep us awake at night or in a constant state of stressful tension...





The disagreement I had with my friend;
    A comment one of the church members made to me; 
        The next door neighbor who slighted me;  
            The disappointing situation at work;  
                My daughter never calls me;  
                    My recent diagnosis…
                        our list goes on and on. 

But those are the memories that can weigh us down.  Make our shoulders slump in weariness and cause creases in our faces – worry lines.  They make us tired and we feel like we are carrying a burden that grows heavier by the day.  If we keep hold of these memories, we’ll find that we run the risk of growing bitter and angry, sad and depressed.  One day we’ll wake up, perhaps towards the end of our time here, and realize that we have wasted much of the time God has given us. 

Instead I propose that we work hard to build and keep the kind of memories that will make us smile and maybe laugh to ourselves.  You know those memories.  They cross your mind when you are washing the dishes, warm soapy water running over your hands – and you smile.  You are walking down the grocery aisle and you remember a special moment as the overhead speakers’ pipe out a particular song.  You are driving around a curvy, country road and cresting a hill you see a familiar homestead that brings back wondrous memories. 

A name of a dear friend is brought up in conversation and you remember how that person cared for you at just the right moment, in just the right way. You recall, perhaps with a tear in your eye – a happy tear as my daughter calls them – playing with your children as they were growing up, seeing them off to school for the first time, or reading stories to your grandchildren.


Memories are a gift from God, not to be wasted nor squandered on that which weighs us down, but cherished and prized, as are all gifts from God. 

As Christmas approaches, we recall the most precious gift of all that God has given – his son Jesus.  Let these fond memories of our friends, our family, our special times and most especially Christ’s birth lift us up.  

Driving on Patience Street

I am not always a patient person.  I often times struggle with having to wait.  I know patience is a virtue – but it seems to be a virtue I am lacking at times.  These last couple of weeks I have found myself in lengthy waits that taxed my patience.  The first was two weeks ago at the hospital with Brenda and Gracie.  Brenda had some tests being done and I was in charge of Gracie.  As Gracie and I were on one of many explorations down the hallway an elderly woman sitting in a chair commented on Gracie’s energy.  I said, yes – sometimes she has too much! 

The lady responded by saying, ‘no such thing’.  She had a face wrinkled by time - creased by the years she had seen.  I enjoyed speaking with her - and listening to what she had to tell me.  She shred the story of her daughter who passed away at a young age (in her very early teens) because of an illness that left her very lethargic.  Her husband reminded her many times of the blessings they received while she was with them.  His focus was not on what the daughter wasn't, but what she was and the joy she brought to both mom and dad.  I was humbled and reminded of our blessing with Gracie’s health and exuberance.  Before I had an opportunity to thank the elderly lady, she got up out of her chair to lead another couple to their next doctor’s appointment. 

This last week I spent several afternoons at the DMV trying to get a title for my Saturn VUE.  I was there two separate days for approximately 2-3 hours all together.  I was waiting on a fax from Chase Manhattan in Texas showing I had paid the vehicle off in 2005.  When I recognized I was growing impatient I took a moment to pray for each DMV staff person, one at a time.  I imagine they deal quite a lot with impatient people.  I also began to read a book I had brought about Old Testament stories, written by Dr. Ellsworth Kalas (one of my preaching professors in Seminary).  As I was reading, a gentleman stopped to talk with me, recognizing the book and thinking he recognized me.  He said I looked exactly like a missionary back from England who would be at their church for the next six months.  I had a wonderful conversation with him and learned a bit about his church.  I appreciate his stopping and talking with me. 

So, hopefully I am learning to be more patient and seeking blessings when I am forced to wait and don’t want to! 

Helping Hands

Earlier this week we had an early evening visitor – a man making a journey to the east coast.  He had been in the Appleton area of Wisconsin for some time.  He was a victim in 9/11 and for various reasons moved to Wisconsin following that.  As he was journeying back to the east coast he needed some help – in this case he needed gas to make it to his next stop.  I went to the gas station with him and filled up his car.  We had a pleasant talk, both at the church and while standing at the pumps.  At this time he has no real home.  He has no work.  And he suffers from both physical and emotional problems stemming from 9/11.  As I lay in bed that night, remembering the experiences he shared with me, I thought to myself how fortunate I am.  Here I’m in a warm bed, of a nice home, with family close by.  My health is pretty good.  My finances are in good shape.  I’m involved in serving the Lord through serving this church and community.  I have it pretty good! 

I appreciate this opportunity to be reminded of my blessings and will pray for this man and others who struggle in life or experience catastrophic changes.  And in the meantime, I am proud to be a part of a church that wants to serve the community and beyond in mission and ministry.  Folks – let’s never lose sight of the many ways we can help those in need.

A recent wedding

Last Friday I was privileged to preside over a wedding with Jim Fielder and Deb Christman.  They were married in our sanctuary at 4:00pm.  I had been meeting with them for several months and have enjoyed getting to know them.  

I am so often am renewed in my own marriage through the development, meetings, discussions, and leading of weddings.  I am reminded of my own vows when I speak the vows over other couples.  I am reminded of the work that goes into a marriage – a wedding is but one day, a marriage is for a life time.  

For those of us who are married – would that we all could all enjoy this type of process once a year to serve as a reminder of our own vows, our own commitment to own marriage.  My prayers and blessings are with this young at heart couple who are starting a new life together.  May God bless you and keep you. 

Heavenly God, Creator of all that is good and sustainer of life; we come before you giving thanks for the beauty of this day, and the gift of love you have blessed us with. 

We ask you, who have brought together this couple, in faith and in trust, to bless and to hold close Jim and Deb, all the days of their lives.  Let nothing come between them, but keep them for ever loving and for ever true.

Keep them from illness, from poverty and from trouble that would hurt them; but for the trials that come before them, guide them and draw them closer to you.

Grant them throughout all their days, the perfect love which many waters cannot quench and which is stronger than death itself; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.  Amen.

Argyle Socks

A funny thing happened the other day.  I was getting dressed and reached into my sock drawer and in doing so noticed a blue colored argyle sock that I didn't recall seeing before.  I pulled the pair out and said to myself, these must have come with the last batch of dress socks I bought, and I've just never worn them before.  Cool!  I have a new pair of socks to wear! 

I put them on and proudly wore them to the church.  Later that afternoon I went to the YMCA for my workout.  I got changed in the changing room and noticed as I was taking my socks off that they weren't really new.  They were just inside out. 

I don't know why this struck me as funny but I thought to myself if I'm ever looking for a pick-me up,  a boost, which new socks can sometimes provide, just turn my old socks inside out and it will look like I've got new ones! 

Prayer

I like prayer.  Now, that’s a pretty straightforward and simple statement, but it’s true.  Prayer for me doesn’t need to be highly ritualized, although it can be.  Prayer doesn’t need to be a solemn event, although it could be.  Prayer doesn’t need to include tears, but sometimes

it does. 

Prayer is the time I set aside to talk with God.  Sometimes I talk directly to God; sometimes I talk to Jesus; and sometimes I seek out the Holy Spirit.  Being a Triune God – three Gods in One – I know the prayer gets to the right spot no matter what. 

I sometimes laugh in my prayers.  I occasionally tell God a joke – I start out with, ‘Stop me if you’ve heard this one’.  I share with God the events of my life – the good and the bad. 

I like prayer.  It draws me closer to God and refreshes me. 

Vacation Bible School

I have so enjoyed our Vacation Bible School this week with Operation Overboard!  18-19 children have been joining us every night for singing, crafts, stories, games and learning of our biblical stories.  I’ve had the immense joy of being the story teller again this year.  This means I get to share the biblical stories with all the kids.  I’ve been Noah, Naaman, John the Baptist, Peter the disciple and tonight I get to be the Apostle Paul.  I’ve dressed the part for each character – you can see my Naaman and the leprosy problem (it’s really Mary Kay mask and oatmeal!) 

I am thankful to the parents and families for sharing their children with us.  I am very grateful to all the helpers who made this week possible.  We had quite a number of children from outside our church join us.  Thank you to all who extended invitations to encourage them to join us.  Thank you everyone for helping to make a difference in the lives of these children.  I firmly believe these VBS evenings are times they will always remember and hold dear. 

This Sunday morning we’ll hear from the children as they sing some of their songs for us at our 9:00am service.  I hope you can join us in worship as we celebrate our children and learn a bit about the topic of worship with Reverend Mary Friederich.  

See you this Sunday friends.   

Concluding third week at ACTS DMin program

July 6th we finished up our third week of on-campus studies.  Here's a bit about the ACTS DMin Preaching Program. 

