Thank You For Your Prayers

Dear Church Family and Online Community,

Below are excerpts from the letter and announcement I delivered to the beautiful and loving people of Christ Community United Methodist Church in worship earlier today. I wish to thank Dr. Chris Cole, Church Council Chair and Mrs. Stacey Burk, Staff/Parish Relations Committee Chair for their leadership as they shared words of affirmation and direction today in worship. 

         I write this to you as one who has truly been grateful for the prayers of the faithful over this past year as we have been able to learn so much more about our son Aaron’s health issues. 

Many of you have kept our family in prayer as we have dealt with many respiratory health concerns with our son, Aaron. Aaron is a 14 year old boy who loves life to the fullest. When he is healthy, he can be found running and playing like any other 14 year old. When he is sick, he cannot do much of anything, including finding the strength to do basic necessities.  When Aaron is sick, he is confined to the the house or sometimes in the hospital until he recovers. The battle going on within his body is threatening to his overall long-term health as he has battled pneumonia seven times in just the last two winters.
Out of respect for Aaron’s personal health concerns, I will not go into depth about all of the specifics of Aaron’s multiple complications, but will, however shed light that is leading to the writing of this letter to you.
During the past two years, Jennifer, Aaron, and I have been blessed by having the opportunity to work with a wonderful pulmonology team consisting of top doctors, nurses, and researchers from across the country.  Throughout this time, we have been slowly learning about Aaron’s respiratory health issues.  Some of this information confirmed our observations over the past 14 years and some information surprised us greatly.  To make a very long story short, we have seen a pattern of severe chronic respiratory illness during the cold, dry winter months.  During these times of the year,  Aaron suffers multiple pneumonias, sinus infections, and extreme and disabling fatigue.  As a result of these illnesses, Aaron misses significant amounts of school and his quality of life during these times is very poor.  In order to provide our son with an improved quality of life and decrease the chances of developing permanent damage to his respiratory system, we must make decisions that are in his best interests to sustain a life that will be as free of sickness as possible.   
As parents, Jennifer and I must make decisions that will have the best interests of our children at heart. Decisions that are not always easy. In the end, though, we have to do what we now know is best for our son. We have been blessed with three amazing children and are called, as parents, to give them the life they deserve, free of health concerns, if possible.
Aaron has always responded well to warm or hot and humid weather. Aaron’s body is completely healthy in warm or hot and humid weather. We feel, to give Aaron a life in a consistently warm, humid climate is the type of life he needs in order to sustain a healthy life. We want Aaron free of those things that hold him from living a normal, healthy life. Therefore, we are in the process of relocating to Florida, a climate that will best suit his overall, long-term health.
 I am writing this to make you aware that this affects my appointment as your pastor. It was our hope, when we arrived to Butler: Christ Community, that we would be here for a long time. Each of us can make all the plans we want, but truly, we never know what each new day will bring. The realities we face are the things we ultimately have to attend to. When we began to find so many more specifics regarding Aaron in the last nine months, we began to confirm that this demographic area, based on climate and other pollutants is not the best place to give Aaron the life he deserves. 

Although our heart is heavy, in great prayer, discernment and in deep discussion with colleagues, friends, family, some members of church leadership, and our Bishop, Thomas Bickerton and District Superintendent, Dean Ziegler, this move is important, because it means giving our son the best we can possibly give for his long-term health. At the end of June 2013, we are seeking an appointment within The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. We have been in discussions with Conference leadership in Florida. As I made the vow to be faithful to the itinerancy at my ordination, we continue to be faithful to the call and to the itinerant system that God has blessed us with in The United Methodist Church.
I want you to know how grateful we are for your prayers, support and encouragement that you have already given us relating to this and as we do what is best for our son. You have been there for us every step of the way and we are grateful to know that you will continue to be. This church is strong, it is vibrant and has even greater potential to grow under new pastoral leadership in the coming years. My favorite verse in Scripture is Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I have witnessed you working for good over these last two years as you have continued to live into the vision that was placed on your hearts, “Loving People, Loving God!”As I have watched you grow in faith, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your pastor. For that, we are blessed by your ministry to us. I ask that you continue to pray over this entire situation, as well as be in prayer for our Bishop, Thomas Bickerton, our D.S., Rev. Dean Ziegler and Cabinet as they prayerfully discern who the next pastoral leader will be here at Christ Community. I am earnestly praying for each of you as we all move forward in ministry as the Church of Jesus Christ. You are loved church. Thank you for loving us. As always...It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor. 

