Yesterday (Monday, September 29), the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 777 points, the largest one-day decline in the history of this esteemed financial icon. Yesterday the United States House of Representatives failed to pass the so-called “bail out of Wall Street” legislation with conservatives and liberals joining forces to defeat the proposed bill. Yesterday Mike Cole, Platte Woods Church Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair, sent our staff an article suggesting challenging economic times call for non-profits (including churches) to work strategically in order to meet budget goals.
Yesterday’s events once again reminded me we live in interesting and challenging times.
I don’t know if the 777 number has any special meaning. I do not believe in numerology. Some folks might read something mystical into the 777 point decline experienced by the Dow Jones. About all I read into that number is that it is a big number which undoubtedly had a negative impact on my retirement savings. The 777 number reminds me we live in interesting and challenging times.
I don’t know if the failure to pass the “bail out of Wall Street” $700 billion legislation has any special meaning. I listened to the pundits on NPR, as well as the FOX News Network. It is fascinating to hear how the left wing and the right wing together defeated the proposal. Now there is talk of renewed cooperation to craft amended legislation. Such behavior reminds me we live in interesting and challenging times.
I don’t know if the economic condition we presently experience has any special meaning to our church. I do not know how it cannot. We know our church’s ability to do the work of God is dependent on voluntary contributions. Our church is always challenged to wisely use our financial resources. Doing so during periods of economical upheaval reminds me we live in interesting and challenging times.
What I do know is we are part of an extremely carrying and sharing Christian community. No matter what the external numbers tell us, we will survive and even thrive. As the financial indicators have ups and downs, so will our congregation. Yet as we do ministry in the days and weeks ahead we will find we live in interesting and challenging times. God help us make the most of the opportunities which are ours.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
CLASS MEETINGS
John Wesley, the spiritual founder of the Methodist movement, was a proponent of CLASS MEETINGS. It is my understanding that in the early days of Methodism, all of Wesley’s followers were expected to participate in class meetings. A major purpose of the class meeting was to ask participants, “And how is it with your soul?” In other words, class members were asked, “How are you doing?”
This past Sunday, Mike Cole, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair, and I met with the Seekers Sunday School Class. I think it is appropriate to say that Sunday School classes in part serve the same role as Class Meetings did in John Wesley’s time.
Mike talked about the role of the SPRC in providing guidance for the staffing of the church, and I specifically talked about my job as Executive Pastor. Then Mike asked if there were any questions. And there were questions which for the most part seemed to be, “And how is Platte Woods Church doing?” Those questions sounded much as I imagine an old time Class Meeting would have sounded except the discussion was around the well-being of our church.
This Thursday evening, September 25, 7:00 pm, Pastor Steve is hosting a gathering at which he will talk about the upcoming financial commitment program, when members and friends of the Platte Woods Church will be asked to support the church for 2009. Steve will also receive questions about what and how the church is doing.
If you have any questions or concerns about Platte Woods Church, or if you are interested in what is planned for 2009, Thursday evening’s gathering is an opportunity to find out what is happening. It will be a time when Steve will speak to the “How are we doing?” question. In good Wesleyan tradition we will have an open Class Meeting to discuss, “And how is it with the soul of our church?”
I hope to see you there.
This past Sunday, Mike Cole, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair, and I met with the Seekers Sunday School Class. I think it is appropriate to say that Sunday School classes in part serve the same role as Class Meetings did in John Wesley’s time.
Mike talked about the role of the SPRC in providing guidance for the staffing of the church, and I specifically talked about my job as Executive Pastor. Then Mike asked if there were any questions. And there were questions which for the most part seemed to be, “And how is Platte Woods Church doing?” Those questions sounded much as I imagine an old time Class Meeting would have sounded except the discussion was around the well-being of our church.
This Thursday evening, September 25, 7:00 pm, Pastor Steve is hosting a gathering at which he will talk about the upcoming financial commitment program, when members and friends of the Platte Woods Church will be asked to support the church for 2009. Steve will also receive questions about what and how the church is doing.
If you have any questions or concerns about Platte Woods Church, or if you are interested in what is planned for 2009, Thursday evening’s gathering is an opportunity to find out what is happening. It will be a time when Steve will speak to the “How are we doing?” question. In good Wesleyan tradition we will have an open Class Meeting to discuss, “And how is it with the soul of our church?”
I hope to see you there.
Friday, September 12, 2008
IT'S HARD TO TEACH OLD DOGS NEW TRICKS
I hope to prove that colloquialism wrong!
Although the newest member of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church staff, I think I can claim the title of being the "old dog" on the staff. For me it is better to be the “old dog” than not being at all!
As the newest staff member at the church, I have lots to learn. Foremost on my learning list is trying to remember the names of all the folks who participate in the life of Platte Woods Church. And a long list of folks it is!
Second priority on my list is to learn what an Executive Pastor can contribute to enhance the ministry of Platte Woods Church. Pastor Steve and Mike Cole, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair, have been most helpful, patient and kind as I make the transition into this new position. Members of the Platte Woods staff have been most tolerant of my coming into their midst -- especially Lori Smith, Director of Finance and Development and Kenny Harper, Facilities Manger.
Also on the list is learning to BLOG. Some time ago I thought I used to know something about computers. Somehow technology moved a lot faster than I did. So, I am now learning about the blogging world. What an amazing communication tool blogging is! Jennifer Simms is doing her best to help my learning curve.
My goal is to use this space and your time to share some of the measurable accomplishments of Platte Woods Church on a timely basis. For instance, this past Wednesday evening (September 11) 191 folks enjoyed a spaghetti dinner during Wednesday At The Woods. This was the largest attendance ever at the Wednesday night event. Also, over $1,100 was raised during the Pie Auction which will go into the Kitchen Fund.
Old Dogs – New Tricks – Technology – Ministry in our midst. It is an interesting world God has gifted to us!
As you have comments or questions, please drop me a note, or even an e-mail.
Although the newest member of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church staff, I think I can claim the title of being the "old dog" on the staff. For me it is better to be the “old dog” than not being at all!
As the newest staff member at the church, I have lots to learn. Foremost on my learning list is trying to remember the names of all the folks who participate in the life of Platte Woods Church. And a long list of folks it is!
Second priority on my list is to learn what an Executive Pastor can contribute to enhance the ministry of Platte Woods Church. Pastor Steve and Mike Cole, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair, have been most helpful, patient and kind as I make the transition into this new position. Members of the Platte Woods staff have been most tolerant of my coming into their midst -- especially Lori Smith, Director of Finance and Development and Kenny Harper, Facilities Manger.
Also on the list is learning to BLOG. Some time ago I thought I used to know something about computers. Somehow technology moved a lot faster than I did. So, I am now learning about the blogging world. What an amazing communication tool blogging is! Jennifer Simms is doing her best to help my learning curve.
My goal is to use this space and your time to share some of the measurable accomplishments of Platte Woods Church on a timely basis. For instance, this past Wednesday evening (September 11) 191 folks enjoyed a spaghetti dinner during Wednesday At The Woods. This was the largest attendance ever at the Wednesday night event. Also, over $1,100 was raised during the Pie Auction which will go into the Kitchen Fund.
Old Dogs – New Tricks – Technology – Ministry in our midst. It is an interesting world God has gifted to us!
As you have comments or questions, please drop me a note, or even an e-mail.
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