Having read quite a few books about evangelism in the last few months, I am now turning to finances. A member of my Oakfield congregation gave me his copy of Not Your Parents' Offering Plate.
As I think about the status of the budgets of my two churches and as I think ahead to budget planning for 2010, I think this book will be helpful. Even based on what I've read so far, I have found it to be very informative.
I am planning on doing a stewardship-esque sermon for Sunday in the Oakfield church...I think this book will help.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Last night I just finished the book Just Walk Across the Room. Overall, this book by Bill Hybels takes a look at the role an individual can play in spreading the kingdom of Christ. Typically, books like this have a tendency to simply tell you things you already knew. This book was different. What the book talked about was pretty simple, but challenging us to move out of our comfort zone. There are two quotes that I want to share:"The question is not whether or not you have a contribution to make. Every single one of you has an astoundingly large contribution to make. The real issue is whether or not you're investing yourself in activities that spur your people toward heaven. The issue is whether or not you are leveraging your creative energies, marketing skills, and problem-solving capabilities for the sake of landing more people in heaven. The issue is whether or not you prize people enough to share the good news with them in creative and alluring ways." (p. 188)
Hybels that despite our own reservations or our own assessment of our abilities, we all have ways to talk to others about Christ. We just have to be willing to do everything in our life for God. To break away from a self-centered life and working toward a God-centered life will be difficult, but it paves the way to amazingly effective discipleship.
"It really is true: the spread of the gospel--at least in today's reality--boils down to whether you and I will continue to seek creative ways to engage our friends, inviting them to explore the abundance of the Christ-following life and helping them choose eternity with God instead of settling for a terrible fate when this life is all said and done." (p. 200).
That pretty much sums up the book. If you are curious about what the book looks like, you now have a picture of it. :)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Oakfield Pork Chop Supper - No Longer a Rookie
While working my first Pork Chop Supper, I was told by a member of the congregation (who shall remain nameless) that my true worth as a pastor for the church will be demonstrated, not at the pulpit, but at the supper. Ha!
I found out in advance of the dinner that the pastor's responsibility was to play host. I would take tickets and show people to their table. Having a background in catering, I actually enjoyed the responsibility. My co-host, Traci, and I did a good job in this area. She was an excellent teacher :).
Based on ticket counts, we served about 380 people in the church fellowship hall and sold at least 100 to go dinners. More than 580 pounds of pork chops were grilled for the event, and...we sold out of pork chops! We sold out at around 7:30, so we did not have to turn anyone away. It had been a long time since we've sold out. This is good news indeed!
Taking this event in for the first time, I was really amazed by how smooth of an operation this event can be. It takes a lot of people to make this happen, but everyone knows the role that they are supposed to play. It was wonderful to see so many folks from the church gathering together to make this event happen. It is a great community event and something that a many folks look forward to each year.
Congratulations members of Oakfield United Methodist Church! You did great!!
I found out in advance of the dinner that the pastor's responsibility was to play host. I would take tickets and show people to their table. Having a background in catering, I actually enjoyed the responsibility. My co-host, Traci, and I did a good job in this area. She was an excellent teacher :).
Based on ticket counts, we served about 380 people in the church fellowship hall and sold at least 100 to go dinners. More than 580 pounds of pork chops were grilled for the event, and...we sold out of pork chops! We sold out at around 7:30, so we did not have to turn anyone away. It had been a long time since we've sold out. This is good news indeed!
Taking this event in for the first time, I was really amazed by how smooth of an operation this event can be. It takes a lot of people to make this happen, but everyone knows the role that they are supposed to play. It was wonderful to see so many folks from the church gathering together to make this event happen. It is a great community event and something that a many folks look forward to each year.
Congratulations members of Oakfield United Methodist Church! You did great!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
New Office Computer
I am typing today's entry on the new lap top that was purchased for the pastor of the church. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have this new resource in my work. I have been able to take all of the church files that I have spread over various computers and flash drives. With it being so compact, I can take it to both churches as well as to any meetings that I might have.
This computer has a fairly strong internal wireless internet card installed in it. It is powerful enough that it actually picks up the wireless signal from our house across the street. This means that I have internet access in the office. Yippee!
As you can see the computer comes with a camera as well that I took advantage of. Thank you to the church councils of both churches for authorizing the purchase of this computer. They managed to order from a place that gave us a significant discount on the computer.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Nellie J. Thill (1915-2009)
I received a call on Wednesday morning letting me know that Nellie had died on Tuesday night. Since becoming the pastor of the Oakfield United Methodist Church in July, I had the opportunity to meet with Nellie just a handful of times. Christa joined me for a few of those visits.We really enjoyed the stories that she shared about Oakfield through the years and we enjoyed chatting with her about current events. She was a wonderful, compassionate woman with a wonderful heart. We will certainly all miss her, but I know she is happy to be reunited with her husband and family. God bless you, Nellie!
Nellie Johanna Thill, age 93 of Oakfield, died peacefully on
Nellie was born on
Nellie will be missed and is lovingly survived by her two daughters, Bernadine and her husband Marvin Pea of Oakfield; and Janice and her husband Edwin Urban of
Nellie was preceded in death by her husband in June of 1980; parents; a brother; one step-sister; and three step-brothers.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Nellie’s Life will be at
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What to Do?
I had a quote on reserve in case nothing came to mind for a entry. In the book UnChristian, the authors offer the following quote:
"As Christians, we should pursue both goals: purity and proximity--living in a way that honors God, but in doing so in a way that can influence others." (p. 133)
It's hard to argue that modern society can make it difficult to lead a Christian life. Thanks to marketing and accessibility through the media, it is much easier for folks to get their hands on stuff that gets in the way of living a Godly life. and I certainly don't want us to live in a bubble and ignore the positives that come from living in the information age.
We are called to live lives that honor God, and avoid evil. But doing this is a way that influence others is an even greater challenge.
What suggestions do you offer to the community?
"As Christians, we should pursue both goals: purity and proximity--living in a way that honors God, but in doing so in a way that can influence others." (p. 133)
It's hard to argue that modern society can make it difficult to lead a Christian life. Thanks to marketing and accessibility through the media, it is much easier for folks to get their hands on stuff that gets in the way of living a Godly life. and I certainly don't want us to live in a bubble and ignore the positives that come from living in the information age.
We are called to live lives that honor God, and avoid evil. But doing this is a way that influence others is an even greater challenge.
What suggestions do you offer to the community?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Just Walk Across the Room
I have been making my way through a book entitled Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. When I have finished the book, I will talk about it more. For now, I wanted to focus on one specific section that I have been processing for the last few days.
He provided some interesting statistics about our individual evangelistic fire. When someone comes to Christ, we would assume that the first few years they would be talking to lots of people, trying to convince them to join in the wonderfulness of being in relationship with Christ. What surprised me, however, was that by the eighth year of one's conversion, they have virtually stopped all such conversations. The desire to talk about their faith with non-Christians have all but disappeared.
The explanation that he provides is that Christians begin to surround themselves with Christian friends and immerses themselves in Christian community. Thus, there is no need to go out into the community because Christians are comfortable among other Christians. We get so comfortable with people that think like us that we see no need to go out and talk to non-Christians about our wonderful relationship with Christ.
Reading this made sense, but it is also disturbing. In my trips to and from various places as a pastor, I listen to a lot of radio. We have XM radio, which works out very nicely. I have taken to listening to the Christian radio station that they have on there. Some of it is fine, some of it is not. I did hear one gentlemen talking about how, as a Christian, you may need to find new friends, Christian friends. In this way you can avoid the sinfulness that can come out in your non-Christian friends.
On one level, I would find it difficult to sever friendships I have had for years simply because those friends are not believers. I also feel called to continue our friendship so that one day I might be able to have a spiritual conversation with them and have them think about the role Christ can play in their life.
So where am I going with all this. I would like to think about the following:
He provided some interesting statistics about our individual evangelistic fire. When someone comes to Christ, we would assume that the first few years they would be talking to lots of people, trying to convince them to join in the wonderfulness of being in relationship with Christ. What surprised me, however, was that by the eighth year of one's conversion, they have virtually stopped all such conversations. The desire to talk about their faith with non-Christians have all but disappeared.
The explanation that he provides is that Christians begin to surround themselves with Christian friends and immerses themselves in Christian community. Thus, there is no need to go out into the community because Christians are comfortable among other Christians. We get so comfortable with people that think like us that we see no need to go out and talk to non-Christians about our wonderful relationship with Christ.
Reading this made sense, but it is also disturbing. In my trips to and from various places as a pastor, I listen to a lot of radio. We have XM radio, which works out very nicely. I have taken to listening to the Christian radio station that they have on there. Some of it is fine, some of it is not. I did hear one gentlemen talking about how, as a Christian, you may need to find new friends, Christian friends. In this way you can avoid the sinfulness that can come out in your non-Christian friends.
On one level, I would find it difficult to sever friendships I have had for years simply because those friends are not believers. I also feel called to continue our friendship so that one day I might be able to have a spiritual conversation with them and have them think about the role Christ can play in their life.
So where am I going with all this. I would like to think about the following:
- Do you challenge yourself to minister to those outside of your own church community?
- Are you willing to eventually talk to your non-Christian friends about your faith when the right opportunity arrives?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday and Back in the Office...
Greetings to my...five loyal readers. :)
This past weekend was a busy, but immensely enjoyable. It also included a great deal of firsts. I wanted to take some time to share them with you.
On Friday, I was part of my first wedding rehearsal. Thankfully, with the wedding being hosted outdoors at the Paine Art Center, the wedding planner took primary responsibility for running the show. This helped to assuage some of the angst I was feeling for my portion of the rehearsal. When Christa and I got married, our rehearsal was quite the show. I was with friends that I hadn't seen for awhile, so we joked around...a lot. We were squirrelly and not very attentive. I could only hope they wouldn't be that way for me. They weren't. Thank goodness. :)
The wedding on Saturday was absolutely wonderful. The weather was perfect. It was 78 degrees and sunny. Perhaps a little too sunny for the pastor who was slightly nervous and in direct line of sight to the sun. I was sweating quite a bit. Enough, in fact, that when beginning my homily a bead of sweat made it into my eye and caused me to give a one-eyed sermon for about 10 seconds. Other than that, the ceremony went very well. Everything came together well.
On Sunday, we had the service to celebrate the Byron Center, as it will be closing later this year. There were many who shared wonderful memories and wonderful friendships that were fostered on those grounds. It was also nice to hear a message from Steve Polster and work with my circuit colleagues on the service.
This past weekend was a busy, but immensely enjoyable. It also included a great deal of firsts. I wanted to take some time to share them with you.
On Friday, I was part of my first wedding rehearsal. Thankfully, with the wedding being hosted outdoors at the Paine Art Center, the wedding planner took primary responsibility for running the show. This helped to assuage some of the angst I was feeling for my portion of the rehearsal. When Christa and I got married, our rehearsal was quite the show. I was with friends that I hadn't seen for awhile, so we joked around...a lot. We were squirrelly and not very attentive. I could only hope they wouldn't be that way for me. They weren't. Thank goodness. :)
The wedding on Saturday was absolutely wonderful. The weather was perfect. It was 78 degrees and sunny. Perhaps a little too sunny for the pastor who was slightly nervous and in direct line of sight to the sun. I was sweating quite a bit. Enough, in fact, that when beginning my homily a bead of sweat made it into my eye and caused me to give a one-eyed sermon for about 10 seconds. Other than that, the ceremony went very well. Everything came together well.
On Sunday, we had the service to celebrate the Byron Center, as it will be closing later this year. There were many who shared wonderful memories and wonderful friendships that were fostered on those grounds. It was also nice to hear a message from Steve Polster and work with my circuit colleagues on the service.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Celebration!
I would hope that this weekend you keep your thoughts and prayers with Joshua Glass and Jessica Roloff, members of Tabor United Methodist Church.
They are getting married tomorrow at 2:00 PM. We have the rehearsal tonight. I know they are both very excited, along with their family and friends.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
They are getting married tomorrow at 2:00 PM. We have the rehearsal tonight. I know they are both very excited, along with their family and friends.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Gambling
This Sunday, I will be talking, in part, about the role that small groups played in the early Methodist Church. Wesley saw it as extremely important that these groups met often and "watched over one another in love" so that they might foster their relationship with God. They abided by three general rules: (1) Doing no harm and avoiding evil, (2) Doing good and (3) Utilizing the means of grace (bible study, prayer, Communion, etc.).
As I was doing more research about what to avoid I noticed that gambling was one of them. This didn't surprise me, as I know Methodists took a pretty strong stance on gambling. But, if you check paragraph 163, section G of the Book of Discipline, it says the following:
As I was doing more research about what to avoid I noticed that gambling was one of them. This didn't surprise me, as I know Methodists took a pretty strong stance on gambling. But, if you check paragraph 163, section G of the Book of Discipline, it says the following:
Gambling is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, destructive of good government and good stewardship. As an act of faith and concern, Christians should abstain from gambling and should strive to minister to those victimized by the practice...The Church's prophetic call is to promote standards of justice and advocacy that would make it unnecessary and undesirable to resort to commercial gambling--including public lotteries, casinos, raffles, Internet gambling, gambling with an emerging wireless technology and other games of chance--as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing public revenue or fund for support of charities or government.
Wow...there's really no room for argument there. I can admit that, in my five years as a United Methodist before I was a minister, I definitely gambled. I've played bingo, fantasy football and partook in a few slot machines on our honeymoon when we were in Las Vegas. I would say that I was in control in all of this and never left compelled to spend beyond my means. In fact, it was fun.
I can see from that the above perspective looks at what happens when one does something in excess. I certainly do not want anyone getting addicted to gambling. I suppose the only way to guarantee that is to refrain from everything. Sometimes be disciplined isn't always fun. It also means that you need to give up things that can be fun, even in moderation. But there is a purpose behind what we do.
As a clergy member, I know that I must abstain from all gambling. As a United Methodist, how do you feel about it?
I can see from that the above perspective looks at what happens when one does something in excess. I certainly do not want anyone getting addicted to gambling. I suppose the only way to guarantee that is to refrain from everything. Sometimes be disciplined isn't always fun. It also means that you need to give up things that can be fun, even in moderation. But there is a purpose behind what we do.
As a clergy member, I know that I must abstain from all gambling. As a United Methodist, how do you feel about it?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Busy Weekend
It goes without saying the the beginning of my ministry in the Oakfield and Tabor churches would involve quite a few firsts. This weekend, however, could be described as my first extremely busy weekend of ministry. I will be presiding over a wedding this weekend, and we will also be having a service of celebration for the Byron Center on Sunday. To break things down a little bit:
Friday
Friday
- Work all day, then drive to Oshkosh.
- Wedding rehearsal
- Rehearsal dinner
- Wedding
- Wedding reception
- Tabor church service
- Oakfield church service
- Byron Center celebration
- Packer game
Monday, September 7, 2009
90 Minutes in Heaven
I know that this book has been around for a few years. I had heard folks talk about it. I was at the Oakfield Public Library during the Village-Wide Rummage Sale and found a copy of the book for $1.00. How could I go wrong? I added it to my reading list.
The book is an account of Don Piper's being dead for 90 minutes and during that time experiencing heaven. When he comes back to life, he talks about his long recovery process from a devastating accident.
I hate to begin my review by arguing semantics, but 90 Minutes in Heaven was not an appropriate title for this book. His actual account of experiencing heaven was but two chapters of the book. The rest of the book details his slow recovery and all the accompanying misery that goes with it. Later, he does talk about ho0w his experience has affected the lives of others. I was disappointed, because I expected the book to provide more details about his experience in heaven. That was the title.
That being said, his description of his recovery does give an amazing story of determination and the power of prayer. I was also amazed about how a community of believers came to rally around this one individual's recovery. We could all stand to learn from that.
I suppose the biggest struggle I have is with his account of heaven. I can't imagine why the author would lie about his experiences, and I'm sure that was his experience. But, was that heaven or a hallucination? I just don't know. And to think that he speaks at funerals saying he can speak with authority about what heaven is like is slightly disturbing to me.
I would recommend you read the book, if but for its story about the power of prayer and love for hope of recovery.
The book is an account of Don Piper's being dead for 90 minutes and during that time experiencing heaven. When he comes back to life, he talks about his long recovery process from a devastating accident.
I hate to begin my review by arguing semantics, but 90 Minutes in Heaven was not an appropriate title for this book. His actual account of experiencing heaven was but two chapters of the book. The rest of the book details his slow recovery and all the accompanying misery that goes with it. Later, he does talk about ho0w his experience has affected the lives of others. I was disappointed, because I expected the book to provide more details about his experience in heaven. That was the title.
That being said, his description of his recovery does give an amazing story of determination and the power of prayer. I was also amazed about how a community of believers came to rally around this one individual's recovery. We could all stand to learn from that.
I suppose the biggest struggle I have is with his account of heaven. I can't imagine why the author would lie about his experiences, and I'm sure that was his experience. But, was that heaven or a hallucination? I just don't know. And to think that he speaks at funerals saying he can speak with authority about what heaven is like is slightly disturbing to me.
I would recommend you read the book, if but for its story about the power of prayer and love for hope of recovery.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Eagle Eye
Last night Christa and I watched the movie Eagle Eye. It came out last year, and with Netflix we have been making our way through recent major movies.
If I've noticed one habit that I have developed as a pastor, it is that I can encapsulate any book or movie that I read into one statement that opens itself up to dialogue. Eagle Eye was no different.
Watching this movie makes you wonder about the role that computers play in our lives. The movie itself combines plots similar to movies like WarGames and 2001. It brings up the following discussion points:
Christa and I gave the movie a: ****. It has good action and keeps you moving, given that the plot line is completely improbable. In all movies, there is a message. I encourage you to reflect on the ones I listed above.
If I've noticed one habit that I have developed as a pastor, it is that I can encapsulate any book or movie that I read into one statement that opens itself up to dialogue. Eagle Eye was no different.
Watching this movie makes you wonder about the role that computers play in our lives. The movie itself combines plots similar to movies like WarGames and 2001. It brings up the following discussion points:
- How much are we going to allow computers to in our lives?
- Computers can be more efficient, but what are the drawbacks?
- What is the potential gains and risks in Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Christa and I gave the movie a: ****. It has good action and keeps you moving, given that the plot line is completely improbable. In all movies, there is a message. I encourage you to reflect on the ones I listed above.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Prevenient Grace
This Sunday will be the first in a series of sermons that talk about grace. I will be starting with a look at prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is available to all of the world's people. It is a gift from God that we received through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether one is a believer or non-believer, God's grace works in us and all good works are as a result of his grace working in us.
I appreciate this part of our Methodist heritage. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at Wesley's thoughts on the road to salvation. I do appreciate that everyone has the potential to be saved. This should be wonderful news as we think to reaching out into the community.
See you in church!
I appreciate this part of our Methodist heritage. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at Wesley's thoughts on the road to salvation. I do appreciate that everyone has the potential to be saved. This should be wonderful news as we think to reaching out into the community.
See you in church!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Too Small to Ignore Reviewed
I finished Too Small to Ignore. It was one of those books that was so good, you had a hard time putting it down. I finished it in a week. As busy as I am and being the slow reader that I am, I thought that was incredible that I finished it so quickly.
Wess Stafford shares his childhood experiences from two perspectives. He shares many wonderful stories from his childhood living in an African village as the son of a missionary. He learned the true meaning of love and the meaning of a simple life. He counters this with some truly gruesome stories of time in a boarding school for missionary children. It's horrible and painful to read. Both of these experiences lay the groundwork for his passion for helping children in poverty.
He ends his book by providing many thoughts about how we can put children at a higher priority in our lives. It was a wake up call to me and I highly recommend that you check this book out. It will change your thinking about who we should be ministering to!
Next on my list is Ninety Minutes in Heaven.
Wess Stafford shares his childhood experiences from two perspectives. He shares many wonderful stories from his childhood living in an African village as the son of a missionary. He learned the true meaning of love and the meaning of a simple life. He counters this with some truly gruesome stories of time in a boarding school for missionary children. It's horrible and painful to read. Both of these experiences lay the groundwork for his passion for helping children in poverty.
He ends his book by providing many thoughts about how we can put children at a higher priority in our lives. It was a wake up call to me and I highly recommend that you check this book out. It will change your thinking about who we should be ministering to!
Next on my list is Ninety Minutes in Heaven.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What a Puppy Taught Me...
I have not blogged as consistently as I would like over the last week or so. Much of this has to do with the newest member of our family: Weaver. Weaver is a Shelty/Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog mix. She is now 10 weeks old, but was 8 weeks old when we got her. Needless to say, the last few weeks have been a little crazy.
Having a puppy around has been a humbling experience. Unfortunately, the dog brings out my temper in ways that I have not seen in a long time. She gets the best of me when she constantly bites my ankles or manages to pee in the kitchen for the third time that day. *sigh*
I also get apprehensive when I am home alone with her. She'll sleep for one to two hours and I can get some work done. When she gets up, it's a game of figuring out what she wants to keep her occupied until she takes another nap ;).
Puppy maintenance has helped me to work on some of my hang-ups that I have in my relationship with God as well. I worry way too much about stuff. The minute I stop worrying and let things happen, the better things go. It's the same with Weaver. When I am stressed about taking care of her, things go bad. When I relax, things go well. It has also helped me with my temper.
So...the puppy has been a blessing for our lives, and also a blessing for my relationship with God.
Having a puppy around has been a humbling experience. Unfortunately, the dog brings out my temper in ways that I have not seen in a long time. She gets the best of me when she constantly bites my ankles or manages to pee in the kitchen for the third time that day. *sigh*
I also get apprehensive when I am home alone with her. She'll sleep for one to two hours and I can get some work done. When she gets up, it's a game of figuring out what she wants to keep her occupied until she takes another nap ;).
Puppy maintenance has helped me to work on some of my hang-ups that I have in my relationship with God as well. I worry way too much about stuff. The minute I stop worrying and let things happen, the better things go. It's the same with Weaver. When I am stressed about taking care of her, things go bad. When I relax, things go well. It has also helped me with my temper.
So...the puppy has been a blessing for our lives, and also a blessing for my relationship with God.
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