A New Book from A Good Friend
Mark Gregston is a good friend of mine from back in the days when I was Executive Director of a Children’s Home. Mark and I served together on the Board of NACCFA the Naticnal Association of Christian Child and Family Agencies.
I have not read the book but I will do that ASAP and I can already recommend the book based on my knowledge of the work that Mark does with teens.
Ronnie
IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE BOOK BELOW, ENABLE IMAGES OR CLICK HERE.
“Mark has a clear, ‘big picture’ grasp of effective parenting. It’s formatted by
the power of God’s grace and seasoned from decades of experience.”
–From the foreword by DR. TIM KIMMEL, President, Family Matters
I receive every day now from all over
the world. Teens are in trouble, and
parents are perplexed what to do, no
matter where they live. If you need help
with your teen, I hope you will order this
book online by clicking the graphic above,
or go to www.heartlightresources.com.
Or, call us at 866-700-FAMILY.
– Mark
Hannah Williams Memorial
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This obit excerpt is from Friday Oct 31 issue of The Knoxville News-Sentinel. |
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WILLIAMS, HANNAH BROOKE – age 12 of Dandridge, achieved her ultimate victory in Jesus early in the morning of October 29. Cancer did not defeat her, in fact at a Revival at Mt. Zion UMC on October 22 Hannah told all gathered there “The doctors tell me that I have a 10 percent chance to live, but my God has and will take care of me.” Hannah went on to ask “Do you know my Jesus? If you don’t, you need to get to know my Jesus.” Anyone who knew Hannah realized it was all about them and not about her. She was more concerned about them than herself. This was acknowledged at Lake Junaluska during the United Methodist Annual Conference in June of this year when Hannah was awarded the Harry Denman award for Evangelism the highest award given out by the United Methodist Church . Hannah’s life was not about her it was all about introducing others to Jesus. On October 29 Jesus welcomed home a true child of God who had touched more lives than we will ever know. She was a student at Maury Middle School and was active in the youth group at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church . In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church , memo: Hannah Williams Memorial, P.O. Box 1025 , Dandridge , TN 37725 . Funeral services for Hannah will be on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 3:00pm in the sanctuary of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Dandridge, with the Rev. John Thompson and Chaplain Sandy Foster officiating. Graveside interment will follow in Seahorns Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery . Family will receive friends from 12 noon to 3pm prior to the services at the church. Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge is in charge of the arrangements. www.farrarfuneralhome.com |
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Holy Ground
“I was in Rwanda a few years ago, and a group of us went hiking in the slums of Kigali with a woman named Pauline. Pauline spends her time caring for people who are about to die of HIV/AIDS. She agreed to take us to visit one of her friends who had only hours to live. We hiked through this slum for what seemed like miles, and as we got further in, the shacks became smaller and smaller until all we had to walk on were narrow trails with sewage crisscrossing in streams than ran beside, and sometimes, under the shacks.
Eventually we ended up in a dirt-floored, one-room shack about six – by – six feet. A woman was lying under so many blankets that all we could see was her mouth and eyes. Her name was Jacqueline. Pauline had become her friend and had been visiting her consistently for the past few months. As I knelt down beside her on the floor, I watched Pauline, standing in the corner, weeping. Her friend was going to die soon. What overwhelmed me wasn’t the death or despair or poverty. What overwhelmed me was the compassion. In this dark place Pauline’s love and compassion were simply…bigger. More. It is as if the smallest amount of light is infinitely more powerful than massive amounts of dark. The ground was holy.”
Rob Bell “The Velvet Elvis”
This is my prayer for the Ministry God has given me
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE WORDS, even if you have heard the song 100 times like I have.
I was reading Mike Morris blog this morning, I go there for inspiration and most of the time I receive just that. This morning I was really burdened about the fact that we get so me focused and this video was on Mike’s blog. Thank you Mike for the reminder. Check out this blog for yourself http://www.faithengineer.com/
Ronnie
The Bible
We have to embrace the Bible as the wild, uncensored, passionate account it is of people experiencing the living God.
Doubting the one true God.
Wrestling with, arguing with, getting angry with, reconciling with, loving , worshiping, thanking, following the one who gives us everything.
We cannot tame it.
We cannot tone it down.
If we do, then we can’t say it is the life-giving Word of God. We have made it somethIng else.
Rob Bell “Velvet Elvis”
Photos from the Galax 5K October 2008
- Speedy: Steve Martin
- Speedy Mama
- Samuel’s 1st 5K
Alex and Kyle
Resurrection 09
Jan. 23, 2009 – Jan. 25, 2009
Who Should Attend: All Youth in grades 6-12
Phone: 865-690-4080 ext 4137
Email: registraryouth@holston.org
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Event Info: Download event info
Resurrection is: Spiritual renewal weekend retreat…Closer walk with Christ…Terrific speaker with an awesome God-centered message…Fantastic worship music…Making new friends and renewing existing friendships…About 12,000 youth and adult mentors…For youth in grades 6-12…Gatlinburg, TN!
Check out the 2008 Photo Gallery!
RESURRECTION 2009: January 16-18 or 23-25, 2009
- The Theme : Overflowing Receive Him. Reveal Him.
Theme verse: John 1:10-12– “He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own,and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” (NRSV)
- T-shirt Contest
United Methodist youth groups in the Holston Conference are invited to participate in a Resurrection T-Shirt Design Contest! The selected youth group will receive all the proceeds from sales at the event for their local group activities after a 10% tithe to the Youth Service Fund.
Entries must be postmarked by July 21, 2008. For more information on the contest, check out our Resurrection T-Shirt Design Contest Flyer.
- Speaker: Justin Lookadoo
Throw out the word “normal” when the subject turns to author/speaker Justin Lookadoo. From the memorable name to the 6’7” Texas size frame, to the fascinating ability he has to connect with youth through live national speaking engagements “Lookadoo” translates into one word: Original.
This is obvious in the library of successful books he’s authored–most notable among them Dateable. Just ask the thousands of readers of his witty off-the-wall-style of writing that nails reality “slab dab in the middle,” as translated in Lookadoo lingo from his native El Paso. He takes advantage of current hip and relevant cultural twists and turns in the world to show teens that biblical principals and Christian values are actually ‘cool’ rules to live by. He noted in a recent interview: “Everything I do wraps around two themes—identity and purpose. Who am I? Why am I here? These are the challenges that face young people today.”
When the subject turns to teens and young adults, his is a rare insight into what makes today’s youth “tick.” Lookadoo is, in fact, a certified specialist in the field having served as a Juvenile Probation Officer Crime & Drug Prevention Specialist for 6 years.
Justin is today an in-demand national speaker whose credibility is built on books such as The Hardest 30 Days Of Your Life, Extreme Encounters, and the Dateable franchise of books and study guides. His footprint in the field as a youth author is a size 16 in influence.
- Band: Starfield
We welcome back Starfield to lead us in worship at Resurrection. At the end of their last album, “Beauty In The Broken”, Starfield achieved their best radio success to date, were selling twice as many records in half as much time, and had their best touring season in their 6 year history – to say the least, they are gaining momentum. Composed of brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld, Gordie Cochran, and David Crisp, Starfield is back with a new record. The songs offer listeners a potent combination of substance and style. The substance turns out to be the theme and title of the record – “I Will Go.”
While Tim is the first to admit that he doesn’t have it all figured out, he wanted to offer a worship song that commissions people to go out and do something. “I Will Go” is a difficult song to sing and not act on. Ultimately, they hope to provide perspective on how comfortable and convenient our lives have become.
With “I Will Go”, Starfield’s musical mission has never been more clear. Instead of offering the masses yet another CD, the band ventures out into a hurting world with an intentional message that encourages listeners to step behind the confines of comfort for a life of faith that is truly extraordinary.
- Sessions
Resurrection will offer two complete sessions per weekend. You will stay with either Session A or B throughout the weekend. Use the chart below to help you determine which session will best fit your group’s needs. Please make your selection carefully as we may not be able to accommodate changes.
A deaf interpreter will be provided during Session B of both weekends.
Session A Session B Friday:
Registration
Session I5:00 – 7:00 PM
7:00 – 9:00 PM7:30 – 9:30 PM
9:30 – 11:30 PMSaturday:
Session II
Free Time
Session III8:30 – 10:30 AM
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
5:00 – 7:30 PM11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8:00 – 10:30 PMSunday:
Session IV8:30 – 10:00 AM 10:30 – 12:00 Noon
- Youth Talent Offerings
A talent offering from each of the twelve Holston Conference UMC districts will be performed at Resurrection. Contact your District Youth Coordinator for information on the district Festival of Gifts and Talents, where the youth talent for a district is selected. The youth talent must perform at Resurrection the same talent offering performed and selected at the district Festival of Gifts and Talents.
The youth talents must perform at the designated time (e.g., Friday evening, etc.) for both the A and the B Sessions. Specific times of performance will be assigned through the Resurrection Design Team, taking into account travel time to the event, type of talent, and other factors.
Specific times will be assigned after the youth talent results have been reported to the conference Youth Ministries office, which are due by November 15. Preferences for performing at particular times and weekends will be given priority based on completion of the Talent Form and delivery to the Youth Ministries Office.
- Leaders Prayer Breakfast
A leaders’ prayer breakfast is scheduled on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. upstairs in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Please send at least one adult from your group to help undergird this event with prayer. Reservation cards will be included in the December information packets.
- Prayer Ministry
In addition to praying generally for this ministry, you are invited to participate in three specific prayer-based opportunities available at Resurrection: (1) the Prayer Room; (2) the Prayer Path; and (3) the classical Labyrinth.
The Prayer Room is open throughout Resurrection and is in Room 12 (lower level). The youth and adults at Resurrection are invited to join in this effort to lift up the event, its leaders and participants. If you are interested in volunteering for the Prayer Room ministry, please contact Steve Blakemore or Jason Roe.
Resurrection also offers an optional Prayer Path, a Christ-centered, multi-media labyrinth experience. Each Prayer Path participant will be provided with a CD headset which serves as a guide through ten stations. Each station challenges you to examine an area of your faith walk. Many stations have a visual or tactile presentation. The first several stations examine your internal being; the final stations examine outward expressions. The center of the Path is a quiet time to be with God. The Prayer Path is adapted from the ancient labyrinths which have long been used as meditation experiences. This modern version is individualized and non-threatening. It is suitable for any age who can appreciate silent meditation. Although handicapped accessible, some kneeling, sitting and standing are a part of most effectively experiencing the Path. The experience takes about an hour. The Prayer Path is offered in Room B (upper level) on Saturday from 8:00 am to the last admission at 10:00 pm, but will not be offered to you during your worship session times. Space is limited and sign-ups will be taken at the Resurrection office on Friday night and at Room B on Saturday. On Saturday, use the Airport Rd./Historic Nature Trail entrance.