My on-campus classes take place in Chicago at the Lutheran School of Theology and McCormick Theological Seminary in Hyde Park.  The program is named ACTS – the Association of Chicago Theological Schools consisting of: Chicago Theological School; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; McCormick Theological Seminary; North Park Theological Seminary; Northern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.

We are blessed to have many good, and nationally renowned professors, lecturers and preachers teaching our classes such as Thomas Long (Candler School of Theology); Frank A Thomas (Memphis TN); Anna Carter Florence (Columbia Theological Seminary); Charles Rice with the Episcopal Diocese of Newark… 

My second week elective class was ”Preaching the Good News from Difficult Text”.  We find a text that is particularly difficult for the context of the congregation and preach it.  Sounds simple, but much more difficult than I thought it would be!  Our class size was such that we did not have an opportunity to preach in class like originally planned. 

My third week class (called Colloquy I) was a summary of learning good preaching skills, techniques, delivery… and we all got an opportunity to preach.  What a wonderful experience! 

The classes began at 8:30am – and finished at 5:00pm with several evening lectures taking place throughout the week(s).  Over this next year I will be working on three sermons (preached to my congregation on Sunday morning) using specific techniques learned at school.  I will also be working with a group of congregation members (Pastoral Preaching Group – PPG) to help develop these sermons and provide feedback after delivery.  I’ve entitled my first year project, “Preaching as an Evangelistic Tool”. 

The latest from my doctoral studies

Blessings friends and church family,

I’m starting  my second week of studies and wanted to share a bit of the first week with you.  I arrived at the seminary Sunday evening of Father’s Day where I met the group I will spend the next three years in study and class with.  The group is an interesting, dynamic, diverse bunch of men and women of varying cultures, denominations and ages. 

We have four students from Sweden; one from Germany; a missionary from Bosnia; and three students from Canada.  One of our Canadian friends was born and raised in Holland.  One of the other Methodist pastors (whom I was ordained with) is from Ghana, Africa.  The rest come from all points of the US.  Our ages range from about mid-thirties (maybe a bit younger) to 72.  The denominations are as varied as our ethnicities:  Presbyterian; Missionary Baptist; the Evangelical Covenant Church (a rapidly growing multi-ethnical denomination in the US and Canada); the Anglican Church; the Lutheran Church; the Episcopal Church; the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany; and the Methodist Church.  Wow!  What a group! 

I’ve enjoyed getting to know these people and have learned a lot from them in the first week of study.  Our first week was centered around Incarnational Transformation – a kind of illustration, that imitates the form and content of the scriptural text with the aim of to be a contemporary retelling of the story – psalm – lament – proverb – oracle… The retelling is told with integrity to the original scripture (with a great amount of study and examination of the original context and content).  Ideally, the retold story is a fresh way of looking at the scripture.  A new way to  enlighten and teach the listener. 

Each day we have chapel services (30-45 minutes long) and I am enjoying the mid-day break of worship, song, and prayer.  Earlier this week I felt right at home with several Methodist hymns being sung for the service including, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – both Charles Wesley songs. 

This week I’ll be in a class called Preaching the Good News From Difficult Text taught by Dr. Gennifer Brooks of Garrett Theological Seminary.  This class is designed to help us see the good news in the text that seems to do anything but offer good news. 

I’m excited to be with a group of people who are striving to better themselves in preaching.  I’m given a unique opportunity (I believe) to learn from people around the world, to become a better preacher, and to share what I’m learning with my church and community.  Over  the next three years I will have a yearly parish project (yet to be defined) which will be one way I can share (especially through preaching) what I am learning.  Well, enough for today. 

I will keep my church and community in my prayers and ask you do the same for me and my family.  Blessings to all of you who are helping to lead and prepare for worship in my absence.  Remember!  To celebrate the Fourth of July with us this coming Sunday.  We’ll welcome Mary Friederich back to share a wonderful message from the pulpit.  Blessings to Melissa Hubbard and her gift of song shared this last Sunday! 

Don’t forget Freedom Fest this coming Saturday and the upcoming Talent Night (Wednesday).  

