|
October 2007 |
||
|
Last weekend, I participated in a men’s Walk To Emmaus weekend, a highly structured, three-day retreat designed for reflection and spiritual growth. Along with about 40 other men (6 from our church), I listened to many talks on grace and worshiped the Lord in song many times. Each day began with worship and communion. The location was Resurrection Center, a Catholic retreat facility near Woodstock. Emmaus is the United Methodist expression of “Cursillio”, a retreat movement in the Roman Catholic Church, which actually originated in Spain many years ago. About 75% of people on a typical Emmaus Walk are from United Methodist churches with usually 4 out of the required 5 clergy being United Methodist. Randy Margison is a member of the board of the Northern Illinois Emmaus Community. The Lutheran Church (ELCA) has its own version of Cursillio called Via de Cristo. The Church of the Brethren call their version Way of Christ. The Presbyterians call theirs the Great Banquet. I think it also popular in some Episcopal dioceses. The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, our CCCC group of churches, does not officially endorse Cursillio but a few of its churches participate. Over the years, many of our folk have gone on an Emmaus retreat. For some it meant a renewal of faith which began in the past. For some it meant healing from emotional pain. For some it meant realizing the depth of God’s forgiveness. For some it meant going back to the basics only to find the basics fresh with meaning. For some it meant repentance and new life in grace, referring to it as the actual time of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. In this pressure-cooker society, there is a growing need to “get away” and rethink one’s life in the light of God’s truthes and plan. It almost takes a couple days to detach oneself from the merry-go-round of life with cell phones turned off, no radio, no tv, no newspaper. Jesus often took his closest followers and got alone for a day or two. Throughout the history of Christianity retreats have been found to deepen and kindle again one’s faith. Many things in church life can consume one’s time – administrative, planning, building maintenance, etc. It is easy to be so busy doing the Lord’s work that you never get time to sit at Jesus’ feet. We hear stories of clergy burnout - giving until you can’t give any more and don’t have anything else to give. The Emmaus retreat is not anything exclusive or magical. It is simply one of many spiritual retreat movements, which has surfaced throughout the history of the church. Retreats should never take the place of active involvement in church. They should only renew and refresh spirituality which should have a positive influence on the local church. With the Emmaus Walk men and women go on separate weekends, which allows more intimacy in most cases. Guys have a hard time letting down their guards around other women. You know the story. In order to apply, you need a sponsor, which is someone who has already gone on a weekend. It is not geared for evangelism so those going should already be active in a local church. With many of the walks there have been waiting lists so applying early is helpful. The next walks open will be in the Spring. If you have interest in attending one, ask around our church as about half our people have attended an Emmaus Walk. As we move into our Fall schedule, may you go deeper and more fully alive in your walk with God. Pastor Curry
PULPIT FORECAST"To regularly avail oneself to the public exposition of the Holy Scriptures is one of the highest and holiest habits one can ever attain in this life." During October I will continue my sermon series in John. If you leaf through my study Bible, which is quite old and worn, you will notice the pages are exceptionally worn in two books – John and Acts. I have read more in John than the other three Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke. Some scholars say John has the clearest statement of purpose in the Bible: “. . . but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31). In my view, John gives me Jesus more up-close and personal than any of the other Gospels. Almost all would agree John 3:16 is the greatest summary of the life of Christ. My favorite story in the Bible is of Jesus and Nicodemus where Jesus beautifully describes spiritual birth and its necessity for eternal life. It also contains the shortest verse in the Bible – “Jesus wept” (11:35) as Jesus was obviously touched, emotionally, as his friend, Mary, was grieving over her brother. Over half the Gospel is about Jesus’ last week of life – His denial, crucifixion, and resurrection. And of course I have a sentimental connection with my name, Thomas. John includes the story of doubting Thomas and his struggle to believe, which powerfully speaks to me. Most of you would have trouble seeing me in that light because you have only known me after I finally, kicking and screaming, became a believer. My 60’s generation friends embraced the “do it my way” lifestyle and paid a very high price. I have received much more from following Christ than I ever paid. I shutter to think how close I came to traveling a much different road in life. So …….. what a joy to begin the week with Bible open singing praises to the author of my soul and yours. Bring your Bible and get serious! OCTOBER MESSAGES7TH “The Purpose of a Sign” is the title of the message taken from John 5:1-9. We will also share in Holy Communion.
14th “Your Crisis, Your Test” is the message title using John 6:1-14.21ST “The Frightening Aspect of God” is the message title taken from John 6:15-21. 28TH “The Works of God on Display” is the message title taken from John 9:1-11. ON THE RADIO EVERY SUNDAY 98.3 Know of a shut-in who might enjoy our service? Make sure to have them tune in every Sunday. At the end of each service, Jim Pillars makes a fast trip to the radio station to be on the air at 12:00 noon. Katie Margison has been assisting him. People who live out of the area can tune in on the internet by visiting www.wrlr.fm . Look to the left side of the page and click on “on-air audio stream”.
|
CONSITITUTIONAL CHANGESEvery few years, we examine our constitution and make adjustments for changes in our church life. Mike Johnson, our Council President, has asked Pastor Curry, Linda Martin and Jim Pillars to work on this and present some recommendations. On Sunday, September 23rd, we met as a congregation, discussed the new proposed constitution and approved it. Some concerns were expressed which can certainly be addressed in the future when changes are made again. We are reminded that our Bible is without error, not our constitution. We don’t want to use that as an excuse to view it flippantly but to not take it with the same level of seriousness as we do the Scriptures. The two most noticeable areas of change is the establishment of an actual “active membership list” and a different method of electing Deacons.
FINANCES - A TESTSometimes God allows thing into our paths to teach us and test us. Over the years here in our church lifer, many of you have the benefit of observing God stirring the hearts of people to contribute to our ministry and subsequently reaping the benefits. Several of you stepped to the plate and made special gifts to catch us up with our budget. For those, we say a huge thanks. We still are hoping to catch up from the summer slump in giving and praying the lord will meet our needs, which we know he is capable, Amen!
BIRTHDAYS
6: Calie Lyons 8: Jennifer Ross 10: Joy Smith 11: Arlene Greenhill 17: Bob Dawson 21: Pastor Thomas Curry 24: Andy Kramer 30: Ryan Thompson
USE OF CHURCH BUILDING AND CHIMES CALENDAR?? The calendar in the Chimes each month only contains the events of our church life. It does not list all the groups using the church facility on different dates. If you wish inquire about using the facility, please call our Facility Coordinator, Jim Pillars. COFFEE HOUR10/7 Nicole Reyes & Cindy Johnson 10/14 Joyce Richter & Carol Lawrence 10/21 Rosalie Stickling & Rhonda Curry 10/28 Mae Backovitch & Linda Martin
USHER SCHEDULE10/7 Anne & Jim Lyons 10/14 Karen Eggert & Anne Lyons 10/21 Hank & Sue McDonald 10/28 Karen Eggert & Dan Schlabach COUNCIL REPORTS from the most recent meeting are always available at the back of the church in the wooden rack at the top of the steps. Don’t hesitate to pick one up if you have interest. Council Meetings are always open to our members. We meet the first Tuesday evening to conduct church business and the third Tuesday evening to pray. Please contact Council President Mike Johnson if you wish to attend or speak at any meeting. PURCHASING AT MENARDS?As a fund raiser for the new Building we will have Menard's Scrip. Some were not aware that we had it. You purchase the scrip from the church in $25.00 increments. You use these when you shop at Menard's just as you would cash. Keep one or two on hand so that you are prepared when you go to Menard's. If you have a big building project or other large purchase coming up there we can get larger denominations also. See Marietta. We get 4% on each and at the end of the year they send an additional 2% in merchandise certificates. Thus. we actually get 6% profit. DISCOUNT CARDS? Buy one large pizza and get a medium free? Not a bad deal for Pizza Hut. That is a good example of the great deals on the back of the discount cards. Expiration date is July of 08. Cindy Johnson still has plenty of cards left. If you think you could sell or give as gifts, she has them in packets of 10.
|
|
