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.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Carols
I love Christmas carols. Singing them or listening to them transports me into the joy of the Christmas spirit. Can you imagine Advent and Christmas worship services without them? Fighting the crowds at the mall would become even more difficult without hearing them over the chatter of voices and ringing of cash registers. Ed Whipple was walking down the hall a few days ago whistling a caroland I caught myself humming it the rest of the day. They are contagious. But even more than that, they wonderfully convey the message of the season. John and Charles Wesley believed that singing the hymns of the faith taught the beliefs of Christianity better than either preaching or teaching. So singing carols at Christmas time keeps our minds and hearts on the true meaning of the holiday; continually reminding us of the promises of the faith.
So what do you sing at Christmas if you are not a Christian? Do you just sing about Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, sleigh rides and chestnuts roasting? Do you sing the carols proclaiming Christ’s birth without the joy of the faith resonating in your heart? One of our church members, Tom Peal, sent me the link to a Steve Martin You Tube video entitled, “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs.” Give it a listen; it will make you laugh, but as you do, be thankful for those carols that remind us of why this season is so special. Click here to watch the video.
I hope to see you Christmas Eve night to sing the carols and be thankful for the story of the birth of Jesus in our lives again.
3:00 - Interactive Family Service - Celebration Hall
5:00 – Candlelight Service – Celebration Hall
6:00 – A Contemporary Christmas Celebration – Robertson Activity Center
7:00 – Candlelight Service – Celebration Hall
9:00 – Candlelight and Communion Service – Celebration Hall
11:00 – Midnight Candlelight and Communion Service – Celebration Hall
(Childcare is provided at the 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 services.)
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
So what do you sing at Christmas if you are not a Christian? Do you just sing about Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, sleigh rides and chestnuts roasting? Do you sing the carols proclaiming Christ’s birth without the joy of the faith resonating in your heart? One of our church members, Tom Peal, sent me the link to a Steve Martin You Tube video entitled, “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs.” Give it a listen; it will make you laugh, but as you do, be thankful for those carols that remind us of why this season is so special. Click here to watch the video.
I hope to see you Christmas Eve night to sing the carols and be thankful for the story of the birth of Jesus in our lives again.
3:00 - Interactive Family Service - Celebration Hall
5:00 – Candlelight Service – Celebration Hall
6:00 – A Contemporary Christmas Celebration – Robertson Activity Center
7:00 – Candlelight Service – Celebration Hall
9:00 – Candlelight and Communion Service – Celebration Hall
11:00 – Midnight Candlelight and Communion Service – Celebration Hall
(Childcare is provided at the 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 services.)
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
Monday, November 22, 2010
An Apistle from Juarez
If you look closely at the New Testament, you quickly realize most of it is made up of letters. These letters were sent to churches and individuals about the work God was doing to grow the church and what was then a fledgling Christian faith. Most of the letters were sent by St. Paul, who felt God had personally sent him to share and spread the love of Christ throughout the known world.
This past week, we received letters from our missionaries who God sent to Proyecto Abrigo in Juarez to build houses for the poor. Trey Worley is the author of the letters. I hope they give you a feel for the work our church does in Mexico and call you into that ministry.
Letter One
The family we are working for told Kimberly Watson today that they are
so happy to get a new home as they hear their children all night
crying about how cold they are. It was tough to hear, but the reason
Proyecto Abrigo started. For the first time, I feel that we are
addressing the suffering. This will allow these children to sleep at
night without two layers of clothing. I am sure we will patch holes
tomorrow more than ever to make sure there is no draft.
We are having to wheelbarrow sand into the house to level the floor.
Seems a bit ridiculous to me to be shoveling so much sand when that is
all there is around here.
The work is so limited here now that three maestros (those who lead
our work groups)are splitting the wages of two. We plan to take a love
offering to pay them all in full if not more.
In bed by 9:00 both nights. Smaller group maybe? Rather than saying
that we are all old and boring, we are claiming the time change means
it is really 10:00 for us, plus the recent time change really means it
is 11:00.
Please thank everyone for the prayers. We feel them and appreciate the
efforts and support.
There has been no difference in this trip and previous ones, other
than us being on alert at all times
God Bless and see you soon…
Letter Two
Well we finished the house, no injuries, and it is still standing. The
team was very emotional at the dedication due to my emotions getting
the best of me when telling the family that it was my prayer and
blessing that their children would not have to cry about being cold at
night anymore. I couldn't help picture my children in such vulnerable
positions and being so helpless for them.
The family was speechless, but the tears that fell from Berta Reyes
Torres' eyes said it all. As we left, she ran to give Dave Neeley one
of the red roses she had growing in her flower and pepper garden. It
brought him to tears. The red rose symbolizing the love she had for
him and his hard work, the house symbolizing the love he had for her
and her family. Both the love of strangers bridged by the love of
Christ. It was a beautiful moment and one that will stick with me and
the team, but most likely Dave.
Jose Luis took us by the new church he built in Loma Blanca. The
beginning of his 500 person compound still standing nearby. Once his
vision of expanding a ministry that built hundreds of homes a year,
now only building the tenth house halfway through November. This
struggle and violence has dashed dream after dream against the rocks,
but they remain steadfast. The street vendors and a carnival continued
in a neighborhood we drove through on our way back to dinner. Jose
Luis and his family have not experienced the violence firsthand. They
just trust in the Lord to protect them and deliver them from evil.
Pretty simple right? You would think so. I guess it was for the 10 of
us. That is why we are here. FAITH.
Can't wait to see you all soon and begin the plans for next November's
trip.
Trey
Thanks to all ten of you; for your faith, your strength, your commitment and for sharing your experience with us. Your letters might just make the next testament.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John Mollet
This past week, we received letters from our missionaries who God sent to Proyecto Abrigo in Juarez to build houses for the poor. Trey Worley is the author of the letters. I hope they give you a feel for the work our church does in Mexico and call you into that ministry.
Letter One
The family we are working for told Kimberly Watson today that they are
so happy to get a new home as they hear their children all night
crying about how cold they are. It was tough to hear, but the reason
Proyecto Abrigo started. For the first time, I feel that we are
addressing the suffering. This will allow these children to sleep at
night without two layers of clothing. I am sure we will patch holes
tomorrow more than ever to make sure there is no draft.
We are having to wheelbarrow sand into the house to level the floor.
