It's Finally Here
Well, the week we have been waiting for is finally here. This Sunday, May 15, is our opportunity to make a pledge to our debt reduction campaign, God’s House, Our Home. I hope you are planning to be here at church this Sunday. We have planned a special fellowship time between the 8:15 and 9:30 service and the 9:30 and 10:45 service in Celebration Hall and before The Bridge service at 10:30 in the Robertson Activity Center. Brunch foods will be served from both kitchens and all the worship services will be filled with special music. You will have the opportunity to offer your pledge at the altar during each of the services.
Last Sunday I announced that over 40% of our $2 million goal has already been pledged by our church family. I hope you will join them in making God’s House, Our Home a great success. You will receive your pledge card in the mail this week. If not, we will have them available in each worship service. Please bring your pledge card with you to worship ready to make your three-year commitment.
As I have said, the amount of your pledge is not what is important. It is the act of commitment through your pledge that is crucial to the success of this campaign and to the future of our church.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Autism and The Harneds
My ‘Moment’ with you this week is from one of our church families. As they share in their email to me, this is Autism Awareness Month and they do a wonderful job of making us be aware of several things pertinent to our church as it relates to families dealing with autism. We have other families in our church who could share similar feelings for they too know of autism in very personal ways. Thanks to the Harneds and their willingness to allow me to share this with you. John Mollet
Pastor John,
We just wanted to make you aware of something that effects our son Stewart and our entire family everyday - Autism. April is Autism Awareness month so many in our congregation will more than likely see ads on television, in the paper, on the radio, etc spreading awareness of autism in the United States. Autism is everywhere, bursting from our schools and neighborhoods and playgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 110 children, and 1 in 70 boys, in the U.S. are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. But with numbers like this, shouldn’t our churches, of all places, be bursting with autism too? Certainly our pews are packed with families basking in the love and support of the church. Right?
Not exactly.
The truth is that most families with autistic children are not like us and can’t make it to the door of the church. So our churches don’t always see the need. Church, like the rest of life, just didn’t work. There are barriers, unspoken requirements, like sitting still and staying quiet and paying attention. But there isn’t a pause button for autism. Some parents with autistic kids fee that their children don’t seem to fit. Many families we stay home on Sunday mornings isolated from a loving church family.
We all know that God doesn’t have a stamped-out assembly line plan for anyone. But when desperate needs are in sight, God is not the kind of guy to wait around for his nonprofit status to come through or to complete his disability training. God wants us to be his hands, to reach out to the weak and disabled, right now.
We are so fortunate to have the love and support of many people in our church who are part of Stewart’s life. Stewart requires someone to be with him to help him participate in age appropriate activities during Sunday School. We are so blessed to have the support of the Bridge Kids staff, the volunteer teachers and one of the nursery workers, Jake Magargle, who is the shadow for Stewart during the Sunday School hour. This gives Carol and I the opportunity to attend our adult Sunday school class and to serve in other areas of the church.
During celebration service, Stewart enjoys the music and is not shy about letting his voice be heard. We try to keep a sucker nearby in case he starts to get too enthusiastic during announcements or prayers, however, like many autistic children, Stewie has a problem with volume control. We are concerned about being too much of a disturbance at times, but we feel that worshiping with us as part of the congregational family at Stonebridge is too important for Stewart to miss.
Many believe autism has reached epidemic proportions. We may need to build bigger schools to hold them all, but we don’t need bigger churches. When God reaches for his spiritual tool belt, he builds love and compassion in us. And when we let God grow our hearts, there’s room enough for everyone. We can only hope that others in our congregation will reach out to those families who are dealing with autism (or any special needs) so that they to can experience the love that God already feels for them.
Thanks,
The Harned Family; Kevin, Carol, Graham and Stewart
Pastor John,
We just wanted to make you aware of something that effects our son Stewart and our entire family everyday - Autism. April is Autism Awareness month so many in our congregation will more than likely see ads on television, in the paper, on the radio, etc spreading awareness of autism in the United States. Autism is everywhere, bursting from our schools and neighborhoods and playgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 110 children, and 1 in 70 boys, in the U.S. are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. But with numbers like this, shouldn’t our churches, of all places, be bursting with autism too? Certainly our pews are packed with families basking in the love and support of the church. Right?
Not exactly.
The truth is that most families with autistic children are not like us and can’t make it to the door of the church. So our churches don’t always see the need. Church, like the rest of life, just didn’t work. There are barriers, unspoken requirements, like sitting still and staying quiet and paying attention. But there isn’t a pause button for autism. Some parents with autistic kids fee that their children don’t seem to fit. Many families we stay home on Sunday mornings isolated from a loving church family.
We all know that God doesn’t have a stamped-out assembly line plan for anyone. But when desperate needs are in sight, God is not the kind of guy to wait around for his nonprofit status to come through or to complete his disability training. God wants us to be his hands, to reach out to the weak and disabled, right now.
We are so fortunate to have the love and support of many people in our church who are part of Stewart’s life. Stewart requires someone to be with him to help him participate in age appropriate activities during Sunday School. We are so blessed to have the support of the Bridge Kids staff, the volunteer teachers and one of the nursery workers, Jake Magargle, who is the shadow for Stewart during the Sunday School hour. This gives Carol and I the opportunity to attend our adult Sunday school class and to serve in other areas of the church.
During celebration service, Stewart enjoys the music and is not shy about letting his voice be heard. We try to keep a sucker nearby in case he starts to get too enthusiastic during announcements or prayers, however, like many autistic children, Stewie has a problem with volume control. We are concerned about being too much of a disturbance at times, but we feel that worshiping with us as part of the congregational family at Stonebridge is too important for Stewart to miss.
Many believe autism has reached epidemic proportions. We may need to build bigger schools to hold them all, but we don’t need bigger churches. When God reaches for his spiritual tool belt, he builds love and compassion in us. And when we let God grow our hearts, there’s room enough for everyone. We can only hope that others in our congregation will reach out to those families who are dealing with autism (or any special needs) so that they to can experience the love that God already feels for them.
Thanks,
The Harned Family; Kevin, Carol, Graham and Stewart
Friday, April 1, 2011
God's House, Our Home Campaign Gatherings
I know you have already heard about our debt reduction campaign “God’s House, Our Home – Opening Doors to Endless Opportunities in Jesus Christ”, but I am equally sure you have a lot of questions about it. That is why two of our campaign team members, Dave and Laura Omholt, are scheduling several “gatherings” to answer all your questions. Many of these gatherings will happen in your small groups. The Omholts have been talking with Sunday School classes, Bible Study Groups, men’s and women’s groups, etc. and are setting up times that a few of our campaign team members can come and speak. For those of you who are not in a small group or are unable to attend your small group’s meeting, the Omholts will provide a few other opportunities for you “get in the know.” Also, along with the information you receive at the gatherings, you will get a prayer journal. Ami George has done a wonderful job of putting the journal together and, as Ami will tell you, the process became a real journey with God for her. You will be blessed by your participation in praying for our campaign. As I have said before, over the next three years our church will not be involved in anything more important than this campaign. It can truly open doors to endless opportunities of serving our Lord through this church. Please do everything you can to be present at one of the gatherings.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Happy Birthday, Bible!
Have you sung “Happy Birthday” to your Bible yet? If it is a King James Version of the Bible you should, because this is the 400th birthday of its completion. As written in an article by Sam Hodges in the March 19, 2011 edition of The Dallas Morning News, “In 1604, a few dozen clerics and scholars took on King James’ challenge to produce a new Bible translation that would help unify a religiously divided England, while also bolstering the idea of the divine rights of kings. They worked in teams for seven years.”
What they produced became one of the most influential pieces of English literature ever written. Selling over a billion copies, the KJV gave us phrases like “fat of the land”, “holier than thou”, “labor of love”, and “salt of the earth.” In Christian circles, it became known as the “authorized version” of the Bible. That is what is stated on its title page. Many came to believe that meant the Bible was authorized by God. I remember 30 years ago a sign on Dallas Drive in Denton, where I was serving a church at the time, that proclaimed, “The 1611 King James Version of the Bible is the only authorized version of God’s holy Word and all those reading other versions will go to HELL (the word ‘hell’ written in red letters)." As stated above, it was authorized by King James who, though he believed in the divine right of those in his position, was a far shot from being the Lord.
There are still those who believe the KJV is the only “authorized” version, but their numbers are dwindling. As Hodges writes, other versions and translations of the Bible started to appear using manuscripts not available to the KJV crew (for instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known copy of the Bible including portions of every book of the Old Testament, weren’t discovered until 1946) and they started to use language more contemporary and understandable to the time. As William Lawrence, dean of Perkins School of Theology at SMU, said, “There simply have been too many textural discoveries in the past centuries, too many achievements in research on linguistics and anthropological matters, and too many changes in English language usage to use the KJV in the way that it might have dominated for its first 300 years.”
All this being said, when studying the Bible it is best to use one of the most contemporary versions available – such as the NRSV or the NIV or many others – and leave the KJV on the shelf. But when it comes to reading the 23rd Psalm and other favorite verses, thank God for the poetic language of the King James Version. Happy Birthday old friend.
What they produced became one of the most influential pieces of English literature ever written. Selling over a billion copies, the KJV gave us phrases like “fat of the land”, “holier than thou”, “labor of love”, and “salt of the earth.” In Christian circles, it became known as the “authorized version” of the Bible. That is what is stated on its title page. Many came to believe that meant the Bible was authorized by God. I remember 30 years ago a sign on Dallas Drive in Denton, where I was serving a church at the time, that proclaimed, “The 1611 King James Version of the Bible is the only authorized version of God’s holy Word and all those reading other versions will go to HELL (the word ‘hell’ written in red letters)." As stated above, it was authorized by King James who, though he believed in the divine right of those in his position, was a far shot from being the Lord.
There are still those who believe the KJV is the only “authorized” version, but their numbers are dwindling. As Hodges writes, other versions and translations of the Bible started to appear using manuscripts not available to the KJV crew (for instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known copy of the Bible including portions of every book of the Old Testament, weren’t discovered until 1946) and they started to use language more contemporary and understandable to the time. As William Lawrence, dean of Perkins School of Theology at SMU, said, “There simply have been too many textural discoveries in the past centuries, too many achievements in research on linguistics and anthropological matters, and too many changes in English language usage to use the KJV in the way that it might have dominated for its first 300 years.”
All this being said, when studying the Bible it is best to use one of the most contemporary versions available – such as the NRSV or the NIV or many others – and leave the KJV on the shelf. But when it comes to reading the 23rd Psalm and other favorite verses, thank God for the poetic language of the King James Version. Happy Birthday old friend.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Freedom
One of my favorite lines from the movies comes from the fourth episode of Star Wars: Governor Tarkin tells Princess Leia that the Death Star is operational and that, with its power, no one will dare oppose the Emperor. Leia responds, “The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.”
I was reminded of that scene when one of our members asked me a few days ago, “What in the world is happening in the world?” She was speaking of the situations in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa; people rising up against the dictatorships that for decades have ruled them. In country after country, protestors have gathered in community squares threatening the stability of, what they see as, their oppressive governments. It is a fascinating phenomenon first of all because these protests have been enabled by the availability of the social network. They are being called “The Tweeter Revolutions” and “The Facebook Rebellions.” They were initiated, organized and held together by the protestor’s ability to communicate with one another via these tools. Some of the most powerful regimes in the world are toppling over at the hands of a “tweet.”
The other interesting part of this phenomenon is the recognition of a powerful drive within nature for freedom. The rabbit gnaws off its leg to escape the trapper’s snare and we, as human beings, will do whatever it takes to be free. That is why we “Remember the Alamo,” honor our soldiers and are thankful we live in this country. Now protestors, knowing the odds against them, are the next Davids facing their giants.
As I marvel at their bravery, I can’t help but think of the freedoms of our faith. God frees the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt. When they are fleeing the Egyptian army and come up against the Rea Sea, they are faced with their capture and return to slavery or death. God makes a way for them through the sea, dividing the waters and drying the sea bed so they can flee to their freedom. Jesus on the cross frees us from our slavery to sin and, through eternal life, from the sting of death. God is in the freedom business and God continues to seek to free us from whatever imprisons us – greed, addiction, anger, hurt, low self-esteem, etc. I invite you to join the thousands around the world who are fighting the odds with a vision of what freedom can bring and allow God to guide you to a new life.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Neil Sperry
Next week, our church is offering a great opportunity for people in our congregation and community. Neil Sperry, a man whose name is synonymous with Texas gardening, will be speaking in Celebration Hall on Wednesday, February 23, at 7 p.m. His topic is “Ten Ways to Save Time, Money and Energy in Landscaping.” Mr. Sperry is donating his normal honorarium so that a love offering can benefit our church’s Spiritual Landscaping Initiative.
Who is Neil Sperry?
If you are a gardener, you know Neil Sperry. His book, Neil Sperry’s Complete Guide to Texas Gardening, is the 4th best selling gardening hardback in American history and is sitting, well-used on my bookshelf at home. He is on the radio every weekend on WBAP, 820 AM and 96.7 FM and is a featured garden columnist in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, San Antonio Express News as well as 15 other newspapers across the state. He owns and publishes his own, Neil Sperry’s Gardens magazine and annual Texas Gardening calendar. Neil and his wife Lynn have long been leaders in the McKinney community and are charter members of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Allen.
What is the Spiritual Landscaping Initiative?
It is our church’s part in being a “Super Sponsor” for the McKinney Crape MyrtleTrails project. One thousand dollars was donated by one of the members of our church on our behalf and we have committed to plant 200 Crape Myrtles throughout our campus. To date we have planted 92 of the trees (all were generously donated), but they are not planted haphazardly on our property – they are planted in a unique plan that highlights the ministries of our church. Cindy Moreland, Tom Pearce, Kurt Roy and Kathy Stevers, along with Susan Owens from the Crape Myrtle Trails have created the design. Look at the article in the last Pathways Magazine for a full description of the design.
I hope to see you Wednesday night the 23rd to hear Neil share his vast knowledge and experience of Texas gardening. I also hope you will invite your friends to join you.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Upward Basketball
Last Saturday morning was so much fun. It was the kickoff of our new Upward Basketball and Cheerleading league. Upward Sports stresses values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and respect. It creates a supportive and positive sports environment that is designed to bring out the winner in every child and build both their level of skills and their self-confidence. It is a program you will be proud is a part of our church’s ministry. All you need to do is come up here on a Saturday morning and watch it happen. Too often you go to your child’s or grandchild’s sports event only to find parents yelling at the referees and coaches screaming at the kids. It is not an uplifting environment. I remember at one of my son’s soccer games several years ago, our coach got in an altercation with the wife of the other coach; the police had to be call ed and both coaches and their wives were arrested and taken to jail in handcuffs. Now, that makes for an interesting drive home after the game.
You won’t find that here. It was great fun to watch as each kid’s name was announced and he or she ran into the gym through a path created by pompom shaking cheerleaders. It was wonderful to see the referees directing, encouraging and teaching the kids as they played. Their coaches were supporting and encouraging as they made sure every child had equal time to play and felt good and challenged by their time on the court. Make sure you look at the pictures attached to this email.
We received several emails following Saturday morning. One of the coaches wrote, “I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for today (Saturday). All of your hard work and prior planning was evident… I was confident that today was going to go well, but I never imagined it would go THAT smoothly. It looked like Stonebridge UMC had run an Upward program for years!! Awesome job! As a coach, and a parent of two players, I really appreciate it. My kids are already excited for next week!” Another person wrote, “I thought the whole process went very smoothly. I was impressed and I have seen other churches run Upwards. Well done.”
I want to thank several people for making Upward happen here. Charlotte Newell, David Lessner, Laurie Wesloski, Rod Wede, Evan Boswell, Tim and Heather Brister, Greg Fries, Madison Smith, Kevin Chapman, Chris Hilsabeck, and all the volunteers. One of the goals in our strategic plan is to use the Robertson Activities Center more effectively. Thank you for making one of our dreams come true.
You won’t find that here. It was great fun to watch as each kid’s name was announced and he or she ran into the gym through a path created by pompom shaking cheerleaders. It was wonderful to see the referees directing, encouraging and teaching the kids as they played. Their coaches were supporting and encouraging as they made sure every child had equal time to play and felt good and challenged by their time on the court. Make sure you look at the pictures attached to this email.
We received several emails following Saturday morning. One of the coaches wrote, “I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for today (Saturday). All of your hard work and prior planning was evident… I was confident that today was going to go well, but I never imagined it would go THAT smoothly. It looked like Stonebridge UMC had run an Upward program for years!! Awesome job! As a coach, and a parent of two players, I really appreciate it. My kids are already excited for next week!” Another person wrote, “I thought the whole process went very smoothly. I was impressed and I have seen other churches run Upwards. Well done.”
I want to thank several people for making Upward happen here. Charlotte Newell, David Lessner, Laurie Wesloski, Rod Wede, Evan Boswell, Tim and Heather Brister, Greg Fries, Madison Smith, Kevin Chapman, Chris Hilsabeck, and all the volunteers. One of the goals in our strategic plan is to use the Robertson Activities Center more effectively. Thank you for making one of our dreams come true.
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