Time to 'Look Up'

Hello Church,

How many verses in the Bible encourage you to be an optimist?  The answer is at the end of this blog.

As I stated Sunday, I am going to be on a mission in 2020.  I am going to take as many opportunities as possible to ‘look up’.  That is, to give praise before I complain; to compliment before I criticize; and to thank God for forgiving me before I condemn.

It’s an experiment for me.  I may end up not being very good at it... er... I mean, I might end up being very good at it.  It's time for a year where the cup is half full.  It's a personal revolution for me.  I'm going to turn it into a spiritual revolution for me.  And when pastors have revolution, it's hard not to have it impact the parish to some degree.

God gives us reason to live like things are looking up because they are looking up.  The God of Heaven and Earth provides us the story of Christmas, Easter and Pentecost every year which reminds us all the reasons we have to look at the naysayers of the world and say, 'but......'.

I think that if I don't do that, I am somehow failing my Call.  This isn't just about the non-believers of the world, but also about you believers who will forget that bad days are temporary and that good days are promised to us.

But don't take my word for it.  Take the Word for it.  The end of each Gospel defines the whole book of the Bible as a book of optimism.  Say what you want about the Fall, the book of Judges, Israel's plight, Job's sufferings, Jonah's stubbornness, Judas' betrayal, etc.  The end of each Gospel (as well as many wonderful lessons along the way) demand that we 'look up'.

How many verses in the Bible encourage you to be an optimist?  More than you need.

But we will explore several of them throughout the season of Epiphany and beyond.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Have A Confident Faith

Hello Church,

What tests your faith?  Is it Christmas?

The baby being born gives me confidence.  It's God speaking to me in a direct way.  God says to Joe, 'I love you.  Here is my gift to you'.  While this gift is to the whole world, in one perspective I see it as a gift to me specifically.  It is the ultimate proof that God loves me unconditionally.  Do you believe this?  Yes?

So why are you worried about whether or not you are loved?

Maybe you are not.  However, maybe you are one that spends your days showing other people why you should be loved.  You do nice things and help people.  You participate in charity and volunteer your time to work at church and send Christmas cards and buy gifts.  And if you can succeed and get one person to love you, then you feel good.  If you fail, you feel bad, maybe mad, certainly sad.

And then the next day you try again... and then again... and then again.  And you find your life filled with earning the love from others.  And your days become an emotional roller coaster as some weeks you are surrounded by the love of others and other weeks, no matter how hard you try, some just refuse to like you.

If this is you, here is my question:  Do you really believe in Christmas?

A confident Faith is rooted in love.  I am not confident in a lot of things.  I am not confident in my sports teams; my eating habits; my car; my fashion sense; my artistic ability; etc.  But I have learned that I am loved no matter what.  Not because I succeed in earning it, but because God reminds me from time to time (Christmas and Easter being 2 biggies), that He gives it freely. 

So I can go about day with a terrible amount of freedom.  I can do nice things and help people.  I can participate in charity and volunteer my time and send Christmas cards and buy gifts, unattached to any sort of success or failure.  The roller coaster still exists, but it isn't based on whether or not I am loved because I know I am loved by the most important person of my life.... my Creator.

I hope this Christmas boosts your confidence and you can be free.  May 2020 be a year of a confident Faith.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Returning To The Simple Christmas

Hello Church,

2020 is soon to be here.  With the new year, I have dreams and expectations.  I hope you have them too.

As such, I've been thinking how to connect with people.  Specifically, how can the church continue to connect with people.  In my opinion, this should be top priority of any church function.  Human-to-human connections is the pathway to leading people to God.  No one is going to listen to you about your Faith if they don't feel a connection to you......  don't know you or trust you.

In order for me to think this through, I need to push to the side other matters of the church.  Administrative functions, problem-solving dilemmas, secretarial work, preaching to the choir and appeasing the masses are some of the things I also involve myself in, good or bad.  These matters are not always insignificant distractions, but ultimately I seem to find myself immersed in them..... forgetting what I set out to think through to begin with.

And then on some random day I wake up and realize that for the past many days or weeks or even months I have failed to think about my initial task.... to help the church connect with people. 

This problem for me, ironically, seems to be at its height during high church holidays.... like Christmas and Easter.  I also realize that this problem is not isolated to clergy.  Other church leaders and congregants participate in the same problem.  However, I seem to identify it more regularly over the past 18 months or so. 

I want to introduce people to people.  I want to find people and establish a relationship of trust and confidence.  I want us, as a group, to find other groups to collaborate with.  I believe is is in such relationships that God makes Himself most obviously known.  There are days when I just want to love one another without having to fill out a form or have a meeting or check the calendar or update the budget or ..... well... I hope you get it.

So it is that I appreciate the manger scene.  Nothing complicated.  Just love.

I hope your Christmas is not complicated.  I hope you are connected to many who love you back.  I hope this next week will be merry.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

The Optimism Of Christmas

Hello Church,

As I prepare to experience my 48th Christmas, the same challenges face me.  I won't list them all here, but I will focus on one of them....

Be positive.

This is sometimes a challenge for me at any time of the year.  I decided long ago that I will do what I can to not succumb to the tendency to think pessimistically, even in the most dire of situations.  I decided I will feed off the Faith I SAY I have in order to SHOW that I have it.  It is in this way I become a witness to my Faith in Christ.

Ironically, this can be especially difficult in the Advent/Christmas seasons.  I fully and freely admit that the attitudes we see during this time is skewed, express misunderstandings, be really bad theology, and be entire inappropriate.  The triggers that show up this time of year threaten to vault me into a grumpy mood.  But I resist!!! 

Be positive.

My goal is to not be Scrooge this year.  I'm going to focus on the good qualities of how we live into Christmas.  God is good because Jesus is born.  Jesus is born because God loves us and wants us to not despair, but to have hope in a better future.  Christmas is God's time of year.  I will focus on Him and be glad.

I hope you do too.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

When 'Them And Us' Becomes 'Us'

Hello Church,

Sometimes unconditional love is a 2-way street.

I was shown a flyer for our Breakfast With Santa event on Dec. 21st.  It was on a red paper with the date and time and a place for RSVP-ing.  It had a picture of a little Santa on it too.  This red flyer was printed out and handed out to the kids at Holly Hill Elementary.  But here is the cool thing....

Emmanuel didn't make the flyer....

As it turns out, Holly Hill made the flyer and took the initiative to pass it out to the kids.  The info I received was that 'they wanted to help us out'.

This is affirmation in my mind.  Taking risks and spending energy making connections to those outside the church can be worth it.  There are those in the world who recognize and appreciate unconditional love.  And, wow, how awesome it is when such love is reciprocated. 

Now it is Holly Hill who is helping us do what we do.... not just us helping Holly Hill do what they do.

I hope you recognize the significance of this and the ramifications it has on how the church looks upon its work and ministries.  I also hope you are able to dream ahead as to what it could look like as unconditional love could multiply with multiple relationships among multiple organizations.

I want to see this effort grow, expand, multiply.  I want to watch as the fruit of the work ripens into the growth of the church.  It takes time and diligence and patience... but oh so worth it.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Church Is Changing Around Us

Hello Church,

9 new Methodist worship services have been started in the Cincinnati area.  All 9 are working and growing. 

But here's the catch.... none of them are in church buildings.

A nursing home.  An art store.  A brewery.... to name three of them...

They aren't huge worship services.  Most are 50 or less.  That's okay because most of our church buildings are worshiping 50 or less.  One difference is that these new worship sites have worked up to 50, not down to 50.  This new trend is known as Fresh Expressions.  The idea isn't local, but the idea is catching hold.

Church is changing.  Perceptions of church are changing.  Worshiping congregations who understand this shift are changing how they go about reaching people.  They are naming their fears; taking risks and putting it all out there.  Relationship building is taking precedence over brick buildings.  9 times it has been tried by the Methodist church in the Cincinnati area.  All 9 times it has and still is working.  Relationships built; Holy Communion; baptisms, new members, etc.

What does this mean for Emmanuel?  I'm not sure, but I would like to have the conversations.  I have been to a Fresh Expressions service.  I can't say it was really my thing, but I'm not sure that's the point.  If we are trying to reach people who are put off by the institutional church, then we need to think outside the institution.  As one who was raised in the faith by the institution, this is scary indeed.  I would still like to have the conversations.

In the end, God wants people to feel loved and connected to a faith community.  What that means today isn't any different than in years past.  Yet when and where that happens has often been pigeon-holed to Sunday mornings in a specific kind of building.  What does this mean?  I don't know, but I'd like to have the conversations.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

I Have A New Friend!

Hello Church,

I can't help but reflect on Sunday morning's worship experience.  For me, it was one of the most rewarding services of the year.  We heard the direct results of showing Christ's unconditional love, a very pure consequence of trying to be a pure and simple church.