Seems a bit ridiculous to me to be shoveling so much sand when that is
all there is around here.
The work is so limited here now that three maestros (those who lead
our work groups)are splitting the wages of two. We plan to take a love
offering to pay them all in full if not more.
In bed by 9:00 both nights. Smaller group maybe? Rather than saying
that we are all old and boring, we are claiming the time change means
it is really 10:00 for us, plus the recent time change really means it
is 11:00.
Please thank everyone for the prayers. We feel them and appreciate the
efforts and support.
There has been no difference in this trip and previous ones, other
than us being on alert at all times
God Bless and see you soon…
Letter Two
Well we finished the house, no injuries, and it is still standing. The
team was very emotional at the dedication due to my emotions getting
the best of me when telling the family that it was my prayer and
blessing that their children would not have to cry about being cold at
night anymore. I couldn't help picture my children in such vulnerable
positions and being so helpless for them.
The family was speechless, but the tears that fell from Berta Reyes
Torres' eyes said it all. As we left, she ran to give Dave Neeley one
of the red roses she had growing in her flower and pepper garden. It
brought him to tears. The red rose symbolizing the love she had for
him and his hard work, the house symbolizing the love he had for her
and her family. Both the love of strangers bridged by the love of
Christ. It was a beautiful moment and one that will stick with me and
the team, but most likely Dave.
Jose Luis took us by the new church he built in Loma Blanca. The
beginning of his 500 person compound still standing nearby. Once his
vision of expanding a ministry that built hundreds of homes a year,
now only building the tenth house halfway through November. This
struggle and violence has dashed dream after dream against the rocks,
but they remain steadfast. The street vendors and a carnival continued
in a neighborhood we drove through on our way back to dinner. Jose
Luis and his family have not experienced the violence firsthand. They
just trust in the Lord to protect them and deliver them from evil.
Pretty simple right? You would think so. I guess it was for the 10 of
us. That is why we are here. FAITH.
Can't wait to see you all soon and begin the plans for next November's
trip.
Trey
Thanks to all ten of you; for your faith, your strength, your commitment and for sharing your experience with us. Your letters might just make the next testament.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John Mollet
Friday, October 29, 2010
Some New Additions
You will notice some new additions to our landscape the next time you are at the church. One of our members gave a donation to make us a Super Sponsor of the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney. This puts our church on the Crape Myrtle Trail maps given to visitors to and residence in our community. Being a Super Sponsor requires us to have 200 crape myrtles on our property. We already had 30 trees which were planted as a part of our 3 building phases, and we have just added 63 more (also donated). The remaining 107 trees will be planted over the next few years. You will be able to read more about the unique planting design in the upcoming edition of Pathways. Let me thank the team that worked on this project: Kathy Stevers, representing our Trustees, Tom Pearce, church member and Crape Myrtle Trails board member, Kurt Roy, church member whose company, “Landscapes, Lawns and Beyond”, planted the trees free of charge, Susan Owens from the Crape Myrtle Trails board and Cindy Moreland from our staff. Great job in beautifying our campus while highlighting our church to the community.
Also, you won’t be able to miss the new 10 Commandments Monument as you come through the church office entrance on the north side of the church. We should have the monument in by the end of next week. This was a donation from the 2008-2009 Disciple One Bible Study Class. The class was taught by Bill Appleby and Dan Casey. Class members were Tim and Heather Brister, Alex and Michelle Carter, Christopher and Brandi Dooley, Kim Miller, and Jim and Keira Tollefsrud. Shannon Cain from the church provided and donated the concrete work. There will be a garden area that surrounds the monument. Interest earned from our Endowment Fund last year will help pay for the plants. Thanks to everyone involved for the spiritual guidance the commandments will give us every time we enter the Lord’s house and exit into the world.
One last thing, let me update you on our 2011 stewardship campaign. This week we received another 24 pledges to add to the 248 we received last week for a total of 268 pledges. Please help us break the 300 mark this week by offering your pledge this Sunday in worship, mailing it in to the church office or filling out an online pledge card through the "Give Online" page at www.mysumc.org. (Click here to go directly to the online pledge card.)Thank you for your generous spirit and your support of Christ’s ministries through this church.
Also, you won’t be able to miss the new 10 Commandments Monument as you come through the church office entrance on the north side of the church. We should have the monument in by the end of next week. This was a donation from the 2008-2009 Disciple One Bible Study Class. The class was taught by Bill Appleby and Dan Casey. Class members were Tim and Heather Brister, Alex and Michelle Carter, Christopher and Brandi Dooley, Kim Miller, and Jim and Keira Tollefsrud. Shannon Cain from the church provided and donated the concrete work. There will be a garden area that surrounds the monument. Interest earned from our Endowment Fund last year will help pay for the plants. Thanks to everyone involved for the spiritual guidance the commandments will give us every time we enter the Lord’s house and exit into the world.
One last thing, let me update you on our 2011 stewardship campaign. This week we received another 24 pledges to add to the 248 we received last week for a total of 268 pledges. Please help us break the 300 mark this week by offering your pledge this Sunday in worship, mailing it in to the church office or filling out an online pledge card through the "Give Online" page at www.mysumc.org. (Click here to go directly to the online pledge card.)Thank you for your generous spirit and your support of Christ’s ministries through this church.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Welcoming the Stranger
What a wonderful kickoff to our 2011 stewardship campaign! It was fun to see and hear Karen Horan and Terri Swan again and to remember what a blessing it is to be a part of the ministries of this church. Already, 247 of our families have made their financial commitment to the ministries of our church, totaling just over $1.1M. We are so thankful for your faith and generosity. There are still more than 70 families that committed last year that have not pledged this year. For those of you that have not yet turned in your pledge card, we ask that you bring them to church this weekend or mail them to the church office. You can also click here to submit your pledge online.
Cindy Moreland told me a story about a first-time visitor that she met on Sunday. He was standing at the back of the RAC with his young daughter and said that it was not only his first Sunday at Stonebridge UMC, but his first Sunday in Texas. His family had moved here this week from out of state. On Saturday, his wife had been out jogging and cut through the church parking lot. There she was met by one of our members who invited her to worship. She was told it was going to be Commitment Sunday so it would be a little different than usual, but they decided to come anyway. He said that on their way into church at least 30 people had stopped them to welcome them and ask them if they needed help finding something or just to say hello. He was excited about the energy of the church and looks forward to coming back next week.
We thank all of you for how you welcome guests into our church family. This is why we continue to be ‘the most joyful place on earth.’ As Jesus said to the trustworthy one in his parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), “Well done, good and faithful servant...” Keep up the good work!
Cindy Moreland told me a story about a first-time visitor that she met on Sunday. He was standing at the back of the RAC with his young daughter and said that it was not only his first Sunday at Stonebridge UMC, but his first Sunday in Texas. His family had moved here this week from out of state. On Saturday, his wife had been out jogging and cut through the church parking lot. There she was met by one of our members who invited her to worship. She was told it was going to be Commitment Sunday so it would be a little different than usual, but they decided to come anyway. He said that on their way into church at least 30 people had stopped them to welcome them and ask them if they needed help finding something or just to say hello. He was excited about the energy of the church and looks forward to coming back next week.
We thank all of you for how you welcome guests into our church family. This is why we continue to be ‘the most joyful place on earth.’ As Jesus said to the trustworthy one in his parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), “Well done, good and faithful servant...” Keep up the good work!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Joyful Journey of Faith
Mark your calendar now for a very special Sunday morning celebration. On Sunday, October 17, two of our former associate pastors, Karen Horan and Terri Swan, will return to Stonebridge UMC to share in our worship services. Karen is now pastor of Gruene United Methodist Church in central Texas and Terri is the associate pastor of Salem-Ladue United Methodist Church in St. Louis. On the 17th, we will be having our Commitment Sunday for the 2011 stewardship campaign, “The Joyful Journey of Faith.” Pastors Karen and Terri will be reminding us of the road that has brought us to where we are as a church family and the road that will take us into the future that God has envisioned for us.
For that Sunday only, we will be having one Celebration Service in Celebration Hall at 9:30 and one Bridge service at 10:45 in the RAC. Terri and Karen will be in both services. (We will have a shortened prayer service for anyone who comes at 8:15, but Terri and Karen will not be in that service.) There will be an opportunity for every family in our church to make their financial commitment for 2011. You should have already received your campaign materials in the mail that included the Joyful Journey of Faithcommitment card and the 2011 Trip Planner and Financial Road Map narrative budget. I hope you will prayerfully consider your financial support of the church for 2011, fill out your pledge card and bring it to church with you on the 17th.
We expect a full church on Commitment Sunday! To be able to fit everyone in, we will need to know which of the two worship services you plan on attending that Sunday. In the next two weeks, you will be receiving a call from one of our church family members asking you which service you plan to attend. Please make every effort to let them know your plans so that we can be prepared for appropriate seating in each service.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “The Joyful Journey of Faith.” Remember, it is through your giving that we are able to make that journey possible for you and your family as well as those who come to our church searching to be one that journey with their Lord.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
P.S. We are pleased to announce that last year’s stewardship campaign was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Dallas chapter with an Award of Merit at the 2010 IABC Dallas Quill Awards. Congratulations to Cindy Moreland, Amy Pawlak, Jay Prudhomme and Scott Oberle for their hard work!
For that Sunday only, we will be having one Celebration Service in Celebration Hall at 9:30 and one Bridge service at 10:45 in the RAC. Terri and Karen will be in both services. (We will have a shortened prayer service for anyone who comes at 8:15, but Terri and Karen will not be in that service.) There will be an opportunity for every family in our church to make their financial commitment for 2011. You should have already received your campaign materials in the mail that included the Joyful Journey of Faithcommitment card and the 2011 Trip Planner and Financial Road Map narrative budget. I hope you will prayerfully consider your financial support of the church for 2011, fill out your pledge card and bring it to church with you on the 17th.
We expect a full church on Commitment Sunday! To be able to fit everyone in, we will need to know which of the two worship services you plan on attending that Sunday. In the next two weeks, you will be receiving a call from one of our church family members asking you which service you plan to attend. Please make every effort to let them know your plans so that we can be prepared for appropriate seating in each service.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “The Joyful Journey of Faith.” Remember, it is through your giving that we are able to make that journey possible for you and your family as well as those who come to our church searching to be one that journey with their Lord.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
P.S. We are pleased to announce that last year’s stewardship campaign was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Dallas chapter with an Award of Merit at the 2010 IABC Dallas Quill Awards. Congratulations to Cindy Moreland, Amy Pawlak, Jay Prudhomme and Scott Oberle for their hard work!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
In All of God's Wisdom
The first “scary” movie I remember watching was The Day the Earth Stood Still. I reluctantly went to see it at the theater with my neighbor Don Boynton.Don was a year older and a lot braver than I was and he talked me into it. Actually, I think my sisters took me to a scary movie before that; something about a man who, due to an unearthly phenomenon, grew to a huge height and wreaked havoc on an unsuspecting public. But, I don’t think you could say I “watched” it. I had my eyes covered through most of the movie.
Somehow these early movie experiences made me a Sci-Fi fan. One of my favorites is H.G. Well’s classic, War of the Worlds. I first saw the 1953 Americanized movie version of the 1898 British book. It begins with unexplained flashes of light emanating from the planet Mars. It would later be discovered that these flashes were actually the result of the launching of a Martian invasion force headed for an attack on Earth. The Martian forces were so technologically advanced there was no stopping them. That is what made the story so frightening. In fact, in 1938 Orson Wells narrated a radio version of War of the Worlds. The format of the broadcast was so much like a newscast that many listeners believed an alien invasion was actually happening and began to panic. There was also a television version of the story and the 2005 Tom Cruise remake; neither of which measured up to the originals .
The book and movies end with the Martian invading aircraft mysteriously losing power and crashing into the ground. What happened? These unstoppable powerful invaders were being overcome and dying, but by and from what? The answer was simply, by bacteria; bacteria to which human beings had long ago become immune. As Wells wrote, “But there are no bacteria on Mars, and directly these invaders arrived, directly they drank and fed, our microscopic allies began to work their overthrow. Already when I watched them they were irrevocably doomed, dying and rotting even as they went to and fro. It was inevitable.” The Martians had succumbed to the effects of microbes which were harmless to humans. Then comes my favorite line from both the book and the movies. The Martians were dead “…slain, after all man’s devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth.&r dquo;
Recently, I read an article by environmental writer, John Carey on Yahoo! News that stated, “Nearly two weeks after BP finally capped the biggest oil spill in U.S. history, the oil slicks that once spread across thousands of miles of the Gulf of Mexico have largely disappeared.” Where did it go? The article goes on to say that maybe as much as 40% of the oil evaporated when it hit the surface and recent high winds and storms accelerated the evaporation process. Some of the oil sunk into the sediment on the ocean floor. A small percentage of the oil (1 to 2%) has been skimmed by the 4,000 boats in the cleanup operation. What has happened to all the rest of the millions of gallons we have watch flowing into the gulf? “Perhaps the most important cause of the oil’s disappearance, some researchers suspect, is that the oil has been devoured by microbes. The lesson from past spills is that the lion’s share of the cleanup work is done by nature in the form of oil-eating bacteria and fungi. The microbes break down the hydrocarbons in the oil to use as fuel to grow and reproduce. A bit of oil in the water is like a feeding frenzy…” In other words, “…after all man’s devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth.” Thank the Lord; God is still cleaning up our messes.
Somehow these early movie experiences made me a Sci-Fi fan. One of my favorites is H.G. Well’s classic, War of the Worlds. I first saw the 1953 Americanized movie version of the 1898 British book. It begins with unexplained flashes of light emanating from the planet Mars. It would later be discovered that these flashes were actually the result of the launching of a Martian invasion force headed for an attack on Earth. The Martian forces were so technologically advanced there was no stopping them. That is what made the story so frightening. In fact, in 1938 Orson Wells narrated a radio version of War of the Worlds. The format of the broadcast was so much like a newscast that many listeners believed an alien invasion was actually happening and began to panic. There was also a television version of the story and the 2005 Tom Cruise remake; neither of which measured up to the originals .
The book and movies end with the Martian invading aircraft mysteriously losing power and crashing into the ground. What happened? These unstoppable powerful invaders were being overcome and dying, but by and from what? The answer was simply, by bacteria; bacteria to which human beings had long ago become immune. As Wells wrote, “But there are no bacteria on Mars, and directly these invaders arrived, directly they drank and fed, our microscopic allies began to work their overthrow. Already when I watched them they were irrevocably doomed, dying and rotting even as they went to and fro. It was inevitable.” The Martians had succumbed to the effects of microbes which were harmless to humans. Then comes my favorite line from both the book and the movies. The Martians were dead “…slain, after all man’s devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth.&r dquo;
Recently, I read an article by environmental writer, John Carey on Yahoo! News that stated, “Nearly two weeks after BP finally capped the biggest oil spill in U.S. history, the oil slicks that once spread across thousands of miles of the Gulf of Mexico have largely disappeared.” Where did it go? The article goes on to say that maybe as much as 40% of the oil evaporated when it hit the surface and recent high winds and storms accelerated the evaporation process. Some of the oil sunk into the sediment on the ocean floor. A small percentage of the oil (1 to 2%) has been skimmed by the 4,000 boats in the cleanup operation. What has happened to all the rest of the millions of gallons we have watch flowing into the gulf? “Perhaps the most important cause of the oil’s disappearance, some researchers suspect, is that the oil has been devoured by microbes. The lesson from past spills is that the lion’s share of the cleanup work is done by nature in the form of oil-eating bacteria and fungi. The microbes break down the hydrocarbons in the oil to use as fuel to grow and reproduce. A bit of oil in the water is like a feeding frenzy…” In other words, “…after all man’s devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth.” Thank the Lord; God is still cleaning up our messes.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Back to School
The Back–to-School season is already upon us. The last days of summer vacation are quickly fading away. Our Sunshine Kids pre-school is beginning to gear up for the fall. Stores are stocking their shelves with notebooks, pencils and calculators. I fondly remember going with Mom to shop for school supplies. It was just about the only good thing about the summer ending and school starting. When I was growing up, we could get our educational provisions at either M.E. Moses Five and Dime or Skillern’s Drug Store. (Yes, I know, I’m old.) Both offered an incentive to buy your supplies at their establishment. Moses offered a free candy bar if you spent enough money on supplies there. But I always wanted to shop at Skillern’s, because they had a soda fountain and offered a free Big Shake with your purchase. I hate to admit it, but I also remember having to get a used cigar box to hold my pencils, scissors, paste and ruler. We were truly high tech in those days. At least I used the term “teacher” rather than “schoolmarm.”
You can still participate in the joy of buying school supplies – even if you don’t have school age children. Our Hearts and Hands for Malvern project is collecting school supplies for the children of our adopted school, Malvern Elementary. Malvern is one of the Title One schools in McKinney and many of the children’s families are unable to afford the supplies they need for school. Here is a list of supplies they need. I hope you will add it to your shopping list and bring them to the church by Sunday, August 8.
Malvern Elementary Supply List
Glue sticks
16 ct. Crayola crayons (no Rose Art)
24 ct. Crayola crayons (no Rose Art)
8 ct. Crayola Washable thick markers
12 ct. Crayola thin classic markers
12 pack #2 pencils (yellow)
200 count wide rule notebook paper (NO college rule)
70 count wide rule spiral notebooks (NO college rule)
100 count wide rule spiral notebooks (NO college rule)
White copy paper
Plastic pocket folders with brads
Paper pocket folders – NO brads
Also, our First Sunday Communion Offering for August will be collected for school supplies for Malvern.
I hope you will join others in our congregation and share one of the most joyful parts of school starting with the children of Malvern Elementary School. And maybe it will help you reminisce your good ol’ days.
You can still participate in the joy of buying school supplies – even if you don’t have school age children. Our Hearts and Hands for Malvern project is collecting school supplies for the children of our adopted school, Malvern Elementary. Malvern is one of the Title One schools in McKinney and many of the children’s families are unable to afford the supplies they need for school. Here is a list of supplies they need. I hope you will add it to your shopping list and bring them to the church by Sunday, August 8.
Malvern Elementary Supply List
Glue sticks
16 ct. Crayola crayons (no Rose Art)
24 ct. Crayola crayons (no Rose Art)
8 ct. Crayola Washable thick markers
12 ct. Crayola thin classic markers
12 pack #2 pencils (yellow)
200 count wide rule notebook paper (NO college rule)
70 count wide rule spiral notebooks (NO college rule)
100 count wide rule spiral notebooks (NO college rule)
White copy paper
Plastic pocket folders with brads
Paper pocket folders – NO brads
Also, our First Sunday Communion Offering for August will be collected for school supplies for Malvern.
I hope you will join others in our congregation and share one of the most joyful parts of school starting with the children of Malvern Elementary School. And maybe it will help you reminisce your good ol’ days.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Peters'
I am sure you have joined me this past week in sadness over the deaths of Coppell’s mayor, Jayne Peters and her daughter, Corrine. What a tragedy the loss of these two lives has been; particularly when you factor in the recent death of their husband and father from cancer. Hearing and reading through the news reports, I am continually amazed at how quickly people can second guess. Why didn’t anyone notice there were problems? Why would someone loan Ms. Peters a gun? Why would First United Methodist Church in Coppell have a memorial service for the mother and daughter together? Now is the time for support and sadness and grief, not the time for second guessing. When news like this comes, we too often move into a type of voyeurism, sickly using the event for gossip and entertainment, rather than to allow ourselves to hurt and pray for those most deeply involved. By the way, I am very proud of the people of FUMC Coppell and their pastor Dennis Wilkinson for being there for the family and community in this most difficult of times. Dennis recently lost an adult son to a tragic death. I would trust no one more than Dennis to empathize and care for others at a time like this.
We will probably never fully know the heartbreaking circumstances that led to Ms. Peters’ actions, but I do hope we can learn from the tragedy. Not assuming any of the speculations I have read are true, let me speak to a few that I have heard, so that we might learn from them. First, grief is important. I have no idea how much the lingering effects of the loss of their husband and father had on them, however, I do know how devastating unresolved grief can be on the human heart and soul. When we do not take care of ourselves following the loss of someone or something dear, we risk the kind of depression and hopelessness than can debilitate us. After a loss, take time to fully feel the emptiness it brings. Don’t gloss over it. This is the time to call upon friends and family, ministers and counselors and the support groups we offer at the church for the help they can give. (Click here for a list of our support groups.)
Which brings me to my second observation, true friends are very important. One of the Peters’ close friends described them as very private. We all cherish our privacy, but we cannot allow that privacy to isolate us. We need people we trust; to whom we can share our deepest joys and hurts. Someone who will take on the burdens of our lives means we do not have to carry them all ourselves. Find that person. If you already have someone like that in your life, thank them for being that person. And commit to be that person for someone else.
Finally, pretence is dangerous. Evidently, no one knew of the looming financial hardships the Peters’ were feeling. Friends were surprised Corrine wasn’t registered for college. Keeping up the facades of suburban life can become overwhelming. Secrets can truly destroy us. Embarrassment may redden our face, but pretence can blacken our heart. It is better to risk embarrassment than to let pride destroy you.
I hope you will join me in my continuing prayers for the Peters’ family, their friends, the community of Coppell, the people of the Methodist Church there and all those struggling from the same hurts felt by them.
We will probably never fully know the heartbreaking circumstances that led to Ms. Peters’ actions, but I do hope we can learn from the tragedy. Not assuming any of the speculations I have read are true, let me speak to a few that I have heard, so that we might learn from them. First, grief is important. I have no idea how much the lingering effects of the loss of their husband and father had on them, however, I do know how devastating unresolved grief can be on the human heart and soul. When we do not take care of ourselves following the loss of someone or something dear, we risk the kind of depression and hopelessness than can debilitate us. After a loss, take time to fully feel the emptiness it brings. Don’t gloss over it. This is the time to call upon friends and family, ministers and counselors and the support groups we offer at the church for the help they can give. (Click here for a list of our support groups.)
Which brings me to my second observation, true friends are very important. One of the Peters’ close friends described them as very private. We all cherish our privacy, but we cannot allow that privacy to isolate us. We need people we trust; to whom we can share our deepest joys and hurts. Someone who will take on the burdens of our lives means we do not have to carry them all ourselves. Find that person. If you already have someone like that in your life, thank them for being that person. And commit to be that person for someone else.
Finally, pretence is dangerous. Evidently, no one knew of the looming financial hardships the Peters’ were feeling. Friends were surprised Corrine wasn’t registered for college. Keeping up the facades of suburban life can become overwhelming. Secrets can truly destroy us. Embarrassment may redden our face, but pretence can blacken our heart. It is better to risk embarrassment than to let pride destroy you.
I hope you will join me in my continuing prayers for the Peters’ family, their friends, the community of Coppell, the people of the Methodist Church there and all those struggling from the same hurts felt by them.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Feeling a Little Old
Ever feel a little old? Listening to the news the past few weeks has made me feel ancient. First there was Jordan Spieth, the 16 year-old junior amateur golfer who was playing in the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament at the TPC course in Las Colinas. He was actually in the hunt to win the tournament on Sunday, but, even though he did not win it, he still finished tied for 16th place. Had he been a pro, he would have won almost $100,000. The newscaster rubbed salt in my “feeling old” wounds when he reported Spieth would not be playing in the Colonial Golf Tournament in Ft. Worth the next week because he had to take his final exams at Jesuit High School in Dallas – ouch.
Then there was Jordan Romero, the 13 year-old who recently climbed Mt. Everest. He is the youngest climber ever to reach the summit. And there was Henry Dewey, the 8 year-old first grader who just released his first iPhone app. It is an e-book version of the children’s classic, The Three Little Pigs. His dad, an iPhone application designer, helped him through the process, but Henry did most of the work. By the way, Henry decided to donate $.25 of every $1.99 purchase to a non-profit program for the homeless.
I am reminded of God’s call to the prophet Jeremiah. God tells Jeremiah that he had been created to be a prophet even before he was formed in his mother’s womb and that God wants him to go to all to whom God sends him and speak whatever God commands him. Jeremiah says, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” God responds, "don’t say ‘I’m only a boy’ because I am with you." I think the Lord is saying age has nothing to do with it. It has to do with the Lord’s calling and the Lord’s strength. Even though these young people’s youth makes me wonder about my own abilities to accomplish amazing things, I know God is not finished with me yet. Remember the Old Testament story of Abraham and Sarah. When God told them they were to have a child in their old age, Sarah laughed. When she bore Isaac (whos e name, by the way, means “Laughter”), she realized God can still accomplish great things through us.
No matter how old you are, I can guarantee you God is not finished with you. I hope you are asking everyday, Lord, what are you calling me to do today and how are you strengthening me to do it?
Then there was Jordan Romero, the 13 year-old who recently climbed Mt. Everest. He is the youngest climber ever to reach the summit. And there was Henry Dewey, the 8 year-old first grader who just released his first iPhone app. It is an e-book version of the children’s classic, The Three Little Pigs. His dad, an iPhone application designer, helped him through the process, but Henry did most of the work. By the way, Henry decided to donate $.25 of every $1.99 purchase to a non-profit program for the homeless.
I am reminded of God’s call to the prophet Jeremiah. God tells Jeremiah that he had been created to be a prophet even before he was formed in his mother’s womb and that God wants him to go to all to whom God sends him and speak whatever God commands him. Jeremiah says, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” God responds, "don’t say ‘I’m only a boy’ because I am with you." I think the Lord is saying age has nothing to do with it. It has to do with the Lord’s calling and the Lord’s strength. Even though these young people’s youth makes me wonder about my own abilities to accomplish amazing things, I know God is not finished with me yet. Remember the Old Testament story of Abraham and Sarah. When God told them they were to have a child in their old age, Sarah laughed. When she bore Isaac (whos e name, by the way, means “Laughter”), she realized God can still accomplish great things through us.
No matter how old you are, I can guarantee you God is not finished with you. I hope you are asking everyday, Lord, what are you calling me to do today and how are you strengthening me to do it?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Rehabilitation
rehabilitation. It has helped me regain some of my energy and stamina following surgery. I have to admit, exercise is not something that comes naturally to me. Since running track and cross country in high school, it has seemed more of a task than a pleasure. I remember one of our track coach’s favorite practice activities. We would run around White Rock Lake in Dallas while he was following behind us in his blue VW (Volkswagen) bug. He would honk and we would jog; then honk again and we would sprint. This would continue for several miles. We spent much of our time devising plans for what might happen to the VW and its driver when we hit a particularly deserted stretch of the road. My son Jared also ran cross country in high school and had a shirt that read, “My sport is your sport’s punishment.” I agree with that sentiment. Running on a treadmill is just a little too close to the activity a gerbil does on one of those rotating wheels in their cage.
However, I would have to admit my cardio-rehab class was very helpful and I plan to keep going with the exercise. One day during my rehab class, I met Dave, a former heart surgery patient and volunteer with the hospital. His job was to distract us from the gerbil activity and make our exercise time go a little faster. During one of our conversations Dave said, “My life really started when I was fifty.” I asked if that was when he had his surgery. He said, “No, but it was when my life changed.” He went on to tell me the story. He was an unhappy person who hated his job, was having difficulties in his marriage which would eventually result in a divorce and viewed life strictly through negativity.
One day he was riding in a car with a friend (he paused to note he wasn’t sure why this person was his friend, because he was pretty miserable to be around in those days.). He was complaining about life in general and specifically about some physical problems he was experiencing. His friend said he knew a doctor that could help him with his problem and he thought he could get him in to see him if he wanted. Dave said he did and, to his surprise, the man stopped the car at a nearby pay phone, called the doctor and made an appointment for him in an hour.
They drove to Children’s Medical Center. Dave asked how a doctor at a children’s hospital was the answer to his problems, but his friend just said, “Trust me, you’ll see.” They went inside and entered the office of a doctor of oncology. Dave said, he had never heard of the doctor and didn’t know what oncology was. He got right in to see the doctor and was invited to describe his problems to him. Dave said he was delighted to have the opportunity to complain a little more. After listening intently for quite a while, the doctor said, “I think I can help you. I want you to come to a camp I run every summer for children with cancer and be a counselor. I guarantee you it will help you.” Dave said he was so taken back by the doctor’s prescription that he said, “Ok.” Dave spent the next several weeks trying to get out of his commitment, but his friend wouldn’t let him. He spent two weeks at the camp that summer…and then for the next twenty summers. Dave said, “I just needed someone to help and when I found those kids I started to live again.”
My guess is we are all like Dave in that when we find someone to help we come alive again. Stonebridge UMC is full of opportunities to help people. Let us help you help others, so that you can start living again. Yes, rehabilitation comes in a myriad of fashions.
However, I would have to admit my cardio-rehab class was very helpful and I plan to keep going with the exercise. One day during my rehab class, I met Dave, a former heart surgery patient and volunteer with the hospital. His job was to distract us from the gerbil activity and make our exercise time go a little faster. During one of our conversations Dave said, “My life really started when I was fifty.” I asked if that was when he had his surgery. He said, “No, but it was when my life changed.” He went on to tell me the story. He was an unhappy person who hated his job, was having difficulties in his marriage which would eventually result in a divorce and viewed life strictly through negativity.
One day he was riding in a car with a friend (he paused to note he wasn’t sure why this person was his friend, because he was pretty miserable to be around in those days.). He was complaining about life in general and specifically about some physical problems he was experiencing. His friend said he knew a doctor that could help him with his problem and he thought he could get him in to see him if he wanted. Dave said he did and, to his surprise, the man stopped the car at a nearby pay phone, called the doctor and made an appointment for him in an hour.
They drove to Children’s Medical Center. Dave asked how a doctor at a children’s hospital was the answer to his problems, but his friend just said, “Trust me, you’ll see.” They went inside and entered the office of a doctor of oncology. Dave said, he had never heard of the doctor and didn’t know what oncology was. He got right in to see the doctor and was invited to describe his problems to him. Dave said he was delighted to have the opportunity to complain a little more. After listening intently for quite a while, the doctor said, “I think I can help you. I want you to come to a camp I run every summer for children with cancer and be a counselor. I guarantee you it will help you.” Dave said he was so taken back by the doctor’s prescription that he said, “Ok.” Dave spent the next several weeks trying to get out of his commitment, but his friend wouldn’t let him. He spent two weeks at the camp that summer…and then for the next twenty summers. Dave said, “I just needed someone to help and when I found those kids I started to live again.”
My guess is we are all like Dave in that when we find someone to help we come alive again. Stonebridge UMC is full of opportunities to help people. Let us help you help others, so that you can start living again. Yes, rehabilitation comes in a myriad of fashions.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
What I Learned from the Hospital
Do you remember returning to school after the summer break and receiving the first homework assignment of the year – write an essay on “What I did over my Summer Vacation”? You know you are old when you start writing articles like “What I learned while I was in the Hospital.” But I did learn (or was reminded of) some things while I convalesced in my hospital room that I would like to pass on to you.
First, I learned how important simple gestures of concern and love can be. Sometimes we forget the power of sending a get well card or providing a meal or making a visit or a phone call. In receiving those from you, I was reminded of how important they are to healing. Being one of the infirmed can make you feel isolated. Receiving a card or a call brought me back into community. Don’t neglect to make one of those simple gestures by minimizing its importance.
Which brings me to my second revelation; ministers are some of the worst hospital visitors ever. I am very grateful so many of my minister friends and colleagues took the time to come and visit me. There were times there were so many ministers in the room they would fight to see who would get to pray over me before they left. However, there were a few of my colleagues who forgot the task at hand. Their voices were loud, their visits were too long and I was not ready to host a party in my room. When visiting someone in the hospital, we should be aware of how the patient is feeling and let that determine the tone and timing of our visit. I was visited by one minister (who I don’t know all that well) who came to my room at 9:30 the night following my surgery, took off his coat and hat and sat down and talked for 45 minutes. By the time he left I was exhausted. He was ob livious to how I was feeling. His visit will make me a better visitor. It really is all about the one in the bed.
I also found the best visitors were those who had been in the hospital before. They knew what it was like to be there. They had the most important tool we can have in visiting – empathy. Empathy enables us to identify with and feel the needs of the person we are visiting. Empathy is the most direct path for sharing God’s love.
Another thing I learned was the importance of encouragement. The staff at the hospital must have had a course in encouraging your patients, because, starting the morning after my surgery, the nurses got me out of my bed and on to the walking track. Everything hurt and, even though I knew walking was an important part of the healing process, my brain told me to quit and get back in bed. It was their encouragement that kept me going. Nurses, doctors, the woman cleaning the hall, the maintenance guy, all told me how well I was doing. By the time they finished with me, I was ready to run a marathon – well, a really short one. Say an encouraging word to someone today. Make it a spiritual discipline in your life.
Finally, you have heard it said, “If you have your health you have everything.” While in the hospital I found out that is not true. Our health is certainly something for which we should be extremely thankful, but I saw several people in the hospital whose health was just a distant memory and yet they were filled with joy. (Joy is a feeling of peace and hope and confidence when there is no logical reason to feel that way.) That joy comes from the Spirit of God and that Spirit is healing.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
First, I learned how important simple gestures of concern and love can be. Sometimes we forget the power of sending a get well card or providing a meal or making a visit or a phone call. In receiving those from you, I was reminded of how important they are to healing. Being one of the infirmed can make you feel isolated. Receiving a card or a call brought me back into community. Don’t neglect to make one of those simple gestures by minimizing its importance.
Which brings me to my second revelation; ministers are some of the worst hospital visitors ever. I am very grateful so many of my minister friends and colleagues took the time to come and visit me. There were times there were so many ministers in the room they would fight to see who would get to pray over me before they left. However, there were a few of my colleagues who forgot the task at hand. Their voices were loud, their visits were too long and I was not ready to host a party in my room. When visiting someone in the hospital, we should be aware of how the patient is feeling and let that determine the tone and timing of our visit. I was visited by one minister (who I don’t know all that well) who came to my room at 9:30 the night following my surgery, took off his coat and hat and sat down and talked for 45 minutes. By the time he left I was exhausted. He was ob livious to how I was feeling. His visit will make me a better visitor. It really is all about the one in the bed.
I also found the best visitors were those who had been in the hospital before. They knew what it was like to be there. They had the most important tool we can have in visiting – empathy. Empathy enables us to identify with and feel the needs of the person we are visiting. Empathy is the most direct path for sharing God’s love.
Another thing I learned was the importance of encouragement. The staff at the hospital must have had a course in encouraging your patients, because, starting the morning after my surgery, the nurses got me out of my bed and on to the walking track. Everything hurt and, even though I knew walking was an important part of the healing process, my brain told me to quit and get back in bed. It was their encouragement that kept me going. Nurses, doctors, the woman cleaning the hall, the maintenance guy, all told me how well I was doing. By the time they finished with me, I was ready to run a marathon – well, a really short one. Say an encouraging word to someone today. Make it a spiritual discipline in your life.
Finally, you have heard it said, “If you have your health you have everything.” While in the hospital I found out that is not true. Our health is certainly something for which we should be extremely thankful, but I saw several people in the hospital whose health was just a distant memory and yet they were filled with joy. (Joy is a feeling of peace and hope and confidence when there is no logical reason to feel that way.) That joy comes from the Spirit of God and that Spirit is healing.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thank You!
You guys are the best! Stonebridge United Methodist has always been known as a caring congregation – “The Most Joyful Place on Earth” as we like to say – but during my recovery from surgery you out did yourselves. For over a month after I got home from the hospital, there was not a day that went by I did not receive multiple get well cards from people in the congregation. The children in our Sunshine Kids preschool and our Children’s Sunday School sent me hundreds of homemade cards. (My favorite was the heart made out of buttons one of the preschool classes gave me. It had a Scooby-Doo band-aid across the front of it and a magnet on the back. It is still displayed on our refrigerator door.) The Care Team filled our house with food. Susan said every pound I lost she gained because of all the good eats. The Threads of Hope ministry made me a prayer blanket that brought warmth and comfort on those difficult days and reminded me of my thankfulness on the good ones. Even the church staff delivered the results of one of their staff meeting devotionals that centered on prayers for my health and healing. I have to admit, until I was the recipient of the care of the church, I wasn’t able to fully understand its power. I hope ever person in this church who is in the need of God’s comfort will feel it through the acts of caring of this congregation. Don’t let any opportunity to share God’s love pass you by. From one who knows a lot more about it now than I did two months ago, each opportunity can be a blessing. Thank you.
Also, I want to remind you of a program we are having here at the church this Saturday night. Jose Luis Portillo, director of Proyecto Abrigo (Project Shelter), the mission with which we work in Juarez, Mexico, will be with us to give an update on the ministry and the situation in Juarez. This is your opportunity to find out first hand the dangers and fears that fill the hearts of our neighbors to the south and the effects it is having on the ministry of building houses for the poorest of the poor in Juarez. If you have been a part of this ministry, I know you will make every effort to be present. If you have thought about becoming involved in our mission work there, this would be a great first step toward your commitment. We will meet at the church at 6:30 pm for a light dinner.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
Also, I want to remind you of a program we are having here at the church this Saturday night. Jose Luis Portillo, director of Proyecto Abrigo (Project Shelter), the mission with which we work in Juarez, Mexico, will be with us to give an update on the ministry and the situation in Juarez. This is your opportunity to find out first hand the dangers and fears that fill the hearts of our neighbors to the south and the effects it is having on the ministry of building houses for the poorest of the poor in Juarez. If you have been a part of this ministry, I know you will make every effort to be present. If you have thought about becoming involved in our mission work there, this would be a great first step toward your commitment. We will meet at the church at 6:30 pm for a light dinner.
Grace and peace,
John Mollet
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Missions
Two weeks ago former Pastor Don Smith stated, "Stonebridge UMC has exploded in the area of Missions." That afternoon the Missions Team had a meeting planned to discuss up coming events. We looked at each other across the table in awe, scratching our heads never realizing how we are viewed outside the doors of our Church.
Towards the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, He stated: "'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:34-40 RSV). The Mission's team really had no idea the impact Stonebridge UMC has made locally and internationally. Jesus still calls us to serve now.Family PromiseEvery week The Samaritan Inn has to turn away 15-30 families because there is literally no room at the inn. These families remain homeless in our community, living in cars, with friends for a day or two, or anywhere they can find. Family Promise is an organization that connects homeless families to Churches. About 14 churches will make up the Family Promise Network in Collin County and will provide their facility to host up to 14 people for seven days four times a year. The Missions Team is currently working to partner with Family Promise so that we can "help the stranger and welcome them." We are just in the beginning stages, so please pray for this ministry to come to fruition. When and if things work out we will need you to help "feed" and "welcome" these families into our Church. This opportunity will allow adults, kids and families to be missionaries in their own church.Mission Gathering with Jose LuisStonebridge UMC and Suncreek UMC in Allen are partnering to host an evening with International Missions Director Jose Luis on April 10. Jose has been the Director of Proyecto Abrigo since 1992. His organization in partnership with Churches around the world builds an average of 1,000 homes a year for families that are living in cardboard boxes or that have no shelter. Recently, due to media concerns about Juarez, Mexico, the organization has been impacted heavily. Come learn about the real Juarez not reported in the media and how you can make a difference today.Juarez Mexico Mission TripStonebridge UMC will be going to Juarez, Mexico May 13-16 in partnership with Proyecto Abrigo to build homes for the homeless. The cost of the trip is $400.00 per person. You must fill out an application and have a passport. For more information, contact Trevor Castilla at tcastilla@sbcglobal.net. Spring Break Mission Trip to OklahomaScot Wingo of First United Methodist Church in Garland is coordinating a Mission Trip to Oklahoma City. Last month's snow storm was fun, but many homes in the Oklahoma area were ravished. The trip leaves this Saturday, March 13. You do not need to be trained. If you have a child 15 years or older, they can go as long as a parent participates in the trip. Contact Scot at scotwingo@yahoo.com or 469-330-7619.Habitat for HumanityNorth Collin County Habitat for Humanity builds homes in McKinney, Frisco, Celina, Princeton, Melissa and other unincorporated areas in the northern Collin County area. Their most current build project is located at 802 Throckmorton Street in McKinney. Every Saturday, volunteers are needed to build or serve lunch. Contact Dave Paulsen at davepaulsen@hotmail.com.
We are called to be God's people in the world. The Mission team is constantly providing way's for you to be God's people. Pray how God can use your hands and feet to be His Love "on earth as it is in heaven."
Ed Whipple
Director of Student Ministries
Towards the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, He stated: "'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:34-40 RSV). The Mission's team really had no idea the impact Stonebridge UMC has made locally and internationally. Jesus still calls us to serve now.Family PromiseEvery week The Samaritan Inn has to turn away 15-30 families because there is literally no room at the inn. These families remain homeless in our community, living in cars, with friends for a day or two, or anywhere they can find. Family Promise is an organization that connects homeless families to Churches. About 14 churches will make up the Family Promise Network in Collin County and will provide their facility to host up to 14 people for seven days four times a year. The Missions Team is currently working to partner with Family Promise so that we can "help the stranger and welcome them." We are just in the beginning stages, so please pray for this ministry to come to fruition. When and if things work out we will need you to help "feed" and "welcome" these families into our Church. This opportunity will allow adults, kids and families to be missionaries in their own church.Mission Gathering with Jose LuisStonebridge UMC and Suncreek UMC in Allen are partnering to host an evening with International Missions Director Jose Luis on April 10. Jose has been the Director of Proyecto Abrigo since 1992. His organization in partnership with Churches around the world builds an average of 1,000 homes a year for families that are living in cardboard boxes or that have no shelter. Recently, due to media concerns about Juarez, Mexico, the organization has been impacted heavily. Come learn about the real Juarez not reported in the media and how you can make a difference today.Juarez Mexico Mission TripStonebridge UMC will be going to Juarez, Mexico May 13-16 in partnership with Proyecto Abrigo to build homes for the homeless. The cost of the trip is $400.00 per person. You must fill out an application and have a passport. For more information, contact Trevor Castilla at tcastilla@sbcglobal.net. Spring Break Mission Trip to OklahomaScot Wingo of First United Methodist Church in Garland is coordinating a Mission Trip to Oklahoma City. Last month's snow storm was fun, but many homes in the Oklahoma area were ravished. The trip leaves this Saturday, March 13. You do not need to be trained. If you have a child 15 years or older, they can go as long as a parent participates in the trip. Contact Scot at scotwingo@yahoo.com or 469-330-7619.Habitat for HumanityNorth Collin County Habitat for Humanity builds homes in McKinney, Frisco, Celina, Princeton, Melissa and other unincorporated areas in the northern Collin County area. Their most current build project is located at 802 Throckmorton Street in McKinney. Every Saturday, volunteers are needed to build or serve lunch. Contact Dave Paulsen at davepaulsen@hotmail.com.
We are called to be God's people in the world. The Mission team is constantly providing way's for you to be God's people. Pray how God can use your hands and feet to be His Love "on earth as it is in heaven."
Ed Whipple
Director of Student Ministries
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