The Light Outshines the Dark

Good Morning Church Family,

I pray you are well and blessed as we begin a new week. If you were not in worship yesterday, you were missed. I understand from many yesterday that the flu is taking its toll on many. I pray God's healing hand upon all who are sick at this time of year.

Yesterday's message centered upon Matthew 2:1-12, the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Hear these words from Matthew 2:1-12:


Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

I felt led to focus on the journey of the wise men on this journey. What was it like? What did they see? Was there any grumbling on the journey? After hearing Jeremy Peffer's testimony the week before, it became clear that that all too often we grumble along the journey and to begin the year looking at the blessings of life can certainly shape the way we live our lives as Christ followers in 2013.

Will we live in a year where we grumble and complain or will we open it up to more of seeing the blessings that God delivers daily? To do this, a practical help that Jeremy mentioned was a gratitude jar. This gratitude jar will give you an opportunity daily to write the blessings you have experienced daily and write them and place in your jar. Maybe around Thanksgiving, take them out, as an individual or as a family and see where you found blessing in 2013.

These jars are available in the lobby. Feel free to take one for you or one for your family. They are a gift to you. Matthew 5:16 calls us to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I'd like to thank the many people who came out this weekend to tear down all the Christmas decorations! You are a blessing! Where did that time go?

I hope you have a blessed week church! Pray for our youth and our leaders as they head to SPARK this weekend. May it be a time of renewal for them! (Youth, thanks for the snowman this morning as I drove into church! You brought a smile to my face!)

Back here at Christ Community over the next three weeks, we will begin a new series on the book of Esther. May it be a time of growth and development for you as we share the Good News to all!

Church family, it is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor.
 

Wesley's New Year

Each new year, John Wesley - the founder of the Methodist movement - would begin the New Year with a "Covenant Service."

This service centered one upon beginning anew and growing one's faith in Jesus Christ.

John 15: 1-8 reads, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

The Prayer of Invitation from this service follows:

Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him.

Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both.

In some we may please Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.

It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ. Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:

Let me be your servant, under your command. I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.

Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:

put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.

I do here covenant with you, O Christ,
to take my lot with you as it may fall.

Through your grace I promise
that neither life nor death shall part me from you.

I make this covenant with you, O God,
without guile or reservation.

If any falsehood should be in it, guide me
and help me to set it aright.

Mighty God,
let this covenant I have made on earth
be ratified in heaven

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

John Wesley, circa 1780

Happy New Year!

Good Morning Church Family and Online Community,

On this last day in 2012, I pray you are well and blessed and that this year has been a year of blessing for you. It truly was an exciting year of ministry at Christ Community. Many new opportunities were added to grow, serve and witness in our church and community. For that, I am grateful for your desire to be a part of it. Thank you for your passion to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

At the 9:26 yesterday, we were able to hear the words from our worship planning team as they shared their favorite Christmas movie and a clip from it and tied their faith journey into it. Thank you Jill, Jeremy, Cherie and Bob for offering your words to us yesterday.

At 11:00, Jon Pincek led us in a time of special music and we were able to hear the gift of music from Marilyn Stephenson and Deb Pincek. Thank you all for sharing your musical gifts with us!

This weekend, January 6, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion at both services. We welcome you to be a part of worship in the New Year.

Have a blessed 2013 from your church staff at Christ Community!  It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor.


Here is a link that was sent to me this morning. Enjoy!

Flash Mob Beauty

A Weekend To Remember for So Many Reasons

Good Morning Church and Online Community,

God's abundant blessings to you this morning. This morning is not like another Monday morning. It's a morning where we go back to school, to work, and into our community with hearts that still are filled with great pain from what we witnessed in Newtown, CT on Friday. We seek the peace that passes all understanding as we make sense of all that has taken place in our nation. May the Lord continue to pour out His grace to all who are in need this day. 

In worship yesterday, we centered our thoughts around this event from Friday and sought out ways to cope and ways we, as the people of Jesus Christ can respond. I was led to preach yesterday on Matthew 5:38-44 as Jesus turned the old law into a new way of living. In this passage, Jesus said, "⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." We see, in this passage, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount requires both love of, and prayer for, our enemies. 

In our society today, we have been accustomed to living under the old law of "loving neighbor and hating enemies." We no longer seek out opportunities to love all. May we continually seek out ways to love God and love all. Love all means more than those just in our circle. Love all means, love all. Many times we hear those words "love all," but they don't resonate to our deepest core. What must we do to begin to change the world? Love all in the love of Christ. Those whom society shuns, we must love. Those whom society neglects, we must love. May we see with the lens of God's love for all of humanity. 

Yesterday, Jill Todd led our Advent lighting at the 9:26 with a profound reading as individuals representing all the lives lost lit a candle in the front of the Sanctuary. A most powerful reminder to be the Light. Both of our worship services took time to spend in prayer for all those affected by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary. May God continue to watch over all of those who mourn this day. The following video was played in worship yesterday:

Last evening, we celebrated togetherness by joining in our 2nd Annual Night of Gifts! It was a joyous evening where so many people shared their talents with the church and community! 

A special thank you is extended to all of those who made this possible! A large crowd gathered following the Night of Gifts for a time of fellowship in Oz Hall along with a surprise visit from Santa! Below you will find pictures from last night's festivities! Click on one to enlarge. 

Have a blessed week church family! It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor. 

Turning Christmas Upside Down: Give More

Good Afternoon Church Family and Online Community,

I pray you are well and blessed today! It was a great day for worship. We have seen many coming to our church from our community recently! It has been great getting to know new faces at both services! If you see an unfamiliar face, take a moment to give them a great Christ Community welcome!

At the 9:26, we welcomed Bailey Nicole for Baptism. She is the beautiful daughter of Tony and Alisa. It was a beautiful baptism and their family was here to celebrate! 

Our focus this Sunday was on the Advent Conspiracy: Give More. In the message, I was not advocating giving more gifts, however, our focus was on giving more "presence." Offering ourselves in the light of Christ to others is one way we can creatively give more. We shared some different ways to give, one being to go to Wal-Mart and offer to pay anonymously someone's lay away balance. Simply walk to the layaway department and ask the clerk that you would like to pay for someone's layaway balance. That's just one way we can "Turn Christmas Upside Down" this Christmas.

This week, we have the joy of going to Wal-Mart to spread Christmas cheer! This Wednesday, December 12, we will meet in front of Wal-Mart (Grocery Side) and sing carols to our community as they shop! We will meet there at 6:45 p.m. If you're hungry on Wednesday, we have a potluck dinner scheduled for 5:30 p.m. We will meet in Oz Hall for dinner! All are welcome!

Have a blessed week church! Know how blessed I am to serve and lead as your pastor.

Turning Christmas Upside Down: Spend Less

Good Morning Church and Online Community!

God's blessings to you as we enter into this season of Advent! It was a joyous weekend of worship at Christ Community!

Our message centered on Jeremiah 33:7-11, 15 the calling of the Branch who would come to execute justice and righteousness, foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ. How do we spend our money at this time of year? Do we fall into the trap of excess? How much is too much?

The challenge for us is to see if we live as Christ came, executing justice and righteousness to all of God's people. Dr. Bob Todd reported that Kiva, the lending program we joined in 2011, has repaid the loan to all those who donated. Those who donated, can, if they wish, donate to another small business or group so that they can earn a profit in their way of life. If you would like to be a lender or like more info on Kiva go to Kiva's Website

We also thank Dr. Bob and Bob Kline who delivered 64 flood buckets to the Eastbrook Mission Barn over the weekend. We are grateful for all of your support to those who donated in so many ways to make this possible. We are also thankful for Ron and Cathy Wesley's organization of our church decorating night! Great job everyone!

a few pictures of our church decorating on December 1st

Tonight we gather for our Annual Church Conference with our DS, Rev. Dean Ziegler. We will gather at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All members are welcome.

This Wednesday, invite your friends and family to come out to see special guest, Rev. Jeff Vanderhoff! He is a magician and I've seen his head get bigger and smaller. He's great! He will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the sanctuary on Wednesday! Anyone is welcome! Dinner is also at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Please contact the church office by Monday, noon to place your dinner reservation.

Have a blessed week church family! How great is it that we are nearing 65 degrees in December! Enjoy the gift! It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor.