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Once again, the Blueprint for Wellness health screening will be held during the Annual Conference session on Monday and Tuesday, June 4-5. Screenings will take place from 6:30 am to 10:30 am both days. If you are on HealthFlex and plan to be at Annual Conference, you are encouraged to sign up and participate in the event. Click here for details on how to register and schedule your appointment time. If you have questions, please contact Eleanor Dickson at the Administrative Services Office, eleanor@sgaumcadmin.com or 800-535-4224.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
Poulan United Methodist Church wants to be a church that does something.
They’ll do just that May 19-20, joining thousands of other United Methodist congregations around the world for “Change the World” weekend.
“Too often we get stuck inside the box of a sanctuary and are not really thinking about what’s outside and what we can be doing for our community,” said Poulan UMC pastor Rev. Nate Lehman. “I really base it on loving our neighbors. We want to be a church that loves our neighbors and is doing something.”
“Change the World,” a weekend of church-led service organized through The United Methodist Church’s “Rethink Church” initiative, is a movement to show God’s love in real and tangible ways, both locally and globally, by utilizing outreach events to make a positive difference in the world beyond the church doors.
“Vital congregations are engaged in mission, and Change the World illustrates the power of our interconnectedness,” said Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, in a press release. “Last year, more than 2,000 events took place in 15 countries. Change the World presents an opportunity to transform lives in connection with others.”
On Saturday, May 19, youth from Poulan UMC will make dozens of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and distribute them to local children. The church’s United Methodist Women will create goodie baskets and give them to the town’s shut-in residents, and the United Methodist Men plan to help Poulan residents with small home-improvement projects.
Every generation is getting involved, Rev. Lehman said. The church’s children are collecting DVDs to take to the children’s wing at the local hospital.
Poulan UMC’s involvement with the “Change the World” weekend has a two-fold purpose.
“I feel like one of the best ways to grow the church is to outreach to the community,” Rev. Lehman said. “I really base it on the ‘love your neighbor’ mandate that Jesus gave us. I think that if we really want to grow as a church, the first thing that we need to do is show love to our neighbor. This weekend presents an ideal time to do that and to really focus on what we can do as a church to reach out to others.”
Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins will kick off two weeks of mission and ministry on May 5. For the second year in a row, the church will launch their “Change the World” efforts with a 5K race and a “Biking for Bibles” bike-a-thon. More than 250 runners and walkers participated in last year’s 5K race, and event coordinators hope for an even better turnout this year. Proceeds from the race will be donated to Imagine No Malaria, and donations to the bike-a-thon will provide Bibles to children in Jamaica.
“This initiative talks about doing more, ‘being’ the church and thinking worldwide about what we can do,” said Angela Gilbert, Trinity UMC’s children’s and media technology director. “We want to do more things outside the church and in the community, not always just thinking about ministry inside the building.”
During the two weeks, the church will also host a teachers’ appreciation luncheon, plant vegetables in their community garden and host a community-wide block party. For 10 days the church’s youth will give up all beverages except water in an effort to raise funds for a water well.
“Our participation (in last year’s “Change the World” event) helped emphasize and increase awareness,” Gilbert said. “It’s great to have a tangible goal and to be a part of a disease that we really can eliminate. It also connects us with so many people, not just here, but around the world. We want to help others, and we also want to raise awareness of what’s going on around the world.”
Plans are taking shape for Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church’s “Change the World” day. Church members will help local Millen residents with minor home repairs, and as they discover other needs, they will offer at least “a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name,” said pastor Rev. George Durham.
“Sometimes small churches feel left out in our ‘bigger is always better’ day of mega-churches,” Rev. Durham said. “Our efforts are small in comparison, but we try to change one life at a time.”
This fall, Central United Methodist Church in Fitzgerald will host its own “Change the World” day. Last spring, nearly 200 members served in 19 different ministries and service projects, ranging from visiting local nursing homes and assisted living homes to cleaning city parks and writing cards to local firemen, policemen, and Sheriff’s deputies.
“Every single ministry project focused on others outside our church doors. That was the purpose of this event – to focus on others and not ourselves,” said Susan Hughes, Central UMC’s youth and adult ministries coordinator. “This is what church is supposed to be, not sitting in a building taking care of ourselves, but reaching out to take care of others.”
Interested in hosting a Change the World event?
Change the World, a global movement of United Methodists to build community locally and fight malaria globally, will take place Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. Local churches are asked to plan for the denominational event, as The UMC seeks to have 4,000 events take place worldwide. For more information on the 2012 Change the World weekend, visit www.umcom.org/changetheworld.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
More than 25,000 eggs were scooped up in less than five minutes at Harvest United Methodist Church’s annual Easter egg hunts.
Nearly 5,000 people attended one of Harvest Church’s five egg hunts, which were held immediately following five of the church’s eight Easter worship services. What used to be held on the weekend preceding Easter is now an event held in conjunction with the Easter worship services.
The timing is intentional and by design, church leaders say.
In years past, crowds for the hunt itself were large, but often did not translate into increased worship attendance or new visitors attending Easter services.
A few years ago, though, as Harvest Church was planning for its annual egg hunt, bad weather loomed and the church was forced to cancel the event. Not deterred, they rescheduled it for the following weekend, which also happened to be Easter.
The event worked so well that church leaders never again considered hosting it on a weekend other than Easter.
“So often at Harvest, we stumble onto something and it’s not necessarily by design,” said Rev. Jim Cowart, Harvest UMC’s senior pastor. “We didn’t invent this or anything, but what we’ve found out, at least in our area, is that there are people who want their kids to go to an egg hunt maybe more than they want them to go to church. But that’s who we’re targeting – people who don’t go to church and for whom church really isn’t on their radar. So the egg hunt is a little bit of an excitement and enticement for them to come to the worship service.”
Harvest UMC’s Easter egg hunt is one of several “bridge events” that the church hosts throughout the year. Intended as a connecting “bridge” between the church and community, the egg hunt and other similar events are designed to welcome and introduce newcomers to the church and its members.
One such bridge event is the church’s hosting of the African Children’s Choir. In the past, the concert was typically held on a weekday evening, or whenever the choir’s calendar coincided with the church’s. Much like the egg hunts, the concerts attracted large crowds but church leaders did not see an increase in visitors or new attendees the next week.
But now that the concert coincides with a worship service – Rev. Cowart preaches a 10-15 minute message, the band plays a few songs and then the African Children’s Choir performs – the church has seen an uptick in the number of new attendees. The week following the combined concert/worship service Harvest UMC saw a 14 percent increase in attendance – nearly 200 visitors and new attendees.
“What (hosting an event in conjunction with a normal worship service) does is that it lets people who are just coming to hear the children’s choir also experience a worship service at Harvest,” Rev. Cowart said. “And then hopefully they’ll think, ‘hey, I kind of like this,’ or ‘I was made to feel welcome at Harvest,’ or ‘my family could fit in here.’”
Hosting these types of bridge events is possible for any size church in any location. All that’s needed is organization, planning, volunteers and an emphasis on community.
“Using the word ‘community’ is key,” Rev. Cowart said. “It says that we want you guys, we want you here. And when they’re here be nice to them! We think these events can work in any church, any size. It’s just a matter of organizing and doing things a little differently. I can’t imagine now why anyone wouldn’t do this.”
Harvest UMC’s message is that the experience that guests have the day of the event is the same experience they’ll have during a regular worship service.
While those who attend a bridge event service may hear a shorter-than-usual message or fewer worship songs than during a typical worship service, the message is never compromised or diluted.
“What better time to do an Easter egg hunt than on Easter or that weekend,” said Jennifer Cowart, Harvest UMC’s director of Christian Education and Emerging Ministries. “We let people know very clearly in the service that Easter is not about the eggs, it’s not about the bunny, it’s about Jesus Christ. Until that becomes your reality, though, it is about the bunny, it is about the eggs. So we use the egg hunt as a way to draw visitors in. Like Paul said, become all things to all people, so we want to speak their language so they can come and hear about who Jesus is.”
By Kara Witherow, Editor
Music and singing have long been passions of Moultrie First United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Mark Addington.
Growing up in Thomasville, he sang in church and in the youth choir. While in college at Florida State University, he played trumpet as a member of the Marching Chiefs. And at Candler School of Theology he sang in a men’s a cappella group.
“If I wasn’t in ministry I think I would move to Orlando and audition to be in one of their bands or do something performing,” he laughed. “I enjoy singing. Music is something that I’ve always been passionate about.”
While on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Rev. Addington put his singing talent to the test at the theme park’s American Idol Experience attraction.
At the urging of friends, Rev. Addington auditioned for the show, which is inspired by the popular television series. At the Disney World attraction, park guests are invited to audition in front of live audiences who then vote for their favorite singers.
“I did this on a whim,” Rev. Addington said. “I’ve always kind of wanted to do this while we’ve been down there, and I finally walked in at the encouragement of a friend who said I ought to try it.”
The theme park attraction’s audition process is very similar to the television show’s, he said. Any Walt Disney World guest 14 years old or older can try out.
One of more than 3,400 people to try out for the day, Rev. Addington sang Garth Brooks’ “The River” for his first audition. After being approved to move on to round two, he chose to sing the popular Christian band MercyMe’s, “I Can Only Imagine” for the remainder of the competition.
Singing the only Christian song on the approved song list seemed like a good fit, he said.
“I was told that the show had just added that song a few weeks before I was there, and I decided to try it.”
After going through two initial rounds of auditions, Rev. Addington was chosen as one of the day’s 15 semi-final performers.
In each of the day’s five preliminary shows, three singers perform and are voted on by the audience. Each of the five preliminary winners compete in the day’s final show.
Singing at the 6 p.m. semi-final show, Rev. Addington faced competition from two female singers. Audience members voted him the winner, and he moved on to the finale show to sing against four other semi-final winners.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get to sing with a vocal coach and perform in front of more than 1,000 people, he said.
“The experience itself was really, really awesome. It was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.”
As one of five contestants in the day’s finale show, Rev. Addington sang “I Can Only Imagine” in front of a packed house. Placing third, he was bested by another man and a young lady from Mississippi.
In addition to it being an “awesome experience,” singing at the American Idol Experience gave Rev. Addington a chance to share his faith.
The show’s makeup artist, also a Christian, watched Rev. Addington’s final performance and was brought to tears by his rendition of the song. And after the show was over he was able to have a conversation with and pray for one of the show’s sound technicians.
“People told me how awesome it was that I was able to witness through the song,” he said. “People all over the park that night and even some the next day at another park stopped to tell me that they loved the song and how neat it was for me to be able to sing it in front of so many people.”
The annual Hands on Mission Rally for Teens and Young Women was held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Adel United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Women ladies, girls’ unit, teen girls and other youth numbered 30 in attendance. Adel UMW President Debbie Buckholtz led the meeting and rally. Those in attendance participated in the Ministry through Meals project which Adel has just begun.
This project sprung from the mind of an Adel youth, Brandon Holt. Brandon visited Nashville United Methodist Church and assisted in their Jesus and Meals (JAM) ministry. Brandon felt led to start a similar ministry in his own community. From his idea came the reality, serving sandwich lunches to those in need throughout Adel.
This was the third week of operation and the UMW president asked if our hands-on rally could be a part of the project. Our help was graciously accepted. Everyone assisted in making sandwiches, packing the brown bags with juice, chips, snacks and a Bible verse, and then placing all the 500+ bags in large boxes for delivery. The group joined hands and surrounded the loaded church bus and had a heartfelt prayer for the ministry before it left the church for various corners in the Adel community.
Susan Roberson, Valdosta District UMW president, welcomed everyone and thanked them for being a big part in this new Adel UMC mission project. The youth were questioned about what mission means and the teens and pre-teens were eager to give their thoughts. Debbie Buckholtz, Adel UMW president, then gave a slide presentation of the youth Haiti study. The youth divided into two teams and made a list of ‘products’ they could remember from their previous study. They then played a game of ‘21’ questions trying to guess the product that the other team had selected. There was a lot of laughter and fun, and the girls gained a lot of information.
A time was then set aside for Stacy Spears, Valdosta District vice-president, to share her experience of a recent mission trip to Paraguay. The girls were eager to hear about the trip and had lots of questions.
The District Mission Rally was a time of sharing and caring, questioning and thinking about what we all need to be doing as far as mission is concerned. The event ended with a pizza lunch for all. We hope all our young ladies will plan to attend the 2013 Rally. You can have another chance to see what United Methodist Women are a part of throughout our own community, nation and world.
By Missy Buchanan
UMR Columnist
A grandmother paused while her 9-year old grandson tried to scoop up sand with his bare feet. For the last half-hour, they had been strolling along the wide beach of the Atlantic, feeling the mist on their faces and picking up sea shells. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so free to enjoy her grandson in the beauty of nature.
Over the years she had traveled many places with all three of her grandchildren. They had ridden horses in the mountains and amusement rides at Disney World. One summer they had squeezed eight family members into a three-bedroom condo for a week-long romp at the beach. But this outing was different.
This year she was participating in Grand Camp at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island, Ga., an intergenerational camp for grandparents and their elementary-aged grandchildren. More than a fun-filled vacation, Grand Camp is designed to nurture both the emotional and spiritual bond between grandparent and grandchild.
Faye Lacey affirms that Grand Camp is different from other family trips she’s taken with her grandchildren. When her youngest grandchild Rose lamented that she was not old enough to join her siblings for church youth activities and mission trips, Faye began to search for something special they could do together. She discovered Grand Camp and was soon convinced that she had found just the right place for a meaningful intergenerational experience in a faith-filled environment. Her expectations were exceeded.
“Grand Camp was special to both of us because neither of us had to divide our attention or schedules among others. The one-on-one experience was exceptional. The focus was on doing things with each other. It was truly a godsend,” Faye says.
Judy McWhorter of Swainsboro, Ga., agrees. Last summer she took her 8-year-old grandson Patrick to Grand Camp. The middle child in his family, Patrick enjoyed not having to share his grandmother’s attention with his siblings.
“There was a variety of well-planned activities, but there was also free time in the afternoon,” she says. “Since Patrick enjoys sea animals, he really loved the dolphin cruise.”
Open to all
Don’t make the mistake of thinking, though, that the four-day event is just for solo grandparents with one grandchild. Grandparents, in pairs or singles, can attend with one grandchild or a dozen. Epworth, a well-known United Methodist retreat center, has lodging accommodations to fit the needs of each family.
There is a litany of traditional camp experiences for all to enjoy: swimming, biking, fishing, storytelling, crafting, beachcombing, sing-alongs, cookouts, bonfires and more. But there are two activities that seem to garner the most excitement: the shrimp boat cruise aboard the Lady Jane and the skits/talent show involving both grandparents and grandkids.
This year’s Grand Camp is scheduled from June 22 through 25 and is available to all, not just United Methodists in the South Georgia Conference. The theme this summer will be “Exploring the World of the Boy Jesus and His Family.” The camp director will be Dr. Ron Hall, a retired United Methodist minister who lives in the area and is a surf fishing enthusiast.
There are also some new activities: a butterfly release at evening vespers and Sunday school at the beach with sand sculpting.
After discovering Grand Camp at Epworth By The Sea, there is one thing I know for sure. I look forward to the day when my toddler grandsons get a little older so their Poppi and I can take them to Grand Camp. I want to watch them scoop up the sand with their bare feet and share with them the wonder of it all.
Ms. Buchanan, a member of FUMC Rockwall, Texas, is the author of several books, including Aging Faithfully: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books). Reach her at missy@missybuchanan.com. For Grand Camp info, see www.epworthbythesea.org.
A Transition Workshop for Part-time Local Pastors and Lay Speaker serving as supply pastors will be held May 19 in Eastman.
The Appointive Cabinet will meet June 2 in Macon.
The 2012 South Georgia Annual Conference Session is set for June 3-5 in Macon, GA.
In a world where 250,000 children are forced to be fighters or sex slaves, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest persistent violator, according to the United Nations Security Council. Because of the war, young boys are forced to enlist in the rebel army. Sexual assault of women and young girls has become the norm.
Compounding the problem is “conflict mineral,” the selling of copper, tungsten, tin and other minerals to support war efforts. Unfortunately, minerals sold to global supply chains and corporations may be used as components for electronics that are part of our everyday lives: mobile phones, MP3 players and computers.
United Methodists are trying to do something about it.
Armed with a grant from the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the Jerusalem Justice and Peace Ministry (JJPM) is assisting communities in the DRC. While physical and emotional healing is vital, the ministry also challenges unjust systems.
“We cannot keep quiet if there is something wrong,” said JJPM executive Dr. Leonard Kabwita. JJPM workshops educate and empower Congolese people about justice issues in their communities and seek local solutions to close the gap between rich and poor.
When you give to Peace with Justice Sunday, you support ministries in the DRC, the United States and worldwide to remove unjust systems and equip the victimized to live more fulfilled lives.
Click here for resources to help promote this special Sunday.
Once again, the Blueprint for Wellness health screening will be held during Annual Conference. If you are on HealthFlex and plan to be at Annual Conference, we encourage you to sign up and participate in the event. Click here for details on how to register and schedule your appointment time. If you have questions, please contact Eleanor Dickson at the Administrative Services Office, eleanor@sgaumcadmin.com or 800-535-4224.
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Click here to view the full version of The Link
By Kara Witherow, Editor
Music and singing have long been passions of Moultrie First United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Mark Addington.
Growing up in Thomasville, he sang in church and in the youth choir. While in college at Florida State University, he played trumpet as a member of the Marching Chiefs. And at Candler School of Theology he sang in a men’s a cappella group.
“If I wasn’t in ministry I think I would move to Orlando and audition to be in one of their bands or do something performing,” he laughed. “I enjoy singing. Music is something that I’ve always been passionate about.”
While on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Rev. Addington put his singing talent to the test at the theme park’s American Idol Experience attraction.
At the urging of friends, Rev. Addington auditioned for the show, which is inspired by the popular television series. At the Disney World attraction, park guests are invited to audition in front of live audiences who then vote for their favorite singers.
“I did this on a whim,” Rev. Addington said. “I’ve always kind of wanted to do this while we’ve been down there, and I finally walked in at the encouragement of a friend who said I ought to try it.”
The theme park attraction’s audition process is very similar to the television show’s, he said. Any Walt Disney World guest 14 years old or older can try out.
One of more than 3,400 people to try out for the day, Rev. Addington sang Garth Brooks’ “The River” for his first audition. After being approved to move on to round two, he chose to sing the popular Christian band MercyMe’s, “I Can Only Imagine” for the remainder of the competition.
Singing the only Christian song on the approved song list seemed like a good fit, he said.
“I was told that the show had just added that song a few weeks before I was there, and I decided to try it.”
After going through two initial rounds of auditions, Rev. Addington was chosen as one of the day’s 15 semi-final performers.
In each of the day’s five preliminary shows, three singers perform and are voted on by the audience. Each of the five preliminary winners compete in the day’s final show.
Singing at the 6 p.m. semi-final show, Rev. Addington faced competition from two female singers. Audience members voted him the winner, and he moved on to the finale show to sing against four other semi-final winners.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get to sing with a vocal coach and perform in front of more than 1,000 people, he said.
“The experience itself was really, really awesome. It was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.”
As one of five contestants in the day’s finale show, Rev. Addington sang “I Can Only Imagine” in front of a packed house. Placing third, he was bested by another man and a young lady from Mississippi.
In addition to it being an “awesome experience,” singing at the American Idol Experience gave Rev. Addington a chance to share his faith.
The show’s makeup artist, also a Christian, watched Rev. Addington’s final performance and was brought to tears by his rendition of the song. And after the show was over he was able to have a conversation with and pray for one of the show’s sound technicians.
“People told me how awesome it was that I was able to witness through the song,” he said. “People all over the park that night and even some the next day at another park stopped to tell me that they loved the song and how neat it was for me to be able to sing it in front of so many people.”
Magnolia Manor Sunday – May 13
Magnolia Manor is a ministry of the United Methodist Church that serves older adults of all faiths throughout South Georgia. On Sunday, May 13, South Georgia United Methodists are asked to take up a special offering to support this vital ministry. To learn more about Magnolia Manor visit www.magnoliamanor.com.
Transition Workshop for Moving Part-Time Local Pastors – May 19
Peace with Justice Sunday – June 3
2012 Annual Conference Session – June 3-5
Eagles’ Annual Conference Luncheon – June 5
At noon on Tuesday, June 5, the South Georgia Eagles will host their Annual Conference luncheon at Vineville United Methodist Church in Macon. The luncheon’s program will be “Man from La Mancha,” a brief skit performed by Lee and Nan Weaver. For cost information and to make reservations, contact Rev. Grover Bell at (912) 355-8420, (912) 238-0215 or belltalk@bellsouth.net.
Wesley Glen Day – June 17
Golden Cross Sunday – July 1
Summer Camps
Dive into “The Deep,” the 2012 Summer Camps sponsored by Connectional Ministries at Epworth By The Sea! Mid High Camps, intended for rising 6th-9th graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though daily worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, crafts, games galore, hilarious morning shows, and evenings of worship. All camps are held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Counselors are provided. Visit www.sgaumc.org for more information and to register. For questions, contact the Office of Connectional Ministries at 888-266-7642.
Elementary Camp I – June 25-29
Elementary Camp II – July 9-13
Join us this summer in “The Deep” for the 2012 Summer Camps! Elementary Camps, intended for rising 4th-6th graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though daily worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, crafts, games galore, hilarious morning shows, and evenings of worship. All camps are held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Counselors are provided. Visit www.sgaumc.org for more information and to register. For questions, contact the Office of Connectional Ministries at 888-266-7642.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
Poulan United Methodist Church wants to be a church that does something.
They’ll do just that May 19-20, joining thousands of other United Methodist congregations around the world for “Change the World” weekend.
“Too often we get stuck inside the box of a sanctuary and are not really thinking about what’s outside and what we can be doing for our community,” said Poulan UMC pastor Rev. Nate Lehman. “I really base it on loving our neighbors. We want to be a church that loves our neighbors and is doing something.”
“Change the World,” a weekend of church-led service organized through The United Methodist Church’s “Rethink Church” initiative, is a movement to show God’s love in real and tangible ways, both locally and globally, by utilizing outreach events to make a positive difference in the world beyond the church doors.
“Vital congregations are engaged in mission, and Change the World illustrates the power of our interconnectedness,” said Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, in a press release. “Last year, more than 2,000 events took place in 15 countries. Change the World presents an opportunity to transform lives in connection with others.”
On Saturday, May 19, youth from Poulan UMC will make dozens of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and distribute them to local children. The church’s United Methodist Women will create goodie baskets and give them to the town’s shut-in residents, and the United Methodist Men plan to help Poulan residents with small home-improvement projects.
Every generation is getting involved, Rev. Lehman said. The church’s children are collecting DVDs to take to the children’s wing at the local hospital.
Poulan UMC’s involvement with the “Change the World” weekend has a two-fold purpose.
“I feel like one of the best ways to grow the church is to outreach to the community,” Rev. Lehman said. “I really base it on the ‘love your neighbor’ mandate that Jesus gave us. I think that if we really want to grow as a church, the first thing that we need to do is show love to our neighbor. This weekend presents an ideal time to do that and to really focus on what we can do as a church to reach out to others.”
Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins will kick off two weeks of mission and ministry on May 5. For the second year in a row, the church will launch their “Change the World” efforts with a 5K race and a “Biking for Bibles” bike-a-thon. More than 250 runners and walkers participated in last year’s 5K race, and event coordinators hope for an even better turnout this year. Proceeds from the race will be donated to Imagine No Malaria, and donations to the bike-a-thon will provide Bibles to children in Jamaica.
“This initiative talks about doing more, ‘being’ the church and thinking worldwide about what we can do,” said Angela Gilbert, Trinity UMC’s children’s and media technology director. “We want to do more things outside the church and in the community, not always just thinking about ministry inside the building.”
During the two weeks, the church will also host a teachers’ appreciation luncheon, plant vegetables in their community garden and host a community-wide block party. For 10 days the church’s youth will give up all beverages except water in an effort to raise funds for a water well.
“Our participation (in last year’s “Change the World” event) helped emphasize and increase awareness,” Gilbert said. “It’s great to have a tangible goal and to be a part of a disease that we really can eliminate. It also connects us with so many people, not just here, but around the world. We want to help others, and we also want to raise awareness of what’s going on around the world.”
Plans are taking shape for Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church’s “Change the World” day. Church members will help local Millen residents with minor home repairs, and as they discover other needs, they will offer at least “a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name,” said pastor Rev. George Durham.
“Sometimes small churches feel left out in our ‘bigger is always better’ day of mega-churches,” Rev. Durham said. “Our efforts are small in comparison, but we try to change one life at a time.”
This fall, Central United Methodist Church in Fitzgerald will host its own “Change the World” day. Last spring, nearly 200 members served in 19 different ministries and service projects, ranging from visiting local nursing homes and assisted living homes to cleaning city parks and writing cards to local firemen, policemen, and Sheriff’s deputies.
“Every single ministry project focused on others outside our church doors. That was the purpose of this event – to focus on others and not ourselves,” said Susan Hughes, Central UMC’s youth and adult ministries coordinator. “This is what church is supposed to be, not sitting in a building taking care of ourselves, but reaching out to take care of others.”
Interested in hosting a Change the World event?
Change the World, a global movement of United Methodists to build community locally and fight malaria globally, will take place Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. Local churches are asked to plan for the denominational event, as The UMC seeks to have 4,000 events take place worldwide. For more information on the 2012 Change the World weekend, visit www.umcom.org/changetheworld.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
More than 25,000 eggs were scooped up in less than five minutes at Harvest United Methodist Church’s annual Easter egg hunts.
Nearly 5,000 people attended one of Harvest Church’s five egg hunts, which were held immediately following five of the church’s eight Easter worship services. What used to be held on the weekend preceding Easter is now an event held in conjunction with the Easter worship services.
The timing is intentional and by design, church leaders say.
In years past, crowds for the hunt itself were large, but often did not translate into increased worship attendance or new visitors attending Easter services.
A few years ago, though, as Harvest Church was planning for its annual egg hunt, bad weather loomed and the church was forced to cancel the event. Not deterred, they rescheduled it for the following weekend, which also happened to be Easter.
The event worked so well that church leaders never again considered hosting it on a weekend other than Easter.
“So often at Harvest, we stumble onto something and it’s not necessarily by design,” said Rev. Jim Cowart, Harvest UMC’s senior pastor. “We didn’t invent this or anything, but what we’ve found out, at least in our area, is that there are people who want their kids to go to an egg hunt maybe more than they want them to go to church. But that’s who we’re targeting – people who don’t go to church and for whom church really isn’t on their radar. So the egg hunt is a little bit of an excitement and enticement for them to come to the worship service.”
Harvest UMC’s Easter egg hunt is one of several “bridge events” that the church hosts throughout the year. Intended as a connecting “bridge” between the church and community, the egg hunt and other similar events are designed to welcome and introduce newcomers to the church and its members.
One such bridge event is the church’s hosting of the African Children’s Choir. In the past, the concert was typically held on a weekday evening, or whenever the choir’s calendar coincided with the church’s. Much like the egg hunts, the concerts attracted large crowds but church leaders did not see an increase in visitors or new attendees the next week.
But now that the concert coincides with a worship service – Rev. Cowart preaches a 10-15 minute message, the band plays a few songs and then the African Children’s Choir performs – the church has seen an uptick in the number of new attendees. The week following the combined concert/worship service Harvest UMC saw a 14 percent increase in attendance – nearly 200 visitors and new attendees.
“What (hosting an event in conjunction with a normal worship service) does is that it lets people who are just coming to hear the children’s choir also experience a worship service at Harvest,” Rev. Cowart said. “And then hopefully they’ll think, ‘hey, I kind of like this,’ or ‘I was made to feel welcome at Harvest,’ or ‘my family could fit in here.’”
Hosting these types of bridge events is possible for any size church in any location. All that’s needed is organization, planning, volunteers and an emphasis on community.
“Using the word ‘community’ is key,” Rev. Cowart said. “It says that we want you guys, we want you here. And when they’re here be nice to them! We think these events can work in any church, any size. It’s just a matter of organizing and doing things a little differently. I can’t imagine now why anyone wouldn’t do this.”
Harvest UMC’s message is that the experience that guests have the day of the event is the same experience they’ll have during a regular worship service.
While those who attend a bridge event service may hear a shorter-than-usual message or fewer worship songs than during a typical worship service, the message is never compromised or diluted.
“What better time to do an Easter egg hunt than on Easter or that weekend,” said Jennifer Cowart, Harvest UMC’s director of Christian Education and Emerging Ministries. “We let people know very clearly in the service that Easter is not about the eggs, it’s not about the bunny, it’s about Jesus Christ. Until that becomes your reality, though, it is about the bunny, it is about the eggs. So we use the egg hunt as a way to draw visitors in. Like Paul said, become all things to all people, so we want to speak their language so they can come and hear about who Jesus is.”
JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
“Did John Wesley ever marry?”
That is the most often asked question after my Thursday afternoon lectures at the Arthur J. Moore Museum at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.
It is amazing how much interest there is in John Wesley’s relationships with women. Well, I guess some things never change. So, for the next several months in this column I will tell you about “John Wesley’s Women.”
The number one woman in his life was his mother, Susanna. Susanna Wesley, “The Mother of Methodism,” was one of the most remarkable women in all of Christendom. She gave birth to 19 (some say 20) children and raised 10 to adulthood. Beginning on their fifth birthday she homeschooled her children. She expected instant obedience. She managed her large household with little help from her husband. Each week she spent one hour alone with each of her children listening to their hopes, dreams, and struggles and encouraging them in their spiritual lives. She prayed for them and let them know how much she loved them even while teaching them to cry softly and never ask for food outside of mealtimes. When John went off to Oxford he asked his mother to pray with him each Thursday afternoon at the same time they had met together at Epworth.
Once while her husband Samuel was away for a length of time, she began a devotional time in the parsonage on Sunday afternoons because the curate (assistant pastor) preached the same sermon every Sunday. Soon 200 people were coming to the parsonage and nobody was attending church! The curate complained to Samuel who wrote his wife to stop those meetings. Susanna wrote back, “If you show me from scripture and command me as my husband to stop, I will surely do so, but you must promise me that when we stand before Almighty God you will explain to the Lord why I was not allowed to help feed these hungry souls.”
Susanna encouraged John to allow more lay leadership in the church. She also helped him expand the role of women in church leadership.
I pray that God will raise up more women like Susanna Wesley. We need them today, more than ever.
By Rev. Dr. John E. Stephens
"If you try to be all things to all people, you will never exceed at anything." - Dave Ulrich
The first and most important aspect of becoming a more contemplative leader is learning to cultivate the ability to ask the right questions. Unfortunately, many of us never learn to ask the right questions. We have become so reactive in our responses and actions due to dealing with day to day struggles and problems that we never take the time to reflect on why it is that we are here leading in the first place. This leads to a variety of problems, the biggest of which is short-sighted leadership. When we are overly reactive, we are spontaneous and emotional. When we are overly reactive we lack strategic direction and we rarely reflect on our actions at all. When we are overly reactive, we have no goals and we have no effective way to measure the success of our goals. How do we move from reactive response to a more strategic and goal oriented way of leading? We must begin with ourselves. We need more contemplative leaders - leaders who are willing to begin with their own motives, fears, and desires.
What questions do contemplative leaders begin with?
At the beginning, I would answer this question with another question. What question are you afraid to ask? Usually this is not a question regarding how to lead our organization or congregation. This is usually a question that has something to do with our understanding of self, or lack thereof. This is why the contemplative component of leadership is so vital. If we don't have an adequate understanding of self, motives, fears, and passions, we cannot lead effectively.
What are the questions we should begin with?
What is the meaning of life?
How do I fulfill my calling/vocation?
How do I live a full and complete life?
How do we find meaning in our vocation?
What is our destiny?
Am I capable, worthy, useful?
Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, you are a spiritual being. Define it as you will, we all must have meaning in life, but meaning is hard to nail down and can often escape us. There are moments for all of us when we stop and “smell the roses,” lifting our eyes up from the ordinary reactive responses we face every day. During these times, we begin to question ourselves and what we do. The contemplative leader learns to foster reflection on the big questions in ways that are productive and life-giving. The contemplative leader thinks about the bigger questions and issues regularly. These thoughts guide their decision making and their relationships. The process of living, growing up, finding meaning, and increasing awareness of who we are and why we are here is something contemplative leaders strive toward. While it may be a difficult task, this is really the only work a contemplative leader can accomplish themselves. Unfortunately, too many leaders rely on others to tell them who they are and how they should lead. Too many leaders find their self-worth in what they can produce. The reality is that you can never be the best and most effective leader you can be by seeking affirmation from the outside. Others cannot tell you who you really are. That is something that you can only discover within.
Rev. Dr. John E. Stephens is the senior pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica on St. Simons Island. Reprinted with permission from his blog, “Reflections from the Porch.” Read more at thejohnstephens.blogspot.com.