The classical Labyrinth is offered in Room A (upper level) during the same times as the Prayer Path. The Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, a winding circuitous path symbolizing a pilgrim’s walk with God. The Labyrinth’s single path into and out of the center is walked in prayerful silence. Unlike the Prayer Path, the classical Labyrinth is not a multi-media experience. The experience takes about one hour. Space is limited and sign-ups will be taken at the Resurrection office on Friday and at Room A on Saturday. It will not be offered to you during your worship session times.
At Clergy Gathering, straight talk on culture change and financial crisis
By Annette Spence
leadership tactics to 370 participants
of Clergy Gathering.
When 370 pastors crowded into the fellowship hall at First Morristown United Methodist Church, they already knew something about the speakers of the day. They were their own Holston clergy, sharing lessons learned in developing one of the largest churches in the denomination.
The pastoral staff of Cokesbury United Methodist Church led this year’s Clergy Gathering, held Oct. 21 in the town considered to be a conference midpoint. Bishop James Swanson followed the learning session with worship and a “love feast” in the First Morristown sanctuary.
The theme was “Healthy Pastors, Healthy Churches, Audacious Hope: Changing the Cultural Context for Effective Ministry.” Senior Pastor Steve Sallee led his staff in explaining how their Knoxville church arrived at 2,700 in current average worship attendance. The experience and hard knocks along the way inspired them to create the Cokesbury Leadership Academy, now in its second year of teaching budding clergy.
“I know that many of you think that at Cokesbury, never is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day,” Sallee said. “But in fact that was not true.”
He told of how his appointment at Cokesbury UMC in 1996 coincided with the retirement of a longtime popular pastor. The incoming pastor was not only immediately rejected by many, he was despised when he set out to change Cokesbury because the church had stopped growing.
“Some of our most significant churches in Holston have remained the same size as when I got into this conference,” he said. “Well, that certainly tells you they’re in a plateau or even in a decline.”
To help determine a church’s need for change, he suggested, study the last 10 years of conference Journals. Make a graph showing your church’s membership, worship attendance, Sunday school attendance, and other numbers over that time period.
“Just stare at that graph for a while,” he said, “because that will tell you a lot.” Membership numbers are less important than attendance figures, “because it’s not how many people who are on your roll, but who actively show up.”
If a plateau or decline in the numbers is unrecognized by the congregation, communicating the situation can place a pastor in an “adversarial” position, Sallee said. “But if you don’t have a vision for your church, who do you think will?” Don’t be afraid to use the pulpit to cast a vision or begin changing a church’s behavior, he said.
Yet change is painful, Sallee warned. He told of how Cokesbury attendance dropped from 700 to 350 within two years, and how misery led him to request an appointment change and consider leaving the ministry. He later realized the departure of some members was necessary to allow the church to change and take risks such as buying the former Lowe’s building that is now Cokesbury Center.
Other Cokesbury staff explained how the team had prayed and envisioned where the church could be in so many years, then stuck to their principles to get there. Senior Associate Pastor Stephen DeFur explained how an extensive missions ministry was developed partly by insisting that money would only be sent to projects if church members could also give hands-on assistance. Rebekah Fetzer, minister of discipleship, spoke on the role of small groups and Micah Nicolaus, associate pastor, spoke on “culturally relevant” worship. Gil Smith shared the impact that Celebrate Recovery has had in Knoxville.
Sallee emphasized that programs to reverse decline in any church can only be effective if an effort is also made to the change the culture of the church.
“I can’t tell you how many programs I’ve seen come through Holston Conference in my 33 years of ministry,” he said to applause. “That reminds me of some of the fad diets I’ve been on. You can lose the weight but you can’t sustain it because it isn’t realistic.”
He recommended using outside consultants — not necessarily high priced but perhaps an effective, objective pastor — to help change a church’s culture. Begin by understanding its current culture (studying the numbers and other aspects). Then, cast the vision (“What would your church look like in 10 years if God had God’s way?”).
Finally, begin to change the church’s behavior, beginning with the pastor. “If the church’s behavior is going to change, your behavior will have to change,” Sallee said.
At day’s end, Bishop Swanson preached on the country’s current financial crisis and how clergy should respond to their parishioners’ despair.
“This is not the time for us to go fishing,” he said. “This is not the time to retreat from God’s vision, to retreat from the work that God has put in front of us.”
Swanson urged pastors to “feed themselves” – through prayer and scripture study – so they will be fit and ready to lead others through the crisis.
“You can’t do it on the power of your own strength,” he said. “Somewhere along the way, we preachers have got to get back on our knees and start calling on God for our strength and our help.”
He scolded pastors for complaining that “things are not easy as you want them to be.” He reminded them that they had accepted God’s call somewhere along the way
“You said you heard the call,” he said. “If God says ‘feed my sheep,’ God’s going to give you the bread to feed his sheep.
“Let him fill you up. Let him fill you up. God is trying to feed you. How many of you have ever tried to feed a baby who doesn’t want to eat?” Swanson said to laughter. “Some of you are like that.
“Don’t do some belly-aching. Do some belly-flopping.”
United Methodist commitment to higher education
Soaring – Bishop’s Blog
From Bishop Swanson
United Methodist commitment to higher education
September 26, 2008
I just received in the mail a list of the Holston Conference United Methodist students who are receiving scholarships from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. These students depend greatly on these funds to pay for the rising cost of higher educations. The funds for the scholarships come basically from two sources: the offerings we give in our local churches as we celebrate World Communion Sunday on Oct. 5 and United Methodist Student Day on Nov. 30.
The Office of Loans and Scholarships have awarded this year a total $4.9 million in scholarships and loans. In the Holston Conference we contributed $18,634 last year to this fund. The students from our conference received $86,150 in loans and scholarships. I realize that the students and their parents greatly appreciate the financial assistance of their United Methodist Church. I want to encourage the churches of Holston to celebrate World Communion Sunday and United Methodist Student Day by giving sacrificially to this worthwhile cause.
In addition to providing financial support to undergraduates actively involved in their local churches or campus ministries, there are other funds such as the Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope 21st Century Scholars Program, the Ethnic Minority Scholarship Fund, the HANA Scholars Program and the UM Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are only made possible by your contributions. In this age in which a college education is becoming increasingly expensive, it is important that we provide assistance to so many persons who do not have the financial resources available to them to attend a college or university.
Denman winner Hannah Williams: She shares God through her illness
Unforgettable Hannah
Hannah Williams, youth winner of the Denman Evangelism Award, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 1:55 a.m. Here’s the story she shared with The Call in September.
By Annette Spence
From the September 2008 edition of The Call
Twelve-year-old Hannah is curled up in a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, weary from attending church. Yet, she emits energy as she chatters on about her medical trials and faith in God. Her baby blue eyes are the focal point of the room.
For more than two years, Hannah has battled cancer in her brain and spine. She has had two relapses since medulloblastoma was diagnosed in February 2006, the most recent relapse in March 2008.
Her cancer is now in remission, after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Today, Hannah is excited to talk about her journey and the special award she received in June.
Hannah Williams, a member at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Morristown District, is the recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award for youth. She received the award during an emotional highlight of the Holston Annual Conference.
Hannah didn’t know about the award until she was brought on stage at Lake Junaluska. Her family simply said they were taking a surprise trip to western North Carolina.
“When they announced my name, Preacher John said it was a high honor, an award for telling people about God,” Hannah says, referring to Mt. Zion pastor John Thompson.
She was so surprised to find herself standing before 1,500 applauding people, all she knew to do was just – smile, she said.
Her smile, in fact, is frequently mentioned when people speak of Hannah’s inspirational impact on her church and community.
“Just seeing Hannah deal with everything with a smile on her face and never failing to praise her Lord speaks volumes,” says Thompson. “There is something about that child that draws you to her. It is truly amazing.”
Thompson – as well as Hannah’s mother, Kathy Ogle – tell stories of how the girl freely shares her faith with nurses, doctors, hospital patients, church members, neighborhood children, and anyone else she encounters.
Hannah even inspired her mother and grandparents to return to church, after Hannah discovered Mt. Zion UMC about five years ago. The family previously had a “bad experience” with church, Thompson said. But Hannah found a church home after friends invited her to join them on the Mt. Zion van that transports children for Wednesday night activities or Sunday worship.
According to the young evangelist, her strong connection to God became evident when doctors diagnosed her brain tumor on Feb.7, 2006. On Feb. 9, she underwent surgery with a dismal prognosis. Yet Hannah wasn’t scared.
“God told me that I was going to be fine,” she says. “He said he would take care of me.”
On the morning of her surgery, Hannah lay in bed with a room full of family. People were crying, her pastor remembers. But the room became very quiet after the child spoke.
Hannah remembers the moment, too. “I said, ‘It’s OK. Why are you worried? We’ll get through this,’” she says. “‘God has already told me. I will be OK.’”
Hannah not only recovered from the surgery, her confidence didn’t waver through the weeks of hospital stays and painful treatments, according to her mother.
“My faith has always been on the edgy side,” admits Ogle. “But Hannah always says, ‘Mom, don’t worry.’ That’s how she is.”
“You never ask why it happens,” Hannah says to her mother, as if they’ve been conversing on this topic. “It’s not God’s fault. If it’s God’s fault, why is he helping me?”
Hannah is still undergoing chemotherapy, but she is well enough to attend school for the first time in two years. She cheerfully reports that her teachers are kind and the students haven’t made fun of her hairless state.
As for the cancer, “it’s likely to come back, but not in the same place,” she says. In the meantime, she understands Preacher John when he says, “You have work to do.”
“I know that God has called me,” says the girl who was born on Christmas Day. She dreams of taking a mission trip, likes to volunteer in soup kitchens and buy gifts for the needy. She claims she prefers these activities to sharing her story, but then admits, “Once I get to talking, I tell everything.”
“When I tell people about God, it makes me feel good,” she explains. “I really want people to look at life differently. Because you don’t realize, until you get sick, how wonderful life really is.”
“I Waked Under Water”
“I Waked Under Water”
Sunday, April 4.—About four in the afternoon I set out for Frederica in a pettiawga—a sort of flat-bottomed barge. The next evening we anchored near Skidoway Island, where the water, at flood, was twelve or fourteen feet deep. I wrapped myself up from head to foot in a large cloak, to keep off the sandflies, and lay down on the quarterdeck. Between one and two I waked under water, being so fast asleep that I did not find where I was till my mouth was full of it. Having left my cloak, I know not how, upon deck, I swam around to the other side of the pettiawga, where a boat was tied, and climbed up by the rope without any hurt, more than wetting my clothes.
Saturday, 17.—Not finding as yet any door open for the pursuing our main design, we considered in what manner we might be most useful to the little flock at Savannah. And we agreed 1) to advise the more serious among them to form themselves into a sort of little society, and to meet once or twice a week, in order to reprove, instruct and exhort one another; 2) to select out of these a smaller number for a more intimate union with each other, which might be forwarded, partly by our conversing singly with each and partly by inviting them all together to our house; and this, accordingly, we determined to do every Sunday in the afternoon.
Monday, May 10.—I began visiting my parishioners in order, from house to house; for which I set apart the time when they cannot work because of the heat, namely, from twelve till three in the afternoon.
Thursday, June 17.—An officer of a man-of-war, walking just behind us with two or three of his acquaintance, cursed and swore exceedingly; but upon my reproving him, seemed much moved and gave me many thanks.
Tuesday, 22.—Observing much coldness in M —-‘s behaviour, I asked him the reason of it. He answered, “I like nothing you do. All your sermons are satires upon particular persons, therefore I will never hear you more; and all the people are of my mind; for we won’t hear ourselves abused.
“Besides, they say, they are Protestants. But as for you, they cannot tell what religion you are of. They never heard of such a religion before. They do not know what to make of it. And then your private behaviour: all the quarrels that have been here since you came, have been ‘long of you. Indeed there is neither man nor woman in the town who minds a word you say. And so you may preach long enough; but nobody will come to hear you.”
He was too warm for hearing an answer. So I had nothing to do but to thank him for his openness and walk away.
Wesley Talks to the Indians
Talks to the Indians
Wednesday, 30.—I hoped a door was opened for going up immediately to the Choctaws, the least polished, that is, the least corrupted, of all the Indian nations. But upon my informing Mr. Oglethorpe of our design, he objected, not only the danger of being intercepted or killed by the French there; but much more, the inexpediency of leaving Savannah destitute of a minister. These objections I related to our brethren in the evening, who were all of opinion, “We ought not to go yet.”
Thursday, July 1.—The Indians had an audience; and another on Saturday, when Chicali, their head man, dined with Mr. Oglethorpe. After dinner, I asked the grey-headed old man what he thought he was made for. He said, “He that is above knows what He made us for. We know nothing. We are in the dark. But white men know much. And yet white men build great houses, as if they were to live forever. But white men cannot live forever. In a little time, white men will be dust as well as I.” I told him, “If red men will learn the Good Book, they may know as much as white men. But neither we nor you can understand that Book unless we are taught by Him that is above: and He will not teach you unless you avoid what you already know is not good.” He answered, “I believe that. He will not teach us while our hearts are not white. And our men do what they know is not good: they kill their own children. And our women do what they know is not good: they kill the child before it is born. Therefore He that is above does not send us the Good Book.”
Monday, 26.—My brother and I set out for Charleston, in order to his embarking for England; but the wind being contrary, we did not reach Port Royal, forty miles from Savannah, till Wednesday evening. The next morning we left it. But the wind was so high in the afternoon, as we were crossing the neck of St. Helena’s sound, that our oldest sailor cried out, “Now everyone must take care of himself.” I told him, “God will take care for us all.” Almost as soon as the words were spoken, the mast fell. I kept on the edge of the boat, to be clear of her when she sank (which we expected every moment), though with little prospect of swimming ashore against such a wind and sea. But “How is it that thou hadst no faith?” The moment the mast fell, two men caught it and pulled it into the boat; the other three rowed with all their might, and “God gave command to the wind and seas”; so that in an hour we were safe on land.
Wesley Arrives in Georgia
Wesley Arrives in Georgia
Friday, 6.—About eight in the morning, we first set foot on American ground. It was a small uninhabited island, over against Tybee. Mr. Oglethorpe led us to a rising ground where we all kneeled down to give thanks. He then took boat for Savannah. When the rest of the people were come on shore, we called our little flock together to prayers.
Saturday, 7.—Mr. Oglethorpe returned from Savannah with Mr. Spangenberg, one of the pastors of the Germans. I soon found what spirit he was of and asked his advice with regard to my own conduct. He said, “My brother, I must first ask you one or two questions. Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?” I was surprised, and knew not what to answer. He observed it and asked, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” I paused and said, “I know He is the Saviour of the world.” “True,” replied he; “but do you know He has saved you?” I answered, “I hope He has died to save me.” He only added, “Do you know yourself?” I said, “I do.” But I fear they were vain words.
Saturday, 14.—About one, Tomo Chachi, his nephew, Thleeanouhee, his wife Sinauky, with two more women, and two or three Indian children, came on board. As soon as we came in, they all rose and shook us by the hand; and Tomo Chachi (one Mr. Musgrove interpreted) spoke as follows:
“I am glad you are come. When I was in England, I desired that some would speak the great Word to me and my nation then desired to hear it; but now we are all in confusion. Yet I am glad you are come. I will go up and speak to the wise men of our nation; and I hope they will hear. But we would not be made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians: we would be taught, before we are baptized.”
I answered, “There Is but One, He that sitteth in heaven, who is able to teach man wisdom. Though we are come so far, we know not whether He will please to teach you by us or no. If He teaches you, you will learn wisdom, but we can do nothing.” We then withdrew.
Thursday, 19.—My brother and I took boat, and passing by Savannah, went to pay our first visit in America to the poor heathens.
60 Minute Meal
During your 60 minute lunch today the following took place in The United States.
78 People died from heart disease
64 People died from cancer
50 People died from tobacco use
42 People died from poor diet or physical inactivity
10 People died from alcohol use
2 People died from illicit sexual behavior
2 People died from illicit drug use
Baby Collins @ Week 10
Your pregnancy: 10 weeks
How your baby’s growing:
Though he’s barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.
He’s swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they’ll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.
If you could take a peek inside your womb, you’d spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.
In other developments: Your baby’s limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby’s forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he’s about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.
See what your baby looks like this week.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.
http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-10-weeks_1099.bc?intcmp=timeline
Wesley begins His Ministry at Savannah
Begins His Ministry at Savannah
Sunday, March 7.—I entered upon my ministry at Savannah, by preaching on the epistle for the day, being the thirteenth of First Corinthians. In the second lesson (Luke 18) was our Lord’s prediction of the treatment which He Himself (and, consequently, His followers) was to meet with from the world. “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or friends, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.”
Yet, notwithstanding these declarations of our Lord—notwithstanding my own repeated experience—notwithstanding the experience of all the sincere followers of Christ whom I have ever talked with, read or heard of; nay, and the reason of the thing evincing to a demonstration that all who love not the light must hate Him who is continually laboring to pour it in upon them; I do here bear witness against myself that when I saw the number of people crowding into the church, the deep attention with which they received the Word, and the seriousness that afterward sat on all their faces; I could scarcely refrain from giving the lie to experience and reason and Scripture all together.
I could hardly believe that the greater, the far greater part of this attentive, serious people would hereafter trample under foot that Word and say all manner of evil falsely of him that spake it.
Monday, 15.—Mr. Quincy going for Carolina, I removed into the minister’s house. It is large enough for a larger family than ours and has many conveniences, besides a good garden.
Tuesday, 30.—Mr. Ingham, coming from Frederica, brought me letters, pressing me to go thither. The next day Mr. Delamotte and I began to try whether life might not as well be sustained by one sort as by variety of food. We chose to make the experiment with bread; and were never more vigorous and healthy than while we tasted nothing else.
“Out of the Box” joins Safe Halloween Celebration
On Friday night October 31st, “Out of the Box” will join the Town of Hillsville in Celebrating Safe Halloween. We will be giving out candy and folks can get a view of what God is doing at FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box”. From 5pm until 8pm is the Candy Giveaway and then from 9pm to Midnight we will celebrate our final 5th Quarter for 2008.
We could use more candy that is individually wrapped, if you would like to donate candy you can bring it by my office anytime this week or to Downtown on Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm.
May God use this time as an opportunity for FUMC to reach those who are searching for the meaning of Life.
Ronnie
- Carroll CountyPumpkins
Various Venues
Downtown Hillsville
Hillsville, VA 24343
In recent years, the Town of Hillsville and area town merchants have organized an annual “Safe Halloween” program. This is a great community event that allows parents and family to bring their children to a safe community function for trick or treating activities. Many of the businesses in downtown Hillsville stay open late for the event. There are games, hay rides, a haunted house and food. Children with their bags can go door to door to the town businesses for treats, with no tricks. The town in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation closes Main Steet in downtown. This is an all around enjoyable family oriented event and visitors are encouraged to join in the fun.
SouledOut @ Cloud 9 Coffee November 1st
This Saturday Night starting between 7:30 and 8pm, SouledOut will be playing at Cloud 9 Coffee Shop in Mt. Airy North Carolina. It is in the Staples Office Supply Shopping Center just before you get to Wal Mart on 601.
Great Coffee, Great Fellowship and Great Music.
Come Join us.
Ronnie
Check out SouledOut on myspace http://www.myspace.com/souledoutfumc
Thoughts on Church
I think a lot while I am running and Saturday the thoughts were about church. I was thinking about a statement I had heard in the past couple of weeks and many times before that. “As a member of a local church, you are here for the duration, you don’t leave when a pastor leaves.”
I have never questioned that statement very much and to some degree I can agree with it. However as I was running and thinking, I am not arware of any Scriptural Basis for such a comment or belief.
There are many reasons why people leave one church and go to another. Sometimes it is a church fight, sometimes it is a Pastoral Change, sometimes it is the fact of no spiritual growth and sometimes people just feel like they need a change.
I was in a church for 3 years that I love. It was a non denominational church and a great group of people. I was there for 3 years and it was one of the Spiritual Markers in my life. It was during this 3 years that I grew in my understanding of Scripture and I was exposed to a group of people that didn’t always think and believe as I did. When I left that church we parted friends, I love these folks, they are still my friends and they still have a church that is doing well. I went to the leadership of the church and said I love you and I am thankful for my time here but I feel it is time to move on and we parted friends. I believe that is a biblical way to part company.
It is due to the fact of my leaving that that I am at FUMC today!
In Acts 15:39, Paul and Barnabus had such a sharp disagreement they parted ways and eventually they came back together in fellowship. By the way, there is nothing in Scripture that says they were mean to each other and had a big fight over parting ways.
After I left the church above, Mike and I visited another local church for about 6 months and I was told by the Pastor of that church, “we are not looking for people to join this church who are coming form another church, we are looking only for new Christians”. Guess what, we didn’t stay there any longer. There is no where in Scripture where anyone could back up a statement like that one. Most of church growth today is movement from one church to another.
The fact is people leave churches all the time. It has been a spiritual marker in my life each time I have left one church and moved to another. The first church I was ever a part of had a split and I was so young in the faith that I had no clue what was happening and I questioned for a long time how could God get glory from that split? Then years later I was able to see that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had not left that group. The next church I joined was a great body as well, I was there about 5 or 6 years and was asked to move to another local church as the Youth Minister and I accepted that offer. This church was a great experience, I made so many great friends and thought I could never leave there but after a time I did.
Now I admit that God’s Call on my life may be different from others who are reading this blog. God has Called me into a ministry as Pastor/Teacher and we are folks that may be more likely to move from church to church.
However, if you are in a church where you have prayed and worked with the leadership and you are not being fed spiritually on the Word of God then I think it wise to find another church home.
It is amazing the thoughts I have while running.
Ronnie
I have never left a church angry but even if a person left in anger that doesn’t mean that you can’ leave. As a matter of fact if you are in a church where you are not being Spiritually fed, Ithink you should leave.
Memorable Atlantic Storms
Memorable Atlantic Storms
Friday, 23.—In the evening another storm began. In the morning it increased so that they were forced to let the ship drive. I could not but say to myself, “How is it that thou hast no faith?” being still unwilling to die. About one in the afternoon, almost as soon as I had stepped out of the great cabin-door, the sea did not break as usual, but came with a full, smooth tide over the side of the ship. I was vaulted over with water in a moment, and so stunned that I scarcely expected to lift up my head again till the sea should give up her dead. But thanks be to God, I received no hurt at all. About midnight the storm ceased.
Sunday, 25.—At noon our third storm began. At four it was more violent than before. At seven I went to the Germans. I had long before observed the great seriousness of their behavior. Of their humility they had given a continual proof by performing those servile offices for the other passengers, which none of the English would undertake; for which they desired and would receive no pay, saying, “it was good for their proud hearts,” and “their loving Saviour had done more for them.” And every day had given them an occasion of showing a meekness which no injury could move. If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away; but no complaint was found in their mouth. There was now an opportunity of trying whether they were delivered from the spirit of fear, as well as from that of pride, anger and revenge.
In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sang on. I asked one of them afterward, “Were you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But were not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”
Friday, 30.—We had another storm, which did us no other harm than splitting the foresail. Our bed being wet, I laid me down on the floor and slept soundly till morning. And, I believe, I shall not find it needful to go to bed (as it is called) any more.
Sunday, February 1.—We spoke with a ship of Carolina; and Wednesday, 4, came within soundings. About noon, the trees were visible from the masts and in the afternoon from the main deck. In the evening lesson were these words: “A great door, and effectual, is opened.” Oh, let no one shut it!
Thursday, 5.—Between two and three in the afternoon, God brought us all safe into the Savannah river. We cast anchor near Tybee Island, where the groves of pines, running along the shore, made an agreeable prospect, showing, as it were, the bloom of spring in the depth of winter.
Don’t place your trust in this World’s Financial Market
I heard this morning on NBC that Ten Trillion Dollars (10,000,000,000,000) that is 10 to the 12th power (that is a lot of money) has been lost in the Stock Markets across the World this year. As you know times are hard and trust me on the authority of Scripture, they are going to get harder.
Personally I don’t have a lot in the Market to lose but I have friends who do. All I have is my small retirement through the UMC and I have seen it grow smaller this year. I am thankful that most of what I have is paid for. My home is not huge but it is paid for, my cars are older but they are paid for (all but one). If worse comes to worse no one can come and take them away.
When things get worse and they will, we will see the church begin to fill again. Then and only then IF things get better we will see them dwindle again. However I do not begrudge when people come out of fright or repentance or for any valid reason. That is an opportunity for people to hear the truth, it can then take root in their heart and in the end they may just stick with the stuff, the real stuff.
I do believe that we are going to see hard times but I also know that God is where I have placed my trust and if all the World fails, they can’t take away my salvation. I have a home in Heaven where I am storing up Treasure and no matter what comes in this World, No One can take that away.
Place your trust in God’s Plan.
Ronnie
Here is an Awesome way to start the New Year off RIGHT!
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SNL October 26 Scripture Ephesians 5: 1-20
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us* and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
The Great Stork Derby
This is a story that I am using as an illustration for the sermom Sunday evening, thought you might find it interesting. You can find a more in depth story line at http://www.snopes.com/pregnant/babyrace.asp
Ronnie
The Great Stork Derby was a period from 1926 to 1936 where women in Toronto competed to produce the most babies in order to qualify for an unusual bequest in a will.
The race was the product of a scheme by Toronto lawyer and financier Charles Vance Millarwho bequeathed the residue of his significant estate to the woman in Toronto who could produce the most children in a ten year period after his death. The winning mothers were Annie Katherine Smith, Kathleen Ellen Nagle, Lucy Alice Timleck and Isabel Mary Maclean. Each of them received $125,000 for their nine children. Two others each received $12,500 out of court: Lillian Kenny (ten children, but two stillborn) and Pauline Mae Clarke (ten children, but several illegitimate).
Believer or Follower?
Ephesians 5: 1-2
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
Mt. Airy’s 1st Half Marathon
November 1st will be the Inaugural Half Marathon for Mt. Airy. 13.1 rolling miles, come join us.
Ronnie
Nov. 1, Mount Airy – Mayberry Half Marathon, 8am; $30 by 10/24, after $40. Info: Darren Lewis, 113 Renfro St., Mount Airy, NC 27030; Darren Lewis (336)786-8313, dlewis@mountairy.org.
Who is Jesus?
“In Matthew 15:16, Jesus asks Peter a critical question. “But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am?” This is a question we need to ask. Many people today say they like Jesus, but who is this Jesus they are talking about? Even if you walked into a Christian bookstore and asked Christians what they think of Jesus, you might wonder what Jesus they are talking about. It seems the Jesus of the Bible isn’t always the same as the Jesus we see in either pop culture or in the Christian subculture. I think we see glimpses of Him in both, but to me it’s a bit scary to realize what version of Jesus we are creating in both of these worlds.”
“I wonder how much we have turned Jesus into a shadow of who He really is according to the Bible.”
Dan Kimball “They Like Jesus but Not the Church”
What Book is lying on your nightstand?
Reading List
We asked these participants at Clergy Gathering, “What book is lying on your nightstand?”
Bert Bastian
Moores Gap UMC
Oak Ridge District
The Shack, by William P. Young
Ronnie Collins
First Hillsville UMC
Wytheville District
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God,
by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Barbara Doyle
New Mt. Olive/New Hope UMC
Wytheville District
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Bringing out the Best in Any Size Church, by Gary L. McIntosh
RebeCokesbury UMC
Knoxville District
Where is Your Jesus Now? Examining How Fear Erodes Our Faith, by Karen Spears Zacharias
kah Fetzer
David Graves
Ooltewah UMC
Cleveland District
God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It, by Jim Wallis
Ken Lytton
Boone’s Creek UMC
Johnson City District
More Than Numbers: The Way Churches Grow,
by Loren B. Mead
Life on Board
Life on Board
The time from dinner to four we spent in reading to those whom each of us had taken in charge, or in speaking to them severally, as need required. At four were the evening prayers; when either the second lesson was explained (as it always was in the morning), or the children were catechized and instructed before the congregation. From five to six we again used private prayer. From six to seven I read in our cabin to two or three of the passengers (of whom there were about eighty English on board), and each of my brethren to a few more in theirs.
At seven I joined with the Germans in their public service, while Mr. Ingham was reading between the decks to as many as desired to hear. At eight we met again to exhort and instruct one another. Between nine and ten we went to bed, where neither the roaring of the sea nor the motion of the ship could take away the refreshing sleep which God gave us.
Friday, 31.—We sailed out of the Downs. At eleven at night I was waked by a great noise. I soon found there was no danger. But the bare apprehension of it gave me a lively conviction what manner of men those ought to be who are every moment on the brink of eternity.
Saturday, November 1.—We came to St. Helen’s harbor, and the next day into Cowes road. The wind was fair, but we waited for the man-of-war which was to sail with us. This was a happy opportunity of instructing our fellow travelers.
Sunday, 23.—At night I was awakened by the tossing of the ship and roaring of the wind, and plainly showed I was unfit, for I was unwilling, to die.
Wednesday, December 10.—We sailed from Cowes, and in the afternoon passed the Needles. Here the ragged rocks, with the waves dashing and foaming at the foot of them, and the white side of the island rising to such a height, perpendicular from the beach, gave a strong idea of “Him that spanneth the heavens, and holdeth the waters in the hollow of His hand!”
1736. Thursday, January 15.—Complaint being made to Mr. Oglethorpe of the unequal distribution of the water among the passengers, he appointed new officers to take charge of it. At this the old ones and their friends were highly exasperated against us, to whom they imputed the change.
Saturday, 17.—Many people were very impatient at the contrary wind. At seven in the evening they were quieted by a storm. It rose higher and higher till nine. About nine the sea broke over us from stem to stern; burst through the windows of the state cabin, where three or four of us were, and covered us all over, though a bureau sheltered me from the main shock. About eleven I lay down in the great cabin and in a short time fell asleep, though very uncertain whether I should wake alive and much ashamed of my unwillingness to die. Oh, how pure in heart must he be, who would rejoice to appear before God at a moment’s warning! Toward morning, “He rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” [Matt. 8:26].
About Ronnie G. Collins
I am one of the Pastor’s of First United Methodist Church in Hillsville Virginia and FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box”, Youth Ministry. We now have two campuses. The main church is at 225 Fulcher Street and our newest location is 522 North Main Street Hillsville, FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box”. I have a rich history of different church backgrounds to pull from and I believe that is why I am where I am in my Christian Life today. I have a Passion to see hurting, lost people come to know Jesus Christ. I believe that we as Christians have to demonstrate God’s Love to them, rather than just telling them they are loved. I am married and have 4 sons two very special nephews that are like sons, 2 grandchildren and 3 great nephews that are like grandchildren. I am a blessed man.