Peace to you,

Patrick

Behind my garage, close to the vegetable gardens we have carefully cultivated the last several years, grows a plant.  It is a plant many of you would be familiar with.  It is tall.  It is green.  It is sharp and thorny.  At the top of this five foot sentinel is a blossom of the most beautiful purple.  Surrounding this flower is a crown of thorns – closely guarding the jewel from what possible harm, I do not know. 

The plant?  It’s a thistle.  We’re all familiar with those, aren’t we?  Why don’t I pull this weed out by its roots?  Because, the imagery of this flowering blossom surrounded by the crown of thorns reminds me of Jesus on the Cross.  The thistle itself serves reminder that no matter the thorny nature or the name we are called (a weed for heaven’s sake!) all God’s creations are meaningful and beautiful.  I’ve known many thistles in my life.  When more closely observed or more intimately known, that thorny thistle reveals a beautiful blossom.  I’ve been a thistle myself.  I like to think there’s a beautiful flower in all of us. 

Peace to you,

Patrick 

I was thinking of Father’s Day coming up soon, a day I haven’t been able to celebrate with my dad for quite some time.  He passed away at age 60, in 1995.  Several weeks ago I observed our ‘across the street neighbors’ who were playing in the front yard – I’ve watched their two little children growing up the last 5-6 years.   The older boy now plays basketball, rides his bike or skateboard by himself.  Sometimes he ventures out into the street to get the occasional stray ball – that’s around the age he is.  He’s becoming independent and learning to do things on his own. 

This particular day I watched his dad teach him how to mow the grass.  It was a first time for him and a proud moment for his dad.  His dad taught him how to pull the cord to start the mower.  I watched as he carefully went up and down the yard in nice even rows.  At one point I heard him call out, ‘Dad! Dad!’  Dad came out of the garage and the boy pointed to something in front of the mower. Dad helped him past this point of object. 

It means something when we take time to teach our young.  We are passing down knowledge and experience.  We are solidifying our relationships.  We are being a family.  These are proud moments!  This is especially important for dads and their children (sons or daughters). 

We take time to teach our children these things and this is important.  We want our children to know how to take care of themselves.  More than just survive - how to prosper.  Let us take the same care and consideration in teaching our children about our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Take time to pray with them (not just for them). Take time to tell them about the stories found in our bibles.  If you don’t know the stories – get a children’s bible and learn them together.  Take time to bring your children to worship on Sunday mornings.  This is especially important because it’s here they will connect with children their own age and learn about the importance of setting time aside each week for worship – prayer, song, fellowship, scripture, message, communion… 

Blessings to you my friends.  My prayers will be with you on Sunday morning. 

Is one faith one religion?

I just finished reading Cross-Cultural Paul (Cosgrove, Weiss and Yeo) for one of my doctoral classes. Cosgrove writes an interesting concept when talking about American Individualism.

"An ancient person who held that his or her religion was the one true religion might have reasoned that a state establishment of that religion protects people from false religious practice and does not hinder them from embracing the true faith from inner conviction. This is what led to Christendom in the West.... The strongest Pauline argument against Christendom is Paul's apocalyptic view of the world and the "powers". It is inconceivable in this view that the powers of the world might establish one true faith."

In our community and across the nation we have a multitude of religions and varying denominations within the Christian faith. The ability to worship in different ways is vital to our coming to know God better. Even as God has made each of us uniquely, we worship and receive the Word of God differently. That we can do so, here in this country is a testament to the wisdom of our founding nation builders. Cosgrove states, "The political freedom of the church requires a state that is restrained from any establishment of religion." It's a blessing to be part of a nation where this holds true.

Loving Kindness

My wife's dad passed away on May 12^th.  So, Sunday, May 13^th Brenda, Grace and I left for Kentucky for her father’s funeral arrangements and service.  As we were driving through Illinois we stopped at a local gas station.  A very nice lady, perhaps middle-aged, with a pronounced limp and a cane walked slowly by on her way into the gas station building.  As she passed she asked if we were from Wisconsin – she had seen our license plates.  “Welcome to Illinois” she said, with a bright smile.  “Are you staying?”  We said no, just passing through on our way to Kentucky. 

“Well, have a safe trip and again, welcome to Illinois.” 

 

What an uplifting gesture on her part.  She could have just walked by and right into the station, but her words of welcome, her smile, her kindness brought a bit of sunshine into the moment.  Moments like that serve as a reminder to me that kindness to another can lift one’s spirits – and perhaps our kindness, our words, our smiles come at a time when someone really needs them – whether we know it or not. 

 

Blessings to you all and see you on Sunday! 

Continuing Education

I've always been a believer in continuing education and at age 47 I'm putting my money where my mouth is (what an interesting phrase!) by beginning a doctorate degree through ACTS - A Program of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools. The emphasis of the degree will be on preaching and eventually (Good Lord willing) the degree will be conferred through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago.

I thought I would chart some of this journey through my blog - but rather than bore you with minutia I will try to post things I am learning through my studies.   My work has already begun - primarily the reading of some twenty text books that need to be completed prior to the residency classes.   I'll be in residency three weeks each summer over the next three years.   I'm also privileged to work with a group of my congregation members on a particular ministry project. 

So, here's something I recently learned... One of the books I’m reading for my classwork discusses the importance of how we listen to sermons. Stress is usually placed on how the sermon is delivered, the content, context, preaching style… this is important – no doubt.   But equally important is the consideration of how we listen to sermons.

1)  Do we listen to sermons with our heads – seeking to better understand God, our beliefs, importance of scripture, answers to questions…

2)  Do we listen to sermons with our hearts – our faith makes its home in our heart. We feel rather than understand the gospel and respond to God’s love.   Feeling is a way of knowing.   Response to sermons stirs emotions and the listener may say, “Don’t just tell me to love my neighbor, help me feel love for my neighbor.”

3)  Do we listen to sermons through action – ‘faith without works is dead’   These listeners seek a way of life pleasing to God, through their actions.   This listener is looking for direction from God through the sermon.

4)  Do we listen to sermons through worship – through the congregation as it worships.   When members of the congregation pray, sing, say the Lord’s prayer, offer tithes, celebrate the sacraments… the congregation is preaching and the spirit is uplifted.

There are other ways of how we listen to sermons listed in this book (When God Speaks Through You, Craig Satterlee).   These are just a few I thought interesting.

BTW – there is a whole chapter of this book dedicated to ‘why we sit where we do’! Some want to sit right in front to connect better with the pastor.   Some want to sit closer to the choir.   Some want to sit with a good view to the cross or a stained glass picture.   Some want to see the other congregation members better. So many different dynamics in our worship time. Who knew?!!

Remembering Judy

Let me share these thoughts with you... My deepest condolences go out to Andy and Angie Ellefson for the loss of Angie’s mom. Almost every Sunday, for over two years, we have been blessed in worship by Judy and Eddie Jenson. Neither are members of the church. In fact they have their own church to which they belong; but, they have been supportive and encouraging of our two year old, contemporary worship service. I have enjoyed tremendously getting to know them. Judy was always smiling, encouraging – a fine, sensitive, sweet soul. I particularly love the way she would sweep her granddaughters into her arms. She would hold them in her lap, tease one of the girls with the nickname, spankenheimer... Her love for her family and God were immense.

Judy passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday (March 1st) even as Eddie was driving her to the hospital. She wasn’t feeling well. I understand her last words to Eddie, as he was driving, were “I love you.” Judy, we will miss you. You have been a joy to us all and we love you. We will be here to support Eddie and Angie and the family in any way we can.

Pastor Patrick and the Milton United Methodist Church.

Preaching at Cedar Crest

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to lead the worship service, and give the message, for Cedar Crest in Janesville at their Sunday evening worship service. Now, this is a busy time for me since Lent had started on Ash Wednesday and I was already preaching three times a week. So, I did what anyone might do and I complained to my wife about having to go. I was tired. I didn't want to take extra time away from my family (I do enough of that already). I didn't want to prepare another sermon. But, I went anyway... kicking and screaming, so to speak!

When I got to Cedar Crest I was warmly welcomed by Terrance and Bess - two of the elderly helpers. Bess gave me a bulletin and walked me through the order of worship. I had some time before service began and went around visiting with some of the people who gathered for worship. Their ages ranged from mid-twenties to mid-eighties. One lady, a Lutheran, came to these worship services even though she was not a resident at Cedar Crest. What a wonderful group of people! There were probably 30-40 in attendance for worship that evening.

And, what a great service it was, too! The organ was played by a blind woman named Carolyn Schultz (no relation). I could have listened to her play all evening. The prayer time was uplifting and the message went well. Many of the people shared with me how meaningful the service was and what a wonderful message.

I talked with one of the residents, John, for a long time after the service. He is a retired pastor from the Iowa conference. He enjoyed the message, the walking through scripture – likened me to a Jesuit priest he knew – I think this was a compliment!

By the time I left the service I found my spirits uplifted and I had been fed. What a joy. In the midst of my weariness and complaining, God had been at work within me. What a blessing.

Sometimes we don't want to do what God is calling us to do. But I think we find that if we go, even if we have to go kicking and screaming, if we go we will be pleasantly surprised by how God can be at work in us. What a blessing.

Preaching today

This summer I am beginning a doctoral program with an emphasis in preaching. The doctorate is through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) and I will be working through Garrett Evangelical Seminary. I spend a fair amount of time studying preaching because I would like to improve my own delivery, content, theological soundness...

Some of the great preachers I appreciate are: Peter Marshall, Ellsworth Kalas, Fred Craddock (learning to appreciate him more), Gerald Kennedy, Harry Emerson Fosdick. There are probably a few more I really enjoy and get a lot from, but here's my question to you.

Do you have a preacher that has stood out for you? What is it that makes that preacher so good, in your opinion? Is it content, is it delivery, is it style? What makes a preacher good?

Is this preacher someone who has helped you grow spiritually (maybe even theologically) through the sermon? Has this preacher encouraged you to delve deeper into scripture or brought it to life somehow?

What makes a preacher good? Your thoughts would be appreciated and helpful to me.

Putting On The Heart of Christ

A couple of weeks ago I completed a sermon series entitled, "Putting On the Heart of Christ". Throughout this series we looked at several key areas of our lives where we could be more like Christ including: Freedom (freedom of the heart to worship and follow Christ), Gratitude, Reverence, Generosity and Faith.

In the midst of this sermon series Brenda, Grace and I had to go to Kentucky to spend some time with her father who had been recently diagnosed with colon cancer. While we were there my father-in-law had unexpected open heart surgery instead of the scheduled colon surgery.

The heart surgery went well. The colon surgery pushed back several weeks. The evening following surgery, Brenda was driving to the hospital while Gracie and I were at the hotel room. She called me en-route. The front tire on my Saturn VUE was smoking! Do you ever get that sinking feeling in your stomach when you receive unexpected, bad news?

What was I supposed to do? I'm in the hotel room with Gracie (my four year old daughter). We've got no other vehicle. No one to call. Yipe!

Brenda pulled over in parking lot of a lawn care business. The owner of the business was just coming out, saw her standing there and went to see how he could help. He ended up taking a look at the tire; test drove the VUE, and then said his mechanic can look at it in the morning.

Here is the reflection of God’s generosity in the people around us at work. He drove Brenda back to the hotel. The next day had his mechanic call the auto places in town until he found all the needed parts. He had his mechanic do all the necessary work. He called me at the hotel the next afternoon (while the car was being worked on) to see if we needed a ride anywhere or if we needed lunch. That evening he sent a driver to pick me up – the car was fixed and he only charged us for the parts – no charge for labor.

He knew we were from out of town and that Brenda’s dad was in the hospital and wanted to do what ever he could to help. I am very grateful to the generosity of this man. He was "Putting On the Heart of Christ"

We strive, as a church and as followers of Christ, to put on the heart of Christ - to be more Christ-like. In a world where the negative, bad things are most often emphasized, it is wonderful to see someone living as Christ would have us live.

Thank you Robert Prichard.

Tebowing - hmmmm.

Most Americans love football and faith. Tim Tebow, Denver quarterback, has mixed the two and sparked quite some debate about the public expression of religion. One of the controversial points has been his wearing of scriptural reference on the eye black (marks under his eyes) such as John 3:16.

The Barna Group did a recent survey to see if the typical American knew the significance of this reference. Could Americans identify what the “3:16” meant? And could they know, without predetermined choices what the “3” means?

Overall nearly 7 out of 10 Americans (68%) were able to identify without prompting that the “3” meant chapter 3. More than 3 out of 10 (15%) gave an incorrect guess or ventured no guess. 18-27 year olds had a lower basic understanding rate than the overall national average (61%). Practicing Protestant Christians (80%) were more likely than practicing Catholics (66%) to understand the reference. Interestingly enough, a majority of the people outside Christianity (59%), including those affiliated with another faith or atheists or agnostics, said they understood the “3” references the chapter.

I think it’s interesting that relatively speaking so many people know what these numbers refer to. Most Americans have at least some knowledge of the Bible and a connection to Christianity. In respect to Tebow, I wonder what would happen if more people were less concerned with public opinion and shared their faith more ‘audibly’. After all, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim (shout!) from the rooftops.”

If you are not from the Milton WI area, but would like to follow/hear any of my sermons, please log onto our website at www.miltonumc.org. Click on the Sermon Archive menu and you will be able to listen to our sermons.

Blessings to you,

Patrick

A Renewed Commitment to Grow and Invite

The beginning of each year our church gathers and talks about new goals for the new year. One goal we discussed was not necessarily new, but one we wanted to bring emphasis and intentionality to. This is the goal of invitation.

Jesus calls us to “make disciples”. We are called to invite others into a relationship with Christ. There are a variety of ways in which we do this. At Milton UMC we have quite a few different connection opportunities each month. We host family oriented events, ministry and mission happenings, fellowship gatherings, study groups… such as: a Family Bowling day, a fall car show, our annual Valentine's Spaghetti Dinner, MOME’s free clothing exchange, the GIFTS men's homeless shelter, the Share Food Program… We have Bible study classes, Sunday school classes, exercise groups, Girl Scouts… We have missions’ trips to various places in the US. And of course we have our weekly worship services – traditional and contemporary styles with voice choir, bell choir, guitar, piano, drums... depending on which service you attend.

There is so much good happening in our church. And this church is doing so much to reach out in our community – sometimes I think we are just busting at the seams! This doesn’t mean we are perfect. We don’t offer something for absolutely everyone. But I believe we can offer a message of hope to the people we know, who don’t have a church home.

If you are a member or regular attender of MUMC, would you think about whom you know – this may not be a close friend but an acquaintance or neighbor – that would really benefit from an invitation? Invite that person to come to worship and then brunch afterwards. Invite that person to our Valentine's Spaghetti Dinner and then church on Sunday morning. Invite that person to one of the Bible study classes and then a church service the following Sunday.

If you aren't a member or attendee of MUMC, but attend another church, this same request holds true for you. Invite someone into a relationship with Jesus Christ through your church. More people come to be a part of a church through invitation than any other means. More people stay active in a church when invited to participate in ministry, music, media, mission, bible study, children and youth groups... because they are invited.

MUMC has much to offer and many people want to be connected. They are just waiting for that invitation. Let's share this good news, this great joy, with the people around us. Make it a priority this year to invite people into a relationship - to be a part of your church.

Blessings to you my friends,

Patrick

Christian Cancer Support Group

Recently, I was invited to participate in the first Christian Cancer Support Group meeting of Milton – being held at the Gathering Place. I was asked to lead the opening prayer, give a brief message, and close our time together with prayer. I also volunteered to be available for any private prayer or counseling with individuals as needed.

15 poeple, who have been touched with cancer in some way, attended. Many had experienced their own cancer diagnosis ranging from thyroid to ovarian to breast to skin to non-Hodgkin’s… . Several were there as caretakers living with cancer patients. At least one person had experienced the loss of a daughter and wife recently to cancer.

An important part of my message to this group was that this support group would not be the typical support group. It would be different in that at the center – the core of this new ministry – would be Jesus Christ. Hence, the ‘Christian Cancer Support Group’ with a mission statement emphasizing the importance of providing a caring “Spiritual Oasis” for anyone touched by cancer. This is a time and place where we can feed the spirit and the body. This is a group of people dedicated to providing not only emotional support but spiritual encouragement as well.

Listening to the stories of these people was heart rending in one way, but very affirming in another. Stories of tragedies endured through cancer diagnosis and treatments were shared, but also (and most importantly) was how their faith in Christ was either renewed, affirmed or strengthened during this time.

While the voice of hope, comfort and encouragement is found throughout both our Old and New testaments I think the Apostle Paul writes something especially significant to us. He writes to the people of Corinth as they find themselves struggling.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. … So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We do not lose heart. We must not lose heart. We must find our strength in Jesus Christ and through the support, encouragement, listening and sharing and praying of each one of us. Together you will help make a difference in the life of another cancer survivor.

For more information on the Christian Cancer Support Group contact Steve Hynds (608-290-6932) or Paula Schutt at the Gathering Place (868-3500) or our Milton UMC church office (868-2860).