October is Clergy Appreciation Month

There are so many times that I thank God for calling me into the ministry of the clergy. So many times that I have been allowed to be a part of someone's journey of faith, if just for a moment, and have received a blessing that can not be described. There have also been many times where I have wondered why?!? I am doing the job of standing in the gap for God's people. There have been times when I have been used and abused, when I am exhausted, worn out, frustrated, and hurt by the very people I desire to serve and love. And then I am reminded that even Jesus was rejected - by his family, the people of his hometown, the Jewish leadership, and many of his disciples yet he remained steadfast and faithful to the ministry he was called to. He was obedient to God's call even to the point of death on a cross.

So, how should I respond to the call on my life to be a part of the ministry of the clergy? First, I must always remember my calling comes from God - He is my master and my Lord and the ONLY one I serve. Next, I must remember that every person God places in my path has the reflection of Jesus Christ in their very being and I love him above all else. Finally, I must remember that God has called me to be faithful - if he wants me to push a rock uphill, then I should push the rock - not expecting to move the rock!

I share these thoughts with you so that you might see the struggle pastors face and offer yours a bit of encouragement. God is using him or her to build His kingdom wherever he or she is at this time. Pray for your pastor, pray for all pastors - that we may truly be Godly women and men.


50 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR PASTOR (and Staff)
1. Write him a note telling him/her how good his sermon was.
2. Write her/his spouse and/or children a note telling them what you like about their spouse/parent.
3. Drop her a note or funny card just to brighten her day.
4. Take him fishing, golfing, sailing or whatever else he likes. DON'T talk about church during this time.
5. Offer to watch the children to free your pastor and spouse up for an old fashioned date.
6. Don't say negative things about him in front of your children or others.
7. Take your pastor and spouse, or the family to lunch after church - your treat!
8. Keep a tight rein on your personal expectations of the pastoral family and the church staff.
9. Be sure the pastor and staff members have at least one day off per week, then ensure they take it.
10. Pray with and for (daily) your pastor and her family. Go by the church office, stop by early enough on Sunday morning to pray before services. Form a prayer group for the pastor and his needs, make arrangements to come by the house and pray for the entire family.
11. Congratulate, show appreciation and love. We all need pats and strokes!
12. If the pastor is not a mechanic or gardener take care of car repairs or mow your pastor's yard - but only if wanted!
13. If there is a parsonage and a committee, make sure they see to needed repairs regularly, but never assume ownership of the home or enter when uninvited.
14. Good spiritual , emotional and mental health should be reinforced with adequate vacation time. Three weeks is a minimum for people intensive jobs - then make sure they take it! The church really won't fall down while they're gone.
15. Chauffeur the family where there's a need.
16. Transportation can sometimes be a problem for a busy family. Perhaps a car provided for the use of the pastor and staff during the day would alleviate family car shuffling problems.
17. Invite others to church. Then introduce them to the pastor after the service.
18. Provide a freezer for the parsonage and stock it with meat once a year.
19. Provide a phone answering machine for your pastor for times away, days off and for occasions when it's difficult to answer the phone.
20. Ask, ask and ask again -"How can I help you?"
21. Give, give and give again - tickets to concerts, musicals, the circus, etc. (always appreciated and often out of the reach for many pastors), a new suit for the pastor, lessons for the children if you teach, haircuts and perms for the family if a beautician.
22. Teach your pastor a hobby it's a lasting gift.
23. Make annual physicals mandatory for pastor and spouse, then pay for them.
24. A staff membership in a health club is a wise investment for the church and good health care for the pastor.
25. Care for the family's health. Be sure to provide adequate medical insurance.
26. Be alert to special medical conditions of your pastor and family when preparing meals or expecting participation. Heart patients, diabetics and severely allergic people deserve special consideration.
27. Participation in conferences and seminars for both pastor and spouse are necessary to keep their ministry fresh. Examples include: counseling, evangelism, church growth, etc. Continuing education conferences and seminars are not vacations!
28. As a Church, pay your pastor as well as you possibly can. Salary should be flexible and open to adjustment based on real needs of the pastoral family. On an hourly basis, pastors are often the poorest paid professing.
29. Be alert for signs of stress, fatigue from too many meetings, too many programs and long hours in the office and out in the community.
30. Remember the pastoral family's birthdays and anniversaries, celebrate the anniversary of your pastor's coming to your church and other milestones.
31. If you have a special talent or area of service- use it for the pastor and staff. If you're a baker or gardener share with your pastor: offer to do taxes if this is your specialty: or, to review insurance or financial planning. If you are a physician or dentist, offer to care for your pastor and his family without charge.
32. Allow the pastor's wife the privilege of being JUST HOW SHE IS. Don't place expectations on her that reflect former pastor's wives. Love her, learn from her, seek her advice, help her when needed.
33. Include the ministry family in your activities outside the church - golf, dinner, concerts, picnics but give them the right to decline.
34. Allow your pastor's husband to pursue a career if it is his desire and a need of the family. If he does have a secular job, remember his role will be a difficult one to balance with church, career, family and the needs of his spouse.
35. Buy her something she needs, but wouldn't spend money on for herself.
36. Buy him something totally frivolous!
37. Take your place in the life of the church. Find YOUR area of service.
38. See that future needs are provided for the family. Help plan for these needs. IRA's, savings and retirement plans should all be reviewed and kept current for the family. No one can know when tragedy might strike the breadwinner of the family.
39. Be aware of very special needs the family is saving for. When appropriate, make contributions to this fund. Be especially sensitive to this need around Christmas time.
40. Take your pastor and spouse on vacation with you. It can be the trip of a lifetime!
41. Be open to develop a real and close relationship with pastor, spouse and family. Don't force it or push it. Should these special relationships form keep your mouth shut! Let the pastor tell others if he wants them to know. Don't expect special treatment or favors from the family because of your relationship.
42. Check your spirit constantly to see if you are manipulative in any way in your desires for the church.
43. Be real and honest around the pastoral family. Take off your mask.
44. Treat PK's in a natural way. They are real and struggling children, just as yours are or were. Include them in activities your children are having.
45. Keep expectations of the kids in check. Don't expect them to be theological or saintly.
46. Just as you know the interests of the pastor and spouse, find out about those of the children. Remember them with gifts or gestures appropriate to their likes.
47. As much as possible protect: your pastor's privacy.
48. Let your pastor know when you have received a real spiritual insight or breakthrough as a result of his teaching or preaching.
49. BE A CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN. Fulfill at least the minimum requirements: attend services and Sunday School regularly. Pray for your church, your pastor and her family and the staff and their families. Be teachable and always open to learning and new experiences with the Lord. Be faithful in your financial giving to the church.
50. Forget the seven deadly words "we've always done it that way here".

I Wanna be a Sheep!

I Just Wanna Be a Sheep
Words by Brian M. Howard*

Chorus:
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa

Don't wanna be a goat, nope
Don't wanna be a goat, nope
Haven't got any hope, nope
Don't wanna be a goat, nope

Don't wanna be a hypocrite
Don't wanna be a hypocrite
They're not hip to it
Don't wanna be a hypocrite

Don't wanna be a Pharisee
Don't wanna be a Pharisee
They're not fair you see
Don't wanna be a Pharisee

Don't wanna be a Sadducee
Don't wanna be a Sadducee
'Cause they're so sad you see
Don't wanna be a Sadducee

Just wanna be a child of God
Just wanna be a child of God
Walkin' the same path He trod
Just wanna be a child of God

Do you remember singing this song during Vacation Bible School or maybe with your youth group? I began to wax nostalgic several days ago when a friend shared with me a couple of youtube video clips and then told me about an upcoming mission trip. This all made me remember and reflect on my pre-clergy days, those days when I believed with all certainty that as a member of the laity I was entitled to care by my pastor whenever I needed it, owed right instruction on the Word of God, and privileged to abdicate all responsibility of my eternal soul to someone other than myself. Those days were carefree and happy child-like days!

Now, this does not mean to say that I wasn't doing something for the kingdom of God. For several years I went on various mission trips. I traveled to Mexico and Venezuela with other missionary's and helped with the construction of several cement block simple form churches. We did outreach with the families and the children by having VBS. Why, we didn't even ask for a single donation to participate in these programs and we bought all the material in our own home town! I will acknowledge that I received as much as I gave through this work (as is often the case when we give a portion back to God, no matter how small the portion). I received relatively cost-free trips to Mexico and Venezuela. I had the opportunity to visit parts of the world that I never would have traveled to under normal circumstances. I made friends and long-lasting relationships with neighbors and fellow church members, and my self-esteem grew in leaps and bounds whenever I was asked to go on another mission trip because I was "needed". So, I was helping to grow the kingdom of God! Wasn't I?

As I reflected deeper, I recognized that the answer to those questions was a resounding "YES"! I was growing the kingdom of God - just not in the way I thought I was doing it. (Surprised?) What I have come to realize is that my kingdom growing was in my own heart and in my personal spiritual growth. As my baby steps of study, prayer and service helped me grow in my relationship with God, my witness to His love and grace began to touch others that he placed in my path, like a ripple in a pond when a stone is thrown in. Many opportunities have been given to me to talk to others and to example my faith. But more than that, I have developed a friendship with God. I am a sheep that knows the sound of my shepherd's voice. Isn't that one of the ways we can grow the Kingdom of God - by wholly becoming immersed in a relationship with our creator and being a witness to His voice?

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." ~ John 10:14-16


*Copyright © 1974, 2002 Mission Hills Music
All rights reserved. (BMI)
International copyright secured

This can't be said enough ...

This was written on our son's carepage five months after his 20th birthday. It is still relevant today and I wanted to share it with you.

7 Ways You Can Help Me in My Grief written 10/30/06

1. Don’t try to “Fix-It.” Try to listen to me without judgment. I don’t need you to “fix” my pain, anger or tears. Just allow me to share it with you.

2. Say it with Food, and Hugs and written notes. Now more than ever, we need to know how much you love us and are praying for us. Bring us a meal occasionally – we have days that we don’t even know what to prepare for dinner and can’t figure out how to prepare it even if we know we have it in the house! Hug us often and say “I love you,” or “I’m praying for you” with actions and words, over and over again – even if you think we know it. Write a note and tell us what you remember about our loved one or what he meant to your life. And then write us another note to mark the anniversary – by weeks, months – or other special occasions. (Letters in the mail, cards with little remembrances, are tangible prayers that we can hold in our hands as well as our hearts.)

3. Offer Specific Help. “Call me if there is anything I can do” is just too hard for me to do right now – I don’t really know what I need to do and I certainly don’t know what to tell you to do! So offer specific help. Can I shop for your groceries? Can I drive you to a doctor’s appointment? Arrange to take us out for coffee or lunch – individually, so we can talk. Run errands – the cleaners, drug store, post office, bank deposits. Arrange among our circle of friends to deliver meals. Set up a cooler outside the door – so we don’t feel obligated to meet and greet each meal delivery – and drop off dinners there.

4. Faraway Friends. You’re halfway across the country, but you desperately want to help us. You know us – we feel passionately about helping others struggle with cancer and finding new treatments and will appreciate if you participate in a walk-a-thon, or rally a group to do so in Matthew’s honor.

5. Deliver Comfort - Pamper Us. When we are at home just stop by with special little things to make us feel special. This is especially important for the kids – Zachary and Stephanie – they get overlooked in their grief as folks ask “How are your mom and doing?” Take a good book, a couple of magazines, or a gift card to the local video store. Drop by with a couple of milkshakes or a favorite coffee drink or favorite snack.

6. Just Be There. When you are hit with such a tragedy you are hurled into a world that is very unfamiliar, scary and lonely. Suddenly you do not feel like you are a “normal” person anymore but that we belong to a club no one ever wants to be a part of. And people react to you in very interesting ways. Some good some bad. Each family member is an individual dealing with our pain and stress in our own way.

7. Ask us what we need without judgment – and then ask us when you see us again, and then again. At the time you ask, we may not be able to answer you. Remember, some of us want to talk - some don't. Some need to retreat - some don't. And these needs change day-to-day. We need above all else to feel unconditionally loved, supported, respected and part of the world. “Love is such a curative property that it cannot be quantified.”

I’ve added an eighth way:
8. Help Us Remember. One of our greatest fears is that we will forget Matthew – what his voice sounded like, what he looked like, his favorite food, how he laughed, what it felt like to have him hug us. So, talk to us about him – mention his name, tell us the stories you remember, write the stories down and share them with us! Also, ask others to honor Matthew’s memory and share Matt’s story with someone else.

Now for an update...
Remember our pain and grief still lives within us. Our son is still DEAD! He isn't gone, he hasn't been lost, he isn't away - he is DEAD. We will celebrate moments in life, but never without the knowledge that a vital part of us is absent. So, it still matters 3 years and 3 months later, that we are not walking this difficult road alone. And it matters that YOU remind us we are not walking alone. And it matters that you share with us the many ways you have been touched by Matthew's life and death.


Keep in touch, it matters to us.

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Joy amidst the Mourning

Have you ever noticed how life turns you around, spins you upside down, throws you up and then dumps you on the ground? And in those moments of concern, grief, and anxiety - you find yourself occasionally smiling, or laughing out loud, or possibly having a downright belly-aching, heartfelt guffaw! Makes me think of roller coasters!

Personally, I love roller coasters. Ones that take me higher in the air and faster than I would even dare to dream about going on my own. I like the feeling of not being in control, I like knowing I'm not alone on my wild ride, and I like knowing someone else is in control.

This is the way life has been for me - for us - our family. In the midst of celebrating Stephanie's wedding, we cried and remembered Matthew's absence in our celebrations. But we found ways for each of us to celebrate his presence in our hearts and in our lives, because he truly is with us everyday. Not a day goes by where we don't think about him and miss his smile or quiet presence. Yet, I am so grateful to have my memories of Matthew and to be able to celebrate the milestones and wonderful moments we are given in life today.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13

God's Math is Different Than Ours

In today's economy we are continually hearing about people who are losing their jobs, their homes, their health insurance. Many people have become frightened to spend what they are earning on anything other than basic necessities. And many devoted Christians have fallen victim to the fear of not having enough ... enough money, enough food, enough shelter, enough ____, you fill in the blank. This fear has crippled many of us into closing our eyes and our hearts to the neediest among us. Charities are reporting lowered donations and an increased need for services. Churches are cutting programs and laying off staff members and many are only responding to their member needs instead of reaching out to the community.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 26, we read "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (verses 11-13). I can not help but think that Jesus was telling us that he would leave the poor among us SO WE could be His hands and feet. When we stop serving Jesus, we lose so much more than what could ever be gained through our own efforts. What do you think?

57 Cents

We never know what God will do with what he gives us....if we will just trust and give it back.
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand he took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.
The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting, which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there. A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.
When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).
Her unselfish love had paid large dividend. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday school building which houses hundreds of Sunday Scholars, so that no child in the are will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."

JUSTICE and MERCY IMPACT Ministry Expo

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2: 17
Explore ways you can “Rethink Church” – by putting our faith in Jesus Christ into action as we serve and minister to one another and to those outside of our local church. On Sunday evening,
October 18, 2009, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, various ministries that serve victims of crime, help inmates reenter society, visit detention facilities for worship services, sponsor children for summer camp or mentor a child, pray for the victims, the families and offer care and restoration of victims, offenders, criminal justice officials, and the community as a whole will gather to highlight their programs. St Andrew UMC in Marietta will host this expo in the fellowship hall.

Come find out more about a particular ministry that interests you or come and see what ministry areas are available. Ministry representatives will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. If you volunteer with a particular ministry or would like your ministry to participate, email barefootpreachr@gmail.com and complete an Expo Registration Form.

We (you and I) are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ and God has a place of service for each one of us through these programs. See you October 18th!

Going to the Chapel ...

Celebrating my daughter's wedding in less than 48 hours! I'll be back ...
Blessings, Pat

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." ~ Matthew 19:4-6

Thinking:10 Commandments or 10,000?

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17 NKJV)
1 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.
3 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not murder.
7 “You shall not commit adultery.
8 “You shall not steal.
9 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.”

For most people these are the standards to which we are called to live and conduct ourselves. For some, these constitute a set of rules that must be obeyed in order to earn the right to enter heaven. Others have found ways to make them "socially relevant".

GOD TEXTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
BY Jamie Quatro

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols
3. no omg's
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl
7. :-X only w/ m8
8. dnt steal
9. dnt lie re: bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.
ttyl, JHWH.
ps. wwjd?

~~~~~~~
And then we have:
The Ten Commandments Southern Style
1. Just one God
2. Put nothin' before God
3. Watch yer mouth
4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
5. Honor yer Ma & Pa
6. No killin'
7. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal
8. No tellin' tales or gossipin'
9. No tellin' tales or gossipin'
10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

~~~~~~~~~
And then there is the following translation:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
(Revised Plain English Translation)

Hey Moses! Listen up!! This is God. I have some important stuff to tell you, and I want you to relay it to all of your people:
First of all, I am the best God there is. So don't go looking for a better one. For reasons you wouldn't understand I won't show Myself to you to prove it. I am just telling you.
You better believe what I just said! If you don't, I will persecute you and all your descendants, even your innocent great-grandchildren. You heard what I did to Adam and Eve; so you know what I can do to the innocent, but stupid, people I have created.
Don't try to tell Me what to do or what not to do. That isn't the way it works. The way it works is that I tell you what to do. I'll do what I want to do no matter what you say or pray.
Sunday is My day, and you better not forget it! I would appreciate a little bowing and scraping on Sundays to honor My vanity, but don't do anything to disturb Me.
Well, that's all the really important stuff; but here are a few more things you should know:
Be respectful to your parents. I'm not saying you have to love them, but you better show respect. Later I'll send Someone to talk with you about love and how to treat your children and neighbors and enemies. For now you'll just have to do the best you can.
I don't want you to go around killing people willy-nilly. I've created some enemies that I may need your help to deal with (such as heretics, witches, homosexuals, abortionists, etc.), but I'll give you specific instructions concerning them when the time comes. Meantