Hello Church,
Have you seen the Youth Room lately?
For me, the biggest reward I get from being a pastor is watching people who are legitimately, genuinely, authentically and aggressively pursuing discipleship and discipling others. My experience tells me that this is not as common as you might think. There's lots of reasons to be part of the church and many of them don't necessarily have much to do with following Jesus. There are social reasons; family reasons; moral reasons; psychological reasons; nostalgic reasons; prestigious reasons; and even superstitious reasons.
But have you seen the Youth Room lately?
Every so often I watch someone catch fire for Jesus... a hot fire... a fire so furious that there is no way it can last forever. This is rather rare. So when it happens, I soak up all the joy and try to catch this wave of fire and ride it for all its worth.
So have you seen the Youth Room lately?
Sometimes someone can catch fire and many in the church don't quite grasp the fury of the fire. They might know that 'this person seems different' or 'this person seems more excited than usual', but the fire can be underestimated. I invite you to look closer.
Go see the Youth Room.
It isn't even finished yet, but it's still worth a look. The results of catching on fire can look different for different people. It can be a sudden attitude adjustment, a recommitment to serve, a restlessness to do good works; lots of praying; or a need to just talk and talk and talk about their spiritual awakening. For others? It can be as simple as remodeling. For a few, it's a combination of all the above.
Kevin is just one of many throughout my 24 years of ministry that I have seen catch fire. I am of the opinion that we don't pay enough attention to the fire. We don't celebrate it enough. We don't empower it enough. We don't support it enough. The fire is what makes the church a unique place for encouragement, hopefulness and love. It is what keeps us embracing an optimistic Faith in a pessimistic world.
Go see the Youth Room and be encouraged.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, January 27, 2020
Monday, January 20, 2020
Warm, Fuzzy Goodness.... Let Me Count The Ways...
Hello Church,
I'm so full of warm, fuzzy goodness I don't know where to start. The immediate future looks exciting as I get busy on a very full, Monday schedule (contrary to popular opinion, my Mondays are sometimes even busier than my Sundays).
It's easier to be optimistic when I get to do the kinds of things that I think are good and healthy for the church. As I continue to encourage the church to engage people at all opportunities, I try and do so myself.... let us count the ways....
The Cub Scouts have had their meetings at Emmanuel for many years. We have done okay opening our doors to them (indeed, the relationship between scouting and the United Methodist Church is celebrating their 100th year this year). However, now we are trying to take an extra step.... to be engaging and ask the question, 'What else can we do for you?'.
February 2nd is Scout Sunday. We would love to see as many scouts and their families as possible. We want them to know we are here for them..... and so is God. We'll take time to introduce ourselves to them and them to us. To allow for the possibility of a more in-depth relationship and stronger connections.
Then comes February 9th. Most of you do not know that there has been a group of friends at the church on Tuesday evenings, playing music and having a grand 'ol time. They are going to share their talents. For those who have a special love for bluegrass music, you won't want to miss it. For those who don't, you'll still be glad you came when you see the love they have for their time together.
I want to make this blog a long one! While we lament the closing of the United Methodist Women's group this coming Sunday, we also celebrate what it has meant to us over the years. Several women are going to speak on what it has meant to them. And then? Then we get to talk about the possibilities moving forward.... to carry forward some of the traditions and strengths of the UMW as it can apply to Emmanuel as a whole.
Also coming up is a light bulb minstry (Feb. 16-Mar 1); a Lenten Ministry in March; .....
OH! and have you seen the Youth room lately? Lots of work has been done! Please take the time to go look. The new youth program has put tons of work into their space. Kevin has even been known to get the church on Sunday morning even before Russ and I. I gotta say I am impressed!
There is more I want to talk about, but suffice it to say that choosing optimism has its rewards. And having an optimistic God who never gives up on us is even a better reward.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
I'm so full of warm, fuzzy goodness I don't know where to start. The immediate future looks exciting as I get busy on a very full, Monday schedule (contrary to popular opinion, my Mondays are sometimes even busier than my Sundays).
It's easier to be optimistic when I get to do the kinds of things that I think are good and healthy for the church. As I continue to encourage the church to engage people at all opportunities, I try and do so myself.... let us count the ways....
The Cub Scouts have had their meetings at Emmanuel for many years. We have done okay opening our doors to them (indeed, the relationship between scouting and the United Methodist Church is celebrating their 100th year this year). However, now we are trying to take an extra step.... to be engaging and ask the question, 'What else can we do for you?'.
February 2nd is Scout Sunday. We would love to see as many scouts and their families as possible. We want them to know we are here for them..... and so is God. We'll take time to introduce ourselves to them and them to us. To allow for the possibility of a more in-depth relationship and stronger connections.
Then comes February 9th. Most of you do not know that there has been a group of friends at the church on Tuesday evenings, playing music and having a grand 'ol time. They are going to share their talents. For those who have a special love for bluegrass music, you won't want to miss it. For those who don't, you'll still be glad you came when you see the love they have for their time together.
I want to make this blog a long one! While we lament the closing of the United Methodist Women's group this coming Sunday, we also celebrate what it has meant to us over the years. Several women are going to speak on what it has meant to them. And then? Then we get to talk about the possibilities moving forward.... to carry forward some of the traditions and strengths of the UMW as it can apply to Emmanuel as a whole.
Also coming up is a light bulb minstry (Feb. 16-Mar 1); a Lenten Ministry in March; .....
OH! and have you seen the Youth room lately? Lots of work has been done! Please take the time to go look. The new youth program has put tons of work into their space. Kevin has even been known to get the church on Sunday morning even before Russ and I. I gotta say I am impressed!
There is more I want to talk about, but suffice it to say that choosing optimism has its rewards. And having an optimistic God who never gives up on us is even a better reward.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, January 13, 2020
From 'Blah' To 'Rah': An Optimistic Shift In Ministry
Hello Church,
Optimism in January continues at Emmanuel. As I focus on being an optimist, I am rediscovering a refreshing reality as I go about my business....
Optimism brings new ideas and new ideas distract us from being pessimistic....
Example: I was attending a recent meeting with the Resource Team. Historically, this meeting would not necessarily fascinate me. We talked about church finances, building maintenance issues and the like.... important stuff to be sure, but not something that would light my heart on fire and propel me into a week of spiritual fervor.
But this was January and I am an optimist. I went into the meeting with a different mind-set. I decided I was going to be open for unexpected goodness. How? I wasn't sure. But being an optimist doesn't mean you know 'how'. You just look for the 'what'.
As is the case in many meetings, new ideas get thrown about. Much of the time these new ideas are said tongue-in-cheek and never really gain much substance. The reason, I have concluded, is that these new ideas are passed off as something that 'would never work' without actually talking through how they might work. This approach is based on a fear of failure or ridicule by others. But this time my mindset told me to take a new idea and encourage others to talk through it.
.... and then it happened... a new idea was voiced. I almost missed it at first. My realistic-self went onto automatic 'nah that isn't going to work' mode. But I stopped myself; made some positive comments; proposed some outcomes; and the ball got rolling with the team. Before I knew it we were smiling about the prospects about this new idea.... and then we decided to try it!
Optimism brings new ideas and new ideas distract us from being pessimistic....
Hint: Keep your eyes open and look up in February too! It will help the future look brighter.
I wonder if God can work with us easier if we keep our minds open to new ideas. There are no past rules or guidelines or traditions or people who think they know how things have to work. There is also an energy boost in trying something new. And when there are not man-made guidelines and no past event to compare our success or failure to, then.... well... maybe God can work with us easier.
I am excited about February and I don't ever remember saying that! Yea Team!
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Optimism in January continues at Emmanuel. As I focus on being an optimist, I am rediscovering a refreshing reality as I go about my business....
Optimism brings new ideas and new ideas distract us from being pessimistic....
Example: I was attending a recent meeting with the Resource Team. Historically, this meeting would not necessarily fascinate me. We talked about church finances, building maintenance issues and the like.... important stuff to be sure, but not something that would light my heart on fire and propel me into a week of spiritual fervor.
But this was January and I am an optimist. I went into the meeting with a different mind-set. I decided I was going to be open for unexpected goodness. How? I wasn't sure. But being an optimist doesn't mean you know 'how'. You just look for the 'what'.
As is the case in many meetings, new ideas get thrown about. Much of the time these new ideas are said tongue-in-cheek and never really gain much substance. The reason, I have concluded, is that these new ideas are passed off as something that 'would never work' without actually talking through how they might work. This approach is based on a fear of failure or ridicule by others. But this time my mindset told me to take a new idea and encourage others to talk through it.
.... and then it happened... a new idea was voiced. I almost missed it at first. My realistic-self went onto automatic 'nah that isn't going to work' mode. But I stopped myself; made some positive comments; proposed some outcomes; and the ball got rolling with the team. Before I knew it we were smiling about the prospects about this new idea.... and then we decided to try it!
Optimism brings new ideas and new ideas distract us from being pessimistic....
Hint: Keep your eyes open and look up in February too! It will help the future look brighter.
I wonder if God can work with us easier if we keep our minds open to new ideas. There are no past rules or guidelines or traditions or people who think they know how things have to work. There is also an energy boost in trying something new. And when there are not man-made guidelines and no past event to compare our success or failure to, then.... well... maybe God can work with us easier.
I am excited about February and I don't ever remember saying that! Yea Team!
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
I Am Glad For The Flu
Hello Church,
Got your flu shot yet?
My wife had been on me all Fall (along with some of you) about getting it done. The procrastinating part of me put it off. Then I saw some of you (and some entire households) fall prey to the flu season. So I decided to stop dodging bullets and get my shot. I got it December 30th.
.... then I got the flu....
Not so bad, really. I've been told that those who get the shot can get the flu, but not as bad as it would have ordinarily been. It didn't slow me down so much. It was more annoying than anything.
The human body is a fascinating creation. I won't pretend to be an expert, but I will trust the medical community that says getting the flu shot is the best of the options. I know there can be quite a bit of controversy around this issue, so let me get to my eventual point.
I'm being optimistic this season. I am going to be glad that I only sort of got the flu instead of really getting the flu. I am going to be glad that I could continue my work and not be hampered by untold fatigue, cold chills, fever and vomiting. I am glad that I got the flu shot. ....
In addition, my weight-loss venture increased. Loss of appetite led me to lose another 3 pounds. I am now -15 lbs since Dec. 1st. I'm glad for only sort of getting the flu.
Be optimistic this season. It's your choice.
What do you have to be glad about?
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Got your flu shot yet?
My wife had been on me all Fall (along with some of you) about getting it done. The procrastinating part of me put it off. Then I saw some of you (and some entire households) fall prey to the flu season. So I decided to stop dodging bullets and get my shot. I got it December 30th.
.... then I got the flu....
Not so bad, really. I've been told that those who get the shot can get the flu, but not as bad as it would have ordinarily been. It didn't slow me down so much. It was more annoying than anything.
The human body is a fascinating creation. I won't pretend to be an expert, but I will trust the medical community that says getting the flu shot is the best of the options. I know there can be quite a bit of controversy around this issue, so let me get to my eventual point.
I'm being optimistic this season. I am going to be glad that I only sort of got the flu instead of really getting the flu. I am going to be glad that I could continue my work and not be hampered by untold fatigue, cold chills, fever and vomiting. I am glad that I got the flu shot. ....
In addition, my weight-loss venture increased. Loss of appetite led me to lose another 3 pounds. I am now -15 lbs since Dec. 1st. I'm glad for only sort of getting the flu.
Be optimistic this season. It's your choice.
What do you have to be glad about?
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
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