Erin--someone who is not part of Emmanuel--shared in a most heartfelt way how Emmanuel is showing genuine love (specifically, to the staff of an entire elementary school).  Mary Lou--who IS part of Emmanuel--shared how she made a new friend by showing unconditional love.  Both talks were clearly authentic and sincere.  And, additionally, the staff of Holly Hill sent a great-big 'thank you' which is displayed in the lobby.

I was so glad to be a part of Emmanuel.

So often we get caught up in 'churchy' issues.  In-house politics; numerical statistics; public perceptions; personal agendas... go ahead and add to the list....  These are all present in every church.  There is no way around it.  We are human.  We get distracted. 

But for an hour in worship at Emmanuel yesterday I felt like I was part of a church that Christ hopes for.  During Erin's and Mary Lou's talk, I felt like we were as close to a church in the purest sense as we could get.  Showing and receiving and feeling love for no other reason than that God loves us.

Being a church doesn't have to be complicated.

So I will keep this blog simple.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Why Easter Egg Hunts and Trunk-Or-Treats Don't Work (and what to do about it).

Hello Church,

Question:  Why should a church get connected with other organizations?

This is a question I have asked myself many times as we have refocused our attention on connectional ministries this calendar year.  It has been a shift away from stand-alone, annual Emmanuel events.  Some of you will note that past seasonal, stand-alone events haven't been implemented this year (trunk-or-treat being an example).  Instead, we have invested our energy into connecting with an elementary school, an animal shelter and are working on other partnerships with groups such as Eastern Stars, Camp Allen and Cub Scouts.

Outreach events sponsored by Emmanuel and only Emmanuel can certainly have a lot of value.  People can come to the church building and meet us.  We have had great and not-so-great turnouts for these events.  We've had as many as 400 community people and as few as just a handful.  It's exciting to hold a well-attended event.  It makes us feel good.  But here is what we have learned over the years in terms of our task of 'making Disciples of Jesus Christ':  they are not effective.

Annual, stand-alone or seasonal events don't work.  Baptisms, new members, worship attendance, small group attendance, Youth ministry and Childrens ministries (all measurements of spiritual and numeric growth in 'making disciples of Jesus') are not affected positively or negatively because of stand-alone annual or seasonal events.

Why?

In my conversations with other Pastors and church leaders, large stand-alone outreach events (Easter Egg hunts, Halloween, Christmas events, car shows, special meals, etc) don't work because the key to making disciples is establishing long-term, consistent relationships.  It's extremely difficult to establish relationships when you see someone only 1 or 2 or 3 times a year (I would say 'impossible').  There isn't enough consistency of contact to gain trust, garner interest, make friends and invite to worship.

So what is the solution?  The solution is to put ourselves in a position to make consistent contact with a group of people so that relationships can be built over time.  This can lead to gaining trust, garnering interest, making friends and inviting people to worship or youth group or a study group... now we have the foundation for Disciple-Making.

Now... why should Emmanuel get connected with other organizations?  Answer:  to establish consistent contacts with people to establish relationships, build trust, garner interest and eventually to extend invitations to be a part of the church.

I understand this is a major shift.  It demands more commitment of time and energy and money.  However, Jesus sets the example.  He invested in the same people over and over again until some of them committed themselves to His purpose.... then the Church was born.

Yes, sometimes the Gospels suggest that Jesus had some magical touch...that He asked a person once and they dropped everything and followed Him.  Well we aren't Jesus and people are perhaps living in a much more cynical world-view today.  Combine the two and we have to work much harder to make disciples.

If we are serious about making disciples and will not exist only to entertain the community a few times a year, then we need to reflect that attitude in how we plan and implement ministry.  Otherwise we will find ourselves doing the same ineffective events over and over again, expecting different results.  That's literally an insane Church.

Instead, let's work hard to be the vital, growing church that Christ calls us to be.  Let's get into position to be a trusted, friendly, inviting and welcoming church with whom others will feel connected.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Emmanuel Is Growing A Younger Church

Hello Church,

It's happening before our eyes... we are growing younger...

Over the past several weeks we have watched young people participate more in the life of Emmanuel.  The Children's Message is back as part of worship and we had 10? kids younger than 12 in worship.... most of which went to Children's Church..... thanks to Amanda Forsee... a relatively younger person who decided to take on the challenge.

And if you haven't noticed, our praise band ministry is younger with the addition of Mckenzie Uhl.  Add Hope and Morgan and Russ's higher age category is brought down a few notches.  And don't forget Owen Boone is helping with the slide show.

And don't forget the refurbished youth group.  For 3 weeks now we have had a consistent group of 8 meet on Sunday evenings.... led by a young Morgan, a relatively young Kevin, and ... well... Chad (who is still younger than Russ).

Another note is that the Youth group is deciding to take on the challenge of a Christmas program to be held on December 22nd.  More details to come very soon.....

What do we take from this?  It isn't just kids getting more involved.  It is the blessing of having relatively young leaders step forward and take charge.

I can't overstate the opportunity to grow from this.  We need to be ecstatic at what is happening and take full advantage.  So many 'kid-friendly' churches are seen as the big kind that have big budgets and numerous paid staff with off-the-chart facilities.  This doesn't have to be so.  Spread the word.  Emmanuel is growing younger.   

We need to look for and invite those who could fit into a church that is growing younger.  We need to continue to allow, teach and guide young people into leadership and encourage them to keep learning and growing.  We need to celebrate youth in a Church that too often dreams of young families.... but only dreams.

It's happening.  Emmanuel is growing younger.  What are we going to do about it?  We need to share the news and invite, invite, invite.  We are growing younger and growing up.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Angels, Demons And What You Can Do About Them

Hello Church,

For those of you who have listened to me for the past 10 years (or 23 years), you know I talk very little about Satan.  I also don't preach or teach a lot on the belief that there are cosmic battles taking place around us unseen.  Angels and demons who fight for the right to take human souls or cause or prevent human tragedy make a great book or movie, but does it really fit biblical theology or a Christ-centered belief system?

There are other reasons I don't talk much about it, but the main one is that Free Will is a big deal to me.  A popular excuse people have for doing bad, wrong, immoral or unethical things is that 'the devil made me do it'.... or that is to say, someone or something else is to blame for our actions.  It's an easy out.  We shy away from taking responsibility for our choices when we could just confess the truth.....

I was mad
I was in a bad mood
I was in a hurry
I didn't notice
I didn't listen
I didn't care
I was selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed
I just made a bad decision

Biblical Theology is, at times, far away from our cultural perceptions of the 'underworld' or 'heavenly realms'.  As we have discussed in Bible Study, how we understand angels has been influenced heavily by various cultures over the centuries.  How we market and make money off of them just reinforces these understandings.

My take covers a couple of layers.  First, my decisions or the decisions of others -- be it informed or misinformed decisions-- say a lot about how our days go.  Sometimes those decisions are mine and sometimes a decision that a stranger makes can impact my life in wonderful or tragic ways.  We live in community, like it or not.  All of our decisions weave themselves around one another causing endless domino effects that we sometimes are not ever aware of.

Second, God created a Universe that is always changing and renewing itself.  Some would say, for example, that the tornadoes in Texas last night were spiritually motivated by either God or Satan.  I say when we build our homes in tornado alley, we understand the risk we take by our decisions.  Just as if we build our house by the Ohio River, we understand the risk of flooding.... or if we walk under a dead tree during a windy day, we understand the risk of getting hit on the head from a falling branch... or if we walk down hard-wood steps in our socks we take the risk of falling on our butts (personal experience notwithstanding).

This belief system might make some uncomfortable.  It makes me more comfortable.  Having the gift every day to make good decisions that matter to myself and others is something to look forward to.  It beats waking up every day and wonder what others are going to do to me.... something I can't control anyhow.

Live the gift.  Make good decisions.  Satan won't like it and he can't do anything about that either.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

.... Those People Who Are Never Happy.....

Hello Church,

Things are looking up (it's what churches do).  What a wonderful baptism yesterday to top off a week of optimism!

It's odd how fast life can change.  I think a word that finance advisers would use is 'volatility'.  The ups and downs can come fast and furious.  In other times, they can come subtle and gradual.

I've learned not to let the volatility of life decide how I approach my day or week or month.  It isn't easy.  I try to let my faith in a consistent God guide me.  Yet emotions do get the best of me at times.
When bad stuff happens, I am tempted to have a grumpy week.  When good stuff happens, life becomes fine and dandy.

The truth is, if I let others depict how my week goes, then does it not minimize my faith in a consistent God?  If I believe that God supplies all I need to live forever and ever in a state of grace, then isn't that good enough for every one of my days to be good?  You would think?

So we come to those individuals who never seem happy or satisfied or content.  It makes sense to me if there is no faith in a consistently loving God.  However, what about those who claim the Faith?  What about those who say they believe in the saving Grace in Christ and freely talk about the joy that God offers to everyone who believes?  What if some such people never seem happy?

I've never been one to question a person's state of salvation.  It isn't my job.  Yet I struggle with those who are genuinely and consistently unhappy even as they sing 'I've Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart'.

Is this you?  If so, I encourage you into doing some soul searching.  God is too good to walk with him with your head down all the time.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

I Feel Good. Na na na na na na na.... I Know That I Would Now

Hello Church,

People energy is a funny thing.  You can't really measure it, but you can feel it.  Sometimes it is subtle and sometimes it is obvious.  One thing I've learned over the years is begin able to identify people energy in order to help me discern the health of a congregation.

I'm not always good at this.  My attempt at optimism sometimes gets in my way.  Or when I get discouraged in my personal life, that can also skew my perceptions.  However, I try to look at the level of participation, attitudes and listen to feedback.  Needless to say, church life is always in flux from season to season and year to year.

But I gotta say that I feel really good.  Emmanuel has found new energy in some new leadership.  Areas of youth, worship, community outreach and discipleship has trended upward.  This is a lot at once.  I'm trying to keep up.  When the energy of the church increases, I must not get left behind.

That said, people energy doesn't always translate to growth.... either numerical or spiritual.  In order to do so, we need to be ready to invite, nurture and connect people to one another. True, we want to feel good about what we are inviting people to come and see.  One thing they will see is a passion for various areas of ministry.

If you have been feeling discouraged about your church life, I invite you to look hard at Emmanuel.  Find that energy and draw from it.  We have evolved over the past 12 months.  We are different.  We prioritize different.  We are more intentional.  We are better focused.  A year ago we were tired.  Today we are certainly more enthused and hopeful.

As I walk forward with you, I hope you consider to commit or recommit to the church... be it with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.  Together, and with God's help, we will strive to make positive impacts on people's lives..... both inside and outside the church.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

I am always available to set up any appointment if you need to talk about anything.  You can call me at 513-463-7378 or email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com.

Oh Brother

I will be on vacation Sept 26-Oct 2.  You can call Muriel Cunningham with any church issues 513-284-3169.  Otherwise, I am always available to set up any appointment if you need to talk about anything.  You can call me at 513-463-7378 or email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com.

Hello Church,

I am taking a little time off to travel to the great city of Pittsburgh.  I have been there a couple of times before.  Aside from the confusing maze of bridges, I find it a nice place.  I'm looking forward to it for some unique reasons.....

First, the schedule lined up so that I can see the Reds and the Bengals in the same weekend.  The Reds finish their season against the Pirates.  The Bengals finish their hopes against the Steelers.  Yes, I know... not a great baseball team and not an average football team... which leads me to another unique reason....

I will be with my brother.

We have a history, John and I.  We have traveled to the likes of San Diego, L.A., St. Louis, D.C., New York and other places.  There are stories to be told that you will never read in this blog.  Suffice it to say that I am his brother and not his pastor.  The lack of label changes expectations a bit.  Regardless, if I ever acted like a pastor in front of him he would either laugh at me or chastise me or both.   He won't hit me.  I'm the older.  He knows better.

While specific stories won't be shared here, there is an interesting dynamic between him and I that I have with no one else.  When it is time for vacation, it is only time for vacation.  We channel the inner I-have-no-job-for-a-week mentality and live as though we don't care.  Truth is, we care a lot (maybe too much).  His IT job has many similarities to mine.... people coming to him with concerns and problems and issues.  He faces pressures in the corporate world while I face pressures in the non-profit world.  However, we can pretend for short bursts of time that we just don't care.... which usually ends in a story that we laugh about for years later.

We should remind ourselves that we are human from time to time.  We are not superhuman.  The weight of our responsibilities can take its toll.  Mental and physical and spiritual health can be affected if we forget that all of our labels and tasks and jobs and obligations do not define us.  We are defined by who God created us to be.  Period.

John knows me like very few people do.  To be reminded that I can be normal helps me when I am with other normal people who come to their pastor for counsel.  I feel like I can relate with you instead of looking down at you like some supernatural... ummm... Divine Being?

So remember that you are normal and that God is not.  And yet God relates to you because He came to this world to be normal.... so that He could relate with you instead of only looking down at you.

And pray for John and I.... we are going to be in Pittsburgh.... with Steeler fans... wearing orange and black....  hopefully this story will have a good ending.... or at least a funny one.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Over-Reaction Monday!

Hello Church,

It's over-reaction Monday!!!

As a life-long Bengals fan, I know many of you can appreciate my life-long angst, every September through December.  However, over the years I have become more than a Bengals fan.  I have become an NFL fan.  As such, I also have become pleasantly entertained every Monday, September through December.

Every Monday, many fans either proclaim that their team is going to the Super Bowl or that their team is the worst team ever.  This largely based on what the team did the day before.  This sets the tune for the whole weak.  Proclaiming domination or lamenting absolute disaster.

This is called Over-Reaction Monday.

Why?  Because the NFL is so full of parity that the one team that got crushed one week can eek out a victory the next and visa versa.  By the end of the year, most teams are somewhere between 6-10 and 10-6, defining the mediocrity of the league as a whole.

And yet we don't learn.  We allow ourselves to ride this ridiculous, emotional roller-coaster.  Which leads to a rather significant spiritual lesson.....

The God who leads us in the Faith is as consistent as they come.  Ideally, there should be no roller coaster in the life of the Christian.  The God who 'was and is and is to come' remains steady.  Realistically, however, there is an up and down to our lives even in the context of faith.  Some of us even get caught up in it an make it more up and down than is necessary.

I've been caught calling myself 'even-keeled Joe'... not too high, not too low.  This isn't always true, but I have frustrated others because I didn't express as much joy as they thought I should nor was I as distraught as the situation should have warranted.

My experience has shown me that at least trying to be more even-keeled is healthier.  To me, it is a Faith lesson.  If God is consistent, then shouldn't I live as though I believe in a consistent God?  Even if my circumstance go from great to terrible, God is the same God in the midst of it all and I rely on Him... right?

Think about it.  In the meantime, the Bengals lost in an embarrassing game yesterday.  They just might be the worst team ever.... until next week...  when someone else gets beat worse than them.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Pastor Joe is available Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat for appointments.  You can call/text him at 513-463-7378 or email him at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com to schedule.

The Hot Seat and My Evaluation

Hello Church,

My annual evaluation was last night.  It was a warm room in more ways than one.  And while I'm not a fan of long meetings, this one was quite productive from my standpoint.  We talked about a lot of issues and the Resource Team and I seem to be very much on the same page.

Among the issues was how I communicate my availability to you.  I want you to know that I try very hard to be available to you as much as possible while also paying attention to my personal boundaries of health and family.  There is a balance the we should all strive for between work and family and, in my particular vocation, there are unique challenges in this area.

I am glad to be your pastor.  As such, I want to remind you how available I am to be your pastor.

A popular phrase I have heard over the years is, 'I thought about calling you, but you are so busy'.  This is somewhat ironic because when I am busy, it is busy meeting with people like you, who want to talk to me (what do you think the pastor does through the week?).  When I am not busy, it is because people don't connect with me because they think I am so busy.  It's an odd dynamic, but one that I sometimes find humorous.

I feel like I am privileged to offer my listening ear.  I am not a clinical counselor, but do have a Social Work background.  I don't charge $80/hr (in fact, it's free!).  I can give you objective advice; share spiritual and biblical information; and can converse about a broad range of topics (marriage, finances, grief, life/death issues, family drama, job concerns, theological/moral/ethical dilemmas, divine Call, and of course church stuff... etc).  I don't always have the answer, but sometimes I do.  Sometimes you don't even necessarily want the answer, you just want someone with whom to converse with in a fair manner.

In addition, I am willing to meet anywhere.  I have the reputation of meeting over lunches at Panera or the Amelia Kroger, but anywhere that has free wifi is a place I might be.  In addition, I am always willing to meet at the church and in my office.  Sometimes discussions should happen more privately.

All you need to do is contact me (at least until I develop mind-reading skills... something my wife says I still lack).  I am 100% accessible.  I have a phone/text (513-463-7378), email (pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com), facebook, and an address (395 Woodside Dr, Batavia, 45103).  I even have Snapchat so that my kids think I am cool. 

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.... 9:00 A.M - 9:00 P.M. (Wednesdays and Fridays are days off for me)... I am available to schedule a time with you to discuss any pastoral need that you have.  And if I am busy, it is because people like you want to talk with me. 

I am glad to be your pastor.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Paying Others To Take My E-Junk

Hello Church,

My wife occasionally gives me tasks to do... and then puts a deadline on those tasks.  We both know why.  One of those tasks was to take our old electronics to a e-recycling facility by the end of the Summer.  For those of you who are not in the know, there are places that will take your old computers, printers, phones, etc; and recycle them in order to keep them out of the landfill.  We have a lot of e-junk.

The one place I know of is Best Buy.  I loaded up the car and hauled it to Eastgate.  What I found out is that they do indeed take me e-junk.  What I didn't know is that there is a $25 fee associated with anything that has a screen.  This would include my Dell monitor and 2 small tv's.  (btw, anyone want a free Dell monitor or a small tv?).

Needless to say, I am not going to pay someone $75 to take my e-junk.  So I am in search of anyone that will take it for free.  Anyone?  It's close to the end of Summer.  My deadline is approaching.  Kim is becoming impatient.  And since we are on the subject, I am also not paying someone $300 to haul away an old, broken piano.  I won't lower myself to ask if anyone is interested.

I'm glad I don't have to pay God to take away my junk.  That would be much more expensive than $75.  Additionally, my deadline isn't so clear... it could be tomorrow or 4 decades from now.  Either way, my thankfulness to God for Christ is very clear.  The junk that really counts is gone and my soul is relieved.  And when I am broken down, God will still come and haul me away.  Why?  Because He has lowered himself to let me know that he is indeed interested... more than interested.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

How Old Are You?

Hello Church,

'How old are you?'  My wife asks me this question when I act like a child.  Usually I have done something really dumb or silly.  I normally do not answer the question for it may incriminate me. 

Maturity is a subjective term, but it is still a legitimate discussion regarding our spiritual lives as well.  As we walk with Christ, we should be growing in Christ.  The walking part is difficult.  The growing part is even more so.

So how do you measure spiritual maturity?  United Methodism certainly has its ways and it isn't so much different than other denominational churches.  Wesley would take us rather quickly to the issue of piety.  Some of us never get there.  Some don't want to.  However, it is clear to see that spiritually mature churches do more effective work for our Lord.  So here are some evidences of spiritual maturity. 

Keep the main thing the main thing - staying focused on Christ and His desires is a big, mature step.  Prayer, study and worship are big components to keeping our eyes on the desire of the Divine.  When we put focus on the back burner, we stray away from God's desires for us.  This puts us at risk of spiritually immature behavior. 

Crossing the threshold - Spiritual maturity is about crossing that line of thinking.  One line of thinking is, 'what can this church do for me?'  It is a consumer mentality that, in my opinion, most people will not ever get away from.  Some of this is the fault of modern churches that seek to be people-pleasers only, without the intent of disciple-making.  However, a mature Christian will eventually shift their thinking to that of 'what can I do to be the church?'.  I am no longer a 'consumer' of the church.  Now I am an 'employee' of the church.  This leads to.....

Self-Sacrifice - this is a big step.  Everything around us says to be concerned about self-preservation.  However, Christ was about giving of self.  Paul was about giving of self.  Wesley was about giving of self.  A mature Christian gives.  A mature church has a healthy budget and plenty of servant leaders.  Immature Christians moan about stewardship campaigns; complain about church meetings (even effective ones) and find ways to avoid committing their time to that ministry team that needs them.

How old is Emmanuel?

This Fall will put our maturity to the test.  We will need people to step up and lead.  We are already in search of a co-treasurer, Finance chair and Personal Discipleship Team leader.  We will also be looking for leadership in the area of youth, worship and community engagement.  Additionally, we are behind in our giving.  Commitments for 2020 will be sought after.   Yes, money will be talked about.  Yes, serving will be talked about.  Mature Christians not only expect it, they embrace it.  Why?  Because prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness are at the core of who we are as church members.  Without it, we become consumers only. 

We've had a good year so far.  Let's continue to be the church.

God Is Good,
Pastor Joe

K-I-D-S

Hello Church,

For those who missed it, Beth Pollitt talked from her heart yesterday during worship.  It was a good talk and we certainly will pray for her as she pursues her Call.  As she goes through an exciting and a little terrifying transition (she will be the Youth leader at Amelia UMC), our transition at Emmanuel is no less exciting and terrifying.

4 people at Emmanuel are stepping forward to work together with kids and youth.  Kevin Uhl, Chad Ellis, Morgan Boone and Amanda Forsee are taking the plunge.  This kind of leadership is new to every one of them (though Chad has been teaching Sunday School for a while now).  The exciting part for me is that every one of them is also excited.  They have energy and enthusiasm.  They have dreams and hopes for the Fall as we discuss the kids of the church and the community.

The terrifying part for me (and Beth knows this too) is that it is very difficult to implement programming without the help and commitment of the church and the rest of church leadership.  Beth spoiled us some in that she is uniquely driven to youth ministry.  Beth is not the norm.

Emmanuel is at a place where we will need to be open and honest about what kind of kids and youth ministry we want... now just in how we talk, but how we behave.  Churches tend to move in one direction or another in their behavior.  Either they make children and youth programming a priority or they don't (church budgeting, worship time, volunteers, etc are examples of prioritizing).  Of course, every church SAYS they want young people in their church.  As a pastor, I quickly learned that is because that is the right thing to say.  But proof is in  the behavior.

As we continue the renewal on engagement, this time of year the focus could be on our young people.  Let 's do it.  Kevin, Chad, Morgan and Amanda will be talking to parents and kids about what they would like to see in the months to come.  Sunday school, nursery, children sermons, evening events, community events, outreach events and more are all on the table.  It's a blank slate.  Let's talk.  Let's decide.  Let's engage.

If you are a young family and new to Emmanuel or are looking for a fresh start, here is your chance.  Not only do you have the opportunity for something new for your kids, but you have the opportunity to shape the kind of ministry you want your kids to have.  Let's talk.  Let's decide.  Let's engage.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Death and Family Strife

Hello Church,

Today's topic is a little morbid.  I am currently sitting in the waiting room at Tri-Health, waiting for Joey as he goes through a medical procedure.  It's a minor one, to be sure, but for some there is no such thing as a 'minor' procedure.

One of the questions he was asked at check-in was if he had brought a living will.  We chuckled about it and then made jokes, but that was more out of awkwardness than anything else.

Through the years as I have helped families through grief and loss, the topic of wills have come up from time to time.  Unfortunately sometimes the topic is not a positive one.  Loved ones have often passed away without leaving any will.  This inevitably causes stress and conflict among the family even as they are dealing with the grief.  Family members discuss, argue and debate about who gets what or how much.  At times it as turned very ugly, leading into legal action or family division.  It's a sad thing to see.

Other times, when wills are involved, it still may not be much better.  The wills can be unclear or seen as unfair, still causing conflict among family.  All the while, grief is present and difficult.

The Church has a lot to say about what may or may not happen to you after you die.  I would like to bring attention to the other side of things.  What happens to your family after you die?  Here are some of my thoughts based on my experience through the years:

 - Have a will.  Make it clear and concise.  You don't want your family dealing with the complications because you didn't have one (especially in the state of Ohio).  This will help your family focus on the emotions of losing you.

- Communicate to the family about your will.  Help them understand your wishes.  Talk to them.  They can't argue with you after your gone and thus will be left to argue with family instead.  Talk it out now.  Even if they don't agree or don't think it is fair, give them opportunity to process through it now so they can focus on grief when you are gone.

- Losing loved ones shouldn't be wrought with legal affairs.  It should be a time of celebrating a person's life and coming together as family and friends to console and comfort one another.  Sending this message through the will would be a nice idea to encourage them to focus on the important things.

As a side note, technology allows us to be very creative in how we send messages to our family and friends after we die.  I am currently considering how I can preside over my own funeral through the use of video... even interactive video.  It gives me an immense amount of control in how my life is to be celebrated, at least for the duration of the funeral service.  I also wonder how technology can be used to express my last wishes.

I told you this was a morbid topic.  However, it can also be a life-giving topic.  How our lives go on for eternity is of the upmost importance, but who we leave behind and how they go on living is not insignificant.  Help them keep on living by considering what you leave behind and how you leave it.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

My Wife Is Stuck With Me

Hello Church,

'It's all good until someone gets to know me.'

I recently made this comment among friends.  It was intended to be funny, but the comment stuck in my head and I couldn't get it out.  I concluded that there was much more seriousness to it than I had originally intended and it applies to perhaps all of us.

When someone doesn't know anything about you, they are free to perceive anything they would like.  Perceptions about you could be based on anything superficial.... the clothes you wear (or how you wear them), tattoos/piercings, the car you drive, who you are with, how you talk, etc.  For me and in my experience, it is about my label of 'pastor'.  'Pastor' creates all kinds of perceptions for people.  Unfortunately for me, it sometimes raises the bar on how I should dress, talk, act, etc.  Though I fully acknowledge it also opens doors for me as others tend to automatically trust me and share things with me when they would normally be guarded or closed off completely.

'It's all good until someone gets to know me.'

Probably the only person that knows me fully is my wife.  I'm okay with that because she is stuck with me.  However, no one else is.  I've been around long enough for most of my parishioners to get to know me.  While a few will fully accept the lack of perceived 'holiness' that a pastor should exude, when others find out that the pastor is just like any other 'Joe', it can affect relationships.

Again, this isn't unique to me.  All of us deal with unfair perceptions about us.  Guess what?  Jesus did too.  The label 'Messiah' brought all kinds of expectations, none of which came to fruition.  It was expected that He would be a warrior king to overthrow Roman rule.  Instead, He died without a fight.

The lesson?  Don't invest in others' perceptions of you, fair or unfair.  Focus on being the best disciple of Christ you can be.  As people get to know you, those who stick around will stick around for the authentic reasons.  Let the false perceptions flake off along with the people who chose to go away because you aren't who they want you to be.  In the end, you will be around people who love you for who you are.  This creates authenticity all around you, including friendships.

And when a congregation does this?  You have an authentic church.  And isn't that what people appreciate more than anything?.... to be part of a church that is authentic and who authentically worships the risen Christ?  I think so. 

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Call, Tears, and New Beginnings

Hello Church,

This is a special week at Emmanuel.  It is a week of change and appreciation....some sadness, but also some excitement.  It is a week of considering our Call and praying for those who answer it.  I hope you can make it Sunday at 10:30 (and for the ice cream afterwards).

First, our Columbia Mission Team leaves for another trip to Brisas Del Mar.  Another opportunity to engage presents itself and several from Emmanuel are going.  We will pray for them as they travel and show God's love. 

Second, we will spend some time loving on the Pollitts.  Emmanuel's Co-Op Youth program with Amelia is ending September 1st and Beth is taking a paid staff position at Amelia UMC as their Youth Leader.  It is a good opportunity for her, but also a difficult change.  James, Beth and Bella will be attending Amelia UMC and leaving Emmanuel.

There's a mixture of emotion for me and I suspect it will be the same for many of you.  The Pollitts have been a big part of Emmanuel and you will be able to share that significance on Sunday.  There will be tears, but there will also be hope and expectation.  While they are only moving down the road a bit, it will be a chance for Beth to continue the pursuit of her Call. 

Please know the importance that Emmanuel has in all of this too.  We have worked with Beth to help her grow into her Call.  That is a big part of what churches do.... help others identify and answer divine Call.  While we are sad they are leaving, we should also be glad that we lived into our role.  Please come and share in this celebration because it is a celebration even if it is a difficult one.

Finally, know that Emmanuel's role in raising people up in their Call doesn't end.  Plans will be in place by September to launch a Youth and Children's program.  New leaders with new Calls are being identified.  We continue to move forward.  While it is a new start for Beth, it is also a new start for Emmanuel. 

So, again, I hope you can come Sunday at 10:30 (and the free ice cream afterwards).  God will be there and it will be good.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Do You Dislike The Church?

Hello Church,

Consider that not everyone trusts us.

It would be nice if we didn't have to work at winning trust from others.  If the word 'Church' automatically meant the loss of suspicion, anxiety and caution... and the addition of peace, unconditional love and comfort.... our role in the world would be much easier.  Unfortunately, the Church hasn't been immune from causing harm, hurt and wounds that embed itself deep in the psyche of the community around us.  Sometimes it was by total accident.  Other times it way too intentional.  The grand history of the Church isn't always so grand.

The truth is that some unchurched folks have good reason to remain unchurched. 

So what do we do?  We put forth effort to win back their trust.  As Emmanuel engages more of the community around us, it should be expected that some will wonder what we are doing.  Some will doubt the authenticity of what we do.  Others will just downright not trust us. 

The onus is not on them to try Church again.  The onus is on us to be humble, loving and sacrificial in how we reach out and invite them in again.  Sometimes we will also need to be repentant and apologetic.... to be transparent that we do make mistakes, but we don't want to.  We want to be the kind of people that is expected from a church. 

So whether we are feeding the hungry, encouraging teachers, connecting with students, or traveling halfway across the world to spend time in a jungle, remember that we have something to prove:  that God is real and His love isn't too impossible. 

Let Christ live in you.  And let others see Him.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

It Has Started! Woohoo!

Hello Church,

It has been launched!  We are officially in partnership with Holly Hill Elementary!  Woohoo!  For those who missed worship this past Sunday, here is the link.  It didn't catch the whole talk due to space, but Principal Parker is at the end.  Our pre-teen mission trip presentation is at the beginning.

We welcomed Principal Erin Parker (presented her a Starbucks gift card, chocolate and a t-shirt) and began gathering sponsors and mentors.  Sponsors will spend the year encouraging, supporting and empowering teachers in simple and uplifting ways.  Mentors will be given the opportunity to provide some positive connection to a given student.

If you would like to be a part of this partnership or want more information, please let us know.  Email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com.  We can provide you with a guide sheet on what it would mean to be a sponsor.

I fully admit that for me, personally, this particular engagement is the one I've been looking forward to.  I'm not sure why except to say that I feel like I relate with teachers.  Now don't get me wrong.  I am not comparing the congregation to a room full of first graders.  However, I do understand the stresses associated with working with many people on a regular basis.  Those who are in the people business (teachers, health professionals, pastors, etc) share the experiences of rewards, risks and frustrations.

So I am looking forward to being a support to those who help our children.  Emmanuel isn't big enough to change the world, but we can focus in and make a positive impact in a little corner of it.  I hope you are a part of that impact.  I know God is.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Holly Hill Elementary School

Hello Church,

The word for the day is 'macro-impact'.

I'm not sure if it is a real word.  I've been known to make up words, sometimes intentionally.  I wouldn't call it a skill set, but it makes explaining things less difficult sometimes.  'Macro-impact.

Through the renewal Emmanuel has focused on how to have a bigger over-all impact on community.  This has led us to engaging not just individuals, but engaging community organizations.  Partnering with other groups helps us influence on a larger scale an, oh-by-the-way, allows us to be more visible in the community, opening doors for more impacting opportunities.

We have a list of options.  We have already engaged the League of Animal Welfare (where Hope and I are now official volunteers) and the Clermont County Humane Society.  Inside the Church we are encouraging the Sunday School kids to show their acting ability in worship.  There are more opportunities forthcoming (Inter Parish Ministry and Scouts to name a couple).

However, this coming Sunday is a biggie!  Holly Hill Elementary is coming to share about themselves and we will be celebrating a new partnership with them.  Opportunities are two-fold.  You will be able to sponsor a group of teachers to encourage and support.  Or you can be assigned a student to mentor.  Details are coming Sunday.  Just know that this is a chance for 'macro-impact'.

If we commit ourselves as a Church to establish a relationship with another organization (like a school), the result can be Christ-like.  It just isn't Pastor Joe letting Principal Erin Parker know that God loves Holly Hill.  It is the people of Emmanuel showing love to the staff and students of Holly Hill.  Faith is made real in how a person of Emmanuel engages a person of Holly Hill.  We don't just say it.  We don't just give them things.  We show it by how commit our time and energy in building authentic relationships.

I hope you attend this coming Sunday at 10:30.  A new school year is on the horizon.  The Community Fellowship Team is preparing to equip you to join this new partnership.  I hope your heart is ready to make a 'macro-impact'.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Are My Sermons Too Long?

Hello Church,

What is the Holy Spirit Calling you to do?

I like preaching.  Over the years it has come easier and easier for me.  It wasn't so easy in the beginning.  I essentially would sit down and type an 8-page paper as college and seminary put me in the habit of doing.  Then I would read that on Sunday morning.  I was not a boring reader, as far as that goes, but it was still reading.

My anxiety around preaching was multi-layered.  Did I know what I was talking about?  Will the congregation agree with me?  How many people will I upset?  Is it too long?  Not long enough?  Are my arguments logically sound?  Is it too mushy?  Too illogical?  Not mushy enough?  Is it biblically sound?  Where are the loopholes?  Can I fix the loopholes?  Am I talking loud enough for everyone to hear?

Over the years I have crossed off many of those questions.  This is because many of those questions speak to my self-confidence more than anything else.  As I started agreeing with God that preaching is a Calling, I got more brazened.  I stopped typing out 8-page papers and making outlines.  Then I went from outlines to a few notes.  Now, sometimes, I don't even use my notes.

My point isn't that I have improved as a preacher.  My point is that when we believe.... truly believe... that God has called us to something, the more we can lean on God and not ourselves.  The more I got to know God; the character of God; the habits of God; the attitude of God, the more I could allow God to speak through me.  My confidence didn't just come from experience.  It came from my faith that God knew what He was doing when He said, 'Joe, go preach'.

What is the Holy Spirit calling you to do?

Consider that whatever it is, it is more about God and less about you.  Your confidence, know-how, attitude, etc; are certainly important.  But God's confidence, know-how, attitude, etc; is much more important when He is the one deciding that you can be good and useful at something.

So I became a preacher.  I learn how to improve at it because I decided to believe that God has my back.

When you believe God has your back on something, go do it and learn to do it really well.  What I learned throughout the years is that it does matter what other people think, but when you commit yourself to your Calling, it matters much less than you think.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Debbie Downer Meets Jesus Christ

Hello Church,

I consider myself an optimist.  I personally believe that Christians should be, by default, optimists.  We believe in the goodness of God and that, inevitably, the Universe will be okay.  My soul is saved and God is just and all the bad will eventually go away (read the Bible).  And yet it is difficult to be an optimist. 

I want to share my Christian perspective on optimism vs pessimism.  I don't know if it is anything you haven't learned long before me, but I'm going to be optimistic.  This might help someone out there.

- We remember the bad, wrong and negative and we want to share it with those around us.  The vast majority of our talk about sports teams, politics, religion, family members and the run-of-the-mill daily occurrences usually have to do with losing, investigations of wrong-doing, hypocrisy, bad decisions, etc; 

- We don't do nearly as well remembering the good, right and positives of our days.  Perhaps a psychologist or anthropologist can explain why.  However, as I have observed myself turning a corner in my attitude, the pervasive pessimism that I see and hear has increasingly annoyed me.  When it stops annoying me, I should get worried.

- Pessimism has been multiplied many times over with the onslaught of social media.  I have come to see it as a kind of poison that ruins our psyche.  I took Facebook and twitter off my phone and drastically reduced my use of all social media.  I am happier. 

- How can a Christian be a good Christian if it he/she is poisoned by a pessimistic world-view?  I have learned to subtly challenge negative comments with positive ones; question the theology of doom and gloom out loud; critically think through criticisms to determine constructiveness or destructiveness; and invite the presence of God in with a person's thoughts and actions.

- Do you believe in Jesus?  Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit?  Do you believe in the redemption of all Creation, the salvation of souls, and an interceding God (Read the Bible).  Then you should seek out a pep in your step. 

- In order to focus on optimism, I have chosen to at least ignore the petty complaints about life (or laugh at them).  I have made it my mission to take every circumstance and be determined to not let the negative drive the discussion.  It isn't always easy.  I'm not always good at it..... I mean.. uh... sometimes it is really easy.  I am sometimes good at it (see what I did there?).

- When I mentally review my day, I make it a point to list the positives.  I make note of the negatives only if I see the possibility of turning it into a positive tomorrow.  If not, I let it slough off.  I don't think about it, dwell on it, post it, or give it any of my energy.  Truth is, most of the negatives of my day weren't in my control in any case.

Emmanuel has a slightly different energy than it did a year ago.  It's better.  I go to activities expecting to participate in uplifting stuff.  It won't always happen.  That isn't the point.  It is my expectations that are the point.  I am choosing my attitude.

What good do you expect to see and talk about today?  Look for it.  I'm optimistic that you'll find it.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Meow! Woof! And The Occassional 'Hello'

Hello Church,

I've never blessed animals before.  I'll have to look in the instruction book to see what it says about it.  Hopefully it isn't too complicated.

This Saturday (12-3) is a day for us and the Humane Society to show off animals.  I like the possibilities of this event.  It could be a day that begins a longer-term partnership.... something Emmanuel is striving for in many different ways.

But the truth is that Saturday isn't really about the animals, though I am sure they will have their own opinions on the event.  The occasional happy dog or grumpy cat who wants to know what all the hub-bub is about.  It is really about the owners and would-be owners.  We want the community to know that we care.... not just about animals, but about those would-be care-takers who enjoy the company of a pet or pets.

So I am looking forward to meeting people too... to make connections and let them know that Emmanuel is a place for them.  That if they are looking for a community of people that has something in common with them (like animals), then we can be that place.

Let's go make establish partnerships, make connections and possibly a friend or two.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

When God's Plans Are Not Your Plans

Hello Church,

Engage the Holy Spirit.

Sunday is Pentecost.  It is the day when God gifted the would-be church with His Spirit to comfort and teach and to inspire. It's a big day to celebrate.

As we live into a renewed Summer at Emmanuel--as we look at new kinds of partnerships with schools and animal shelters and retirement communities and food programs, etc--I think it paramount to consider how we go about it.

Engage the Holy Spirit.

As people of routine, we are often dictated by what our routine tells us. For example, today is Monday.  On Mondays I type my blog; find Scripture for Sunday; post on Facebook; and follow-up with any stuff that happened the previous day. (Btw, yesterday was an awesome Sunday.... if you didn't catch it, find it here!  No lie... one of my best Sunday services in a long time).

This Sunday we are also about routine.  For example, we are always invited to wear red on Pentecost Sunday.  We will sing and pray and preach in a linear fashion.... or will we?

Sometimes the Spirit tells you to do something out of the ordinary.  Maybe it is a nudge or push or shove.  Maybe God finds a way to tell you to break your routine and be led by a more spontaneous opportunity.  God's Holy Spirit doesn't always tell you His plans beforehand.  And if He does, we don't always listen.

Engage the Holy Spirit.

We will attempt to do so this Sunday... unless the Spirit tells us to do it a different day...

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Will You Help Do Something Drastic?

Hello Church,

Many don't know it, but this week is very important for us as the church.  I will be engaging in at least 4 face-to-face conversations that could be a catalyst for cultural change at Emmanuel.  By this I mean continuing a shift from 'doing' to 'engaging'.  From 'providing' to 'relating'.

Before you get your hopes up (or your anxiety up), know that this also continues to be a very difficult shift.  It likely has been the most difficult task I have taken on in 20+ years of ministry.  Re-inventing, reconstructing, re-visioning, reassessing, reasserting.... I can't and won't do it alone.  Will you help?

To help you might need to re-look at how you are the church.  Re-define how you measure success as a Christian person and as a community of Christian people.  I am asking you to do something very difficult, but not something I haven't been doing for myself the past 12 months.  Why would I ever do something so drastic?  What would I invite you into this painful process?

85% of churches in the U.S. are declining.  15% are growing.  14% are growing because of church transfers.  1% are growing because of new believers (and it is more like .5%, but we like to round up). 96 churches are closing per week.  50 pastors are leaving per day.  (Hartford Institute for Religious Research).

Why?  And what is the secret formula to buck the trend?

Churches that are finding a little growth are the ones who have stopped looking at numbers, programming or events and started looking at culturally relevant relationships.  Opportunities for face-to-face conversations is still a thing for people strive toward.  Less ranting about rules and doctrine, more attempts at engaging the neighbor.  Feeding the hungry turns into eating with the hungry.  Attending worship turns into participating in worship.  Giving to one another turns into sharing with one another.  Praying for people turns into praying with people.  Get it?  Will you help?  How?

Not just texting.  Not just Facebooking.  Not just snapping, instagraming or tweeting.

Engage in real, authentic, relevant, face-to-face conversation.... sort of what Jesus did. It is a start and something I am committed to doing moving forward.  Will you help?

The opportunities are coming.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Big, Fancy Words And Joe's Losing Argument

Hello Church,

Sacramental Theology is a tricky thing.  The ins and outs of Communion and Baptism can make one rather confused, especially if there is a diverse range of church experiences. 

June 2nd is not to be missed.  With 5 Baptisms and Holy Communion on the slate, it makes for a rather short sermon.  So if you enjoy the Baptism of young children or old men; like the taste of juice and bread; or don't like listening to me go on and on.... then Sunday, June 2nd is the day for you.

And every time I come upon one of these kinds of days, I am reminded of my unworthiness compared to God's Grace.  I THINK I know the rules around these sacraments.  I am prepared to debate with the best of them.  I am ready to fight tooth and nail, drawing lines in the sand on who can and cannot do what and why and therefore and so on and so forth.  I am Methodist.  We have rules.  Take it or leave it.

And I often end up feeling silly.  Issues of intinction, immersion, rebaptism, reaffirmation, transubstantiation and other words that only live in seminaries create looks of confusion among the laity and make preachers sound smart.  The problem is Grace isn't confusing.  Grace is simple.    Grace should stay simple.  God doesn't complicate it with fancy words (the Book of Mark had no big words... read it and find out).  And so Pastors should not meddle in the attempt to make it fancy.  For God gives Grace more lavishly than I would.  Just sayin'.

So June 2nd is a day when I get out of God's way.  Let the theologians make their comments.  In my ever-determined way to err on the side of Grace, I'll force God to be angry with me because I was too gracious rather than not gracious enough.  My words will be fewer and the water will fly, maybe to unwanted or unneeded places (ever try to baptize a 6-month old?), but it will fly nonetheless.

Besides, some arguments you know you just won't win.... so why try?

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Looking Forward To Tomorrow

Hello Church,

It's refreshing to be productive.

Since re-inventing myself, re-prioritizing how I spend my time, and setting new goals for myself, I have found a new lease on my days.  I feel a general sense of overall productivity and purpose.  I once again feel I have a place in God's plans for the day, though I usually don't know how.  Life is good. 

How did I get here?

If you are like I was, you might feel frustrated or discouraged about your day, generally speaking.  You are tired and have moments of 'blah'.  While I have shared much of my journey over the past year, there is something I haven't mentioned.... and this might help you.

Choose who you spend your time with.

In my vocation there can be a lot of negative.  Conversations are had on a regular basis that involve the bad, sad, frustrating, conflicting, grief-stricken, uncertainty and grumpy.  Sometimes it can't be avoided.  Part of my job is to help people move through their down times.  I actually like doing that.  Again... a sense of purpose.

But in order to maintain a sense of balance and overall perspective, when it is possible, I stay away from the negative.  God wants us to have joy.  Some people don't have joy.  So unless it is my Call to help someone through yucky times (i.e.  to be someone's pastor), I stay away.  It does me no good to constantly subject myself to how terrible someone thinks this world is.... be it the news, Facebook, my neighbor or some random person who just wants to complain.  I don't need it, don't want it and I have learned it puts me in a bad place. 

So I am always ready to be someone's Pastor.  I am not always willing to participate in the banter of negativity.  God wants you to have joy.  I want you to have joy.  I want me to have joy.  I will help you get to that place, but if you don't want to have joy, your behavior will tell me (and everyone else around you).  And if your behavior leads me to conclude that you are just want to live in the dark places and are too stubborn to move, I will go somewhere else until you are ready to meet Jesus again... and walk in His way.  Then we can pursue joy again.

It is in this way that I can always look forward to tomorrow.  When I can choose to do so, I will spend time with those who are determined to be joyful in the midst of God's grace... even if they fail to do so from time to time.

Choose who you spend time with... choose the spiritually alive, vital, love-seeking soul that oozes joy, contentment and peace.  These things are contagious too.  Take advantage of it.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

The First Big Win For The Renewed Emmanuel....

Hello Church,

Engage, Engage, Engage....

Implementation is always the most difficult of all the phases to complete when re-inventing yourself.  I find that to be true personally as well as corporately.  This is true for a church as well.  Sitting around and talking about it is easy.  Actually doing it is not always easy.

So it is important to celebrate when God works through us and something new works.  Any win at all is a good win and, in my opinion, we are having our first big win as a renewed, engaging church.

The Personal Discipleship Team started posting daily devotions on Emmanuel's Facebook page.  It is an effort to engage the social media world in a more intentional way.  Facebook keeps stats on who looks, clicks and shares the posts we make.  7 people took a day of the week and wrote a devotional.  Here are the results.

1,400+ people received an Emmanuel post (compared to our average of about 400)
400+ people engaged a post, meaning they clicked on it or shared it with someone else (compared to our average of about 130)

This was just the first week, but it would seem Emmanuel has made an impact of some sort... certainly more engagement than we typically do.  I believe this is a first of more to come in all kinds of ministry areas. 

The key is for you to do something.  Engaging in our new ideas is what creates wins.  More opportunities are here and will continue to be made available.  Get involved in something.  You can help Emmanuel be a more engaging church.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

What Shift(s) Do You Work?

Hello Church,

I have a stick shift car.  When I get to a certain speed, I have to manually shift to second gear in order to go faster.  Otherwise, I am only going to be able to go a certain speed.

The church is a stick shift car. 

1st Gear:  God calls people to be His church, sending Christ to save and the Holy Spirit to teach.... shift

2nd Gear:  The pastor leads the church to establish an overall vision of a preferred future... shift

3rd Gear:  Leadership teams are put into place to accelerate the vision into dreaming and planning specific ministries..... shift

4th Gear:  Laity take up opportunities to help implement plans designed by the leadership.... shift

5th Gear:  The result of engaging, effective ministries attract people to discipleship, increasing leadership, increasing laity, increasing the number of ministries being implemented.

The church is a stick shift car.

We are currently in 4th gear.  Some cars only have 4 gears.

For those who consider Emmanuel your home church, you are invited to pay attention to the Tuesday and/or Thursday emails.  The next shift is up to you.

A Cynical View Of Easter And Why Pastor Joe Is Not Worn Out

Hello Church,

I made it through another Holy Week.  How tragic that pastors often think this way.  Not 'I had another awesome Holy Week', but 'I MADE IT THROUGH another Holy Week.'  How tragic.

Here is an explanation from just one pastor.... the only one I have the most hope to understand... me.

Faith is written with permanent marker on my heart.  It won't go away.  Christ compels me to continue driving forward, seeking goodness.  We had a good Holy Week and a good Easter Sunday.  However, my permanent marker won't go away.  It's the day after Easter Sunday and it's still there.

There is a price to be paid for this.

I sometimes lament my lack of creative excitement.  For example, I look around and see the glamour of Easter in other places.  Churches, specifically, catch my eye.  Extra special events; bigger-than-usual plans; higher energy; etc are done with Easter Sunday specifically in mind.  However, I look at myself and I see none of that desire.  Easter is great, but my desire to put extra creative excitement into it is lacking.  I sometimes lament this.  And I know there are people in the church who lament having such a pastor as well.

But I also understand myself.  It's the permanent marker.

Creative excitement cannot last.  I know this.  Next Sunday every church will be back to the normal.  People who participated last Sunday won't be seen again for many months (maybe a year exactly).  And who will be the one to continue driving Faith forward?  It won't be the people who expended extra-special energy into Easter and want to rest until Mother's Day or Memorial Day or Pentecost.... or Christmas.  It will be the people who have Faith written on their hearts with permanent marker; Faith that reads just as clearly on any given, normal day.  I am one of those.  And I do not lament it nor apologize for it.

Let me be a bit more transparent and show a bit of my frustration with church life.  The desire to be a day-to-day, grind-it-out, marthon-running disciple is too rare.  I don't claim to have it all together, but that is my point.  Because I don't, I understand the necessity of having God's Holy Spirit working on me every moment.... not just when creative excitement is before me.. not just when Easter or Pentecost or Christmas conks me on the head.  Even more so, I believe having the ups and downs of 'extra-special' events hurts me.  My day-to-day grind of following Jesus has difficulty handling the emotional ups and downs of 'extra-special' celebrations in the church.  This is because the Sunday after is always back to normal... and often times the people that were 'all in' are suddenly gone again.  I want every Sunday to be normal... to be normally exciting. 

Maybe this is why I have been called Scrooge in December and why Doubting Thomas (the Sunday after Easter) is just as significant to me as Mary running to the disciples on Sunday morning.  I want even-keel.... because the permanent marker won't go away.  I want my Faith to be equally legible all 52 Sundays of every year, regardless of the occasion. 

And I want a church to be willing to pick up the pieces when all the excitement goes away.  I want a church that will drive forward when other churches are resting from partying too much.  I want a church that is the consistent mainstay of a community through all the grind.  I want a church that has Faith written with permanent marker upon its heart.  I don't want an especially great attendance on Easter.  I want a normally great attendance every Sunday.  I want a church that leads the charge when other churches don't see the man-made advantages of such. 

Easter is here.  New leadership is in place. Now it is time to start doing.

Are you worn out from all the special excitement last week?

I am not.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Experience This Week Differently

Hello Church,

This Holy Week is different for Emmanuel.

First, we are having Maundy Thursday (7:00) AND Good Friday (7:00) services.  Amelia UMC will be participating with us.  We are not used to doing both, but I hope you will attend one or both of them.  Each service is unique and adds to the story leading up to Easter.

As I get busy preparing for the week, I am trying to not get distracted.  A post-leave lesson learned is that my doing can get in the way of my believing.  The significance of productive tasks tend to substitute for they 'whys' of doing. 

Faith must trump tasks.  I invite you to think through this.  Faith should drive our tasks.  Our tasks should not drive our Faith.  It is similar to 'salvation by faith' vs 'salvation by works'.  Jesus leads us to Faith which leads us to actions.  Sometimes we think reversing that is a good thing.  It is not.

Second, I hope I will see you at Amelia UMC for the Sunrise Service (7:30) and breakfast (8:00).  The youth have worked hard at getting the service ready for us.  Not only should we support them, but we should let them inspire us on THE most important day of our Faith.  What better way to start an Easter morning than to watch young people lead us in worship??

Third, our 10:30 worship service will have a different look.  We will be talking about resurrection, but it will not just be a history lesson.  It will be a practical look at how we are living into resurrection through our new vision and leadership.  You want proof we are a new thing?  It isn't just the empty tomb.  It is what the resurrected Christ is driving us toward.

Also, there will be Sunday School and Bible Study at 9:30.  The Bible Study will be starting a new journey into the book of Galatians.  I hope to see you there as well.

This Bad Habit Is Contagious

Hello Church,

As we move forward into a new thing, my thoughts turn to team work.

The last couple of years we have learned a bad habit.  This bad habit was started by me.  In the midst of my burnout I stopped putting energy into enlisting support and help in doing tasks.  This is because it take more energy for me to get people to 'do' than it does for me to do it myself.  So in many cases I became a 'lone ranger' and ran around doing.  In the process, I got more burned out because I was always doing and many times I had no help because I didn't seek it out.

This bad habit was picked up by the church.  Lone Rangers going around trying to 'hold down the fort'.  Frustration spread.....

... but now it is time for a new thing....  here are my new rules for pastoring the church....

Rule #1 - Form a team to make ministry happen, complete with vision, purpose and good leadership
Rule #2 - If the team agrees to do it, you do it.
Rule #3 - If the team doesn't agree to do it, you don't do it.
Rule #4 - If you don't have an effective team, but want something done, see rule #1

As a result of these new rules, I had to make new personal rules.  This was my wake-up call and part of what I learned during my leave.  Here they are:

Rule #1 - I will take ownership of my actions or in-actions.
Rule #2 - I will not take ownership of other people's actions or in-actions.
Rule #3 - If I make a mistake, I will do what I can to correct it.  See rule #1.
Rule #4 - If someone else makes a mistake, I will not let it ruin my day.  See rule #2.

As we move into a new church approach to ministry, I am promising not to repeat the same mistakes.  This means better teamwork and no lone ranger work.  I will encourage the same in you. 

In this way, the church becomes the church; the pastor stays the pastor; and God works through all of us in His special way.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Pastors CAN take a back seat.

Hello Church,

We are in the midst of a new thing.  How do I know?  Things are happening and I am not necessarily the instigator.  This is when it gets scary for me......

For example, I get a facebook notification that the church I pastor is partnering with the Humane Society.  Huh?  Why am I finding this out on facebook?  How come nobody asked me?  I never put my stamp of approval on this!

The answer:  the church is being the church like they are supposed to be.

How refreshing it is to find out that ministry can happen without my involvement..... that the pastor doesn't have to be and shouldn't be called every time some sort of permission needs to be given.... that leadership can be trusted to lead within the confines of a church vision and sometimes the pastor can follow....

How wonderfully, ecstatically, enthusiastically, refreshing!!!

To go further, did you know there were 2 church meetings yesterday that were about 2 very specific ministry projects and I went to neither one?  (and to be sure, I wasn't specifically invited either).  Scary for me?  Yes!  Beneficial for everyone?  Yes!

The church gets to be the church without me, the pastor, sticking his biased opinions into every decision that needs to be made.  Will I be happy with everything decided upon?  No.  Does God care?  Not as long as the I do the work of establishing an over-arching church vision and putting leaders in place that hold to the vision.  Nope, God won't care about my approval. 

That said, I can always be available when called upon.  Know that I am a very big resource person that any ministry project can go to in order to be helped.  I am at the beck-and-call of the church.  The church is not at the beck-and-call of me.  This is the way it should be. 

Emmanuel is re-asserting its Methodism!  Lay people at work (and, oh, by the way, Joe is here to help too).  I am very proud of our pivot so far.  It makes me want to lead harder and louder and with more energy.  It's a new thing and I am glad.

Let's keep it going.  I'm looking forward to more surprises from the new ministry teams.  Just be gentle.  It's still scary for me.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

The Re-engagement Of Emmanuel.

Hello Church,

New life is slowly being breathed into us.  As I look around, I see the beginning edge of new engagement and I am excited about the possibilities....

- This past Sunday, Mckenzie and Kelsie Uhl got baptized.  What is more, part of Kevin's story got told.  The church engaged an entire family.

- Chad Ellis has a friend (who knew?).  His name is Frank.  Frank is going to revamp our website.  The focus?  Faith stories.  We will engage the on-line community in a new way.

- Part of the worship team met Monday night to plan Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  It was a team effort.  Not only was new engagement happening amidst a re-established ministry team, but Emmanuel will be engaging Amelia UMC during Holy Week. 

- New leadership is being put into place.  Engaging those who have the passion and desire and will to lead in different ways is refreshing!

- There is lots more!  The new bulletin continues to evolve.  Every Sunday there will be information for you to learn about regarding the various plans to engage one another and God.... and how you can be a part of it.

The new ramp-up is for Easter Sunday (Apr. 21).  During the 10:30 worship service we will be celebrating resurrection.... not just of the Christ, but of the church... this church... Emmanuel is resurrecting.  A new vision.  A new focus.  A new approach.  A new life.

It isn't too late for you to get on-board.  Ministry teams are not set yet.  The doer list is not complete yet.  Come Sunday and continue to hear about it. 

From Yuckiness To Hopefulness: Tonight Is The Night!

The time of this writing is Monday morning.  I am preparing for the Monday evening meeting that will relaunch the church into a new way of being the church......

Hello Church,

Tonight is the night...

Tonight's relaunch of Emmanuel's ministry approach is a culmination of so many things, personally and professionally.

Professionally, as a Pastor, I like to watch people love and fall in love with the church.  I like to see renewed energy and enthusiasm.  I like encouraging the birth of new ideas and watch them take shape.  I like watching God work in people's lives.  I like empowering others and giving them the tools to succeed.  I got away from all that I liked about being a Pastor.  It became like a job that I grinded out day-to-day, dreading the mundane tasks of this and that.  Tonight, though, is a grand return to paying attention to what I like about my work.  I can't wait.

Personally, it is refreshing as well.  A year ago I was considering quitting the ministry.  The discouragement, frustration and all the time I spent doing yucky church stuff was enough to drive me to do anything else.  But Emmanuel let me rest and listen and re-hear my Call last Summer.  It worked.  I pushed the reset button on my heart and soul.  God refreshed me.  Mentally, I am back where I should be.  My priorities are in place and my determination is pointed in the right direction.

Tonight is a culmination of getting through the yucky stuff. We had 6 fantastic years followed by 3 not-so-fantastic years.  I invited them to rest, listen and re-hear their Call.  The result?  A new vision has brought new hope and new hope brings new focus and direction. 

It all culminates tonight and then moving forward....

I hope you choose to be a part of it. 

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

 

The New Emmanuel in a Nutshell.....

Hello Church... March 18th... we are going to eat at 6:30 and then launch into a new thing....  I hope you consider being a part of this new church.....  There is a place for you, whether you want to help in the planning of ministry or just make yourself available to serve.... or both.....

... do you perceive it yet?

For those of you still trying to catch up, let me give you a brief description  Our new church will be made up of 4 new ministry teams (instead of the previous 9).  Each team will have their own focus designed to help us and others be a disciple of Christ.  They are:

Holy Worship Team - Focus:  to help people prepare, participate and engage God - music, preaching, decorations, hospitality, technology, greeting, ushering, nursery, acolytes, follow-up.... anything that helps a person engage God in a worship setting will be the responsibility of this team.

Community Fellowship - Focus:  building relationships between people - finding various ways for people to engage each other both inside the church and outside the church (meals, community events, small groups, networking with neighbors, etc).  Anything that establishes, nurtures and strengthens human relationships will be the responsibility of this team.

Personal Discipleship - Focus:  helping people with spiritual development - how do you become a better disciple tomorrow than yesterday?  This team will provide opportunity to develop into a stronger, committed, passionate follower of Jesus.  Bible Study, Sunday School and short-term studies are some examples.

Resource Management - Focus:  empowering servant-leaders to be the church - it takes resources to do ministry: people, space, time and money.  This team will seek to equip the other 3 teams so they can do their work.  This might mean taking care of the building; finding and developing new leaders; managing the church calendar, facebook and the website; and overseeing the church budget.

Some main changes that you may not immediately notice:

- There is no longer an Outreach Team.  This is because each team will be responsible for their own outreach.  There will be a effort to do internal (inside the church) and external (outside the church) ministries.

- There is no longer a Hospitality Team.  This is because each team will be responsible for their own hospitality, depending on their needs.

- Where is Finance?  SPRC?  Nominations?  Trustees?  This background work is combined into one team so that we can put more of our people power on the front lines of 'engagement'.

- a subtle shift will be made to better focus on faith stories.  How people are impacted by the Faith will be the headlines.  This will be reflected by what you see on social media; hear at worship; and how we communicate to our community as a whole.

March 18th.... something new... I hope you come and be a part.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

We Are All Talk.....

..... so far.....

Hi Church,

I am so happy to be enthused.  Even a little enthusiasm at this point is glorious after having a rough 2018.  Not only am I happy to be enthused, but it is so refreshing to see renewed enthusiasm in some of you.  I feel like we are building a little momentum for Jesus.

A new vision for Emmanuel is being born.  Our focus is shifting.  Engaging people will be the order of the day.... engage, engage, engage....   A refreshed take on Community Fellowship; a renewed effort on Personal Discipleship; a constant effort at Holy Worship.  I am not sure where this will take us.  In order to find out, we need to keep the ball rolling.

As important as the quiet time was (October-November) and as important as the church retreat was on Feb. 9th (phase 1) and as important as the introduction of the vision was on Feb. 18th (phase 2), the March 18th meeting (phase 3) is just as important.  We will have dinner at 6:30 (my lovely wife is fixing pulled pork!) and then building more enthusiasm after.  We will launch the newness with energy.

However, we will need to eventually get out of the meetings and into action.  So far it has been almost all talk.  The cynic would be quick to point this out.  The cynic wouldn't be wrong.  We still have a lot to prove to ourselves and to God (not sure if I care about the cynic.... unless it's you... in which case I offer you a continuous open invitation to get on board).

A new approach to ministry; new, enthusiastic leadership; new ideas; a different kind of action..... all inspired by the same old Holy Spirit who wants His church to thrive and be alive.  We are about to pivot.  I hope you will be ready.  If not, there are many of us who can help.

I am so happy to be enthused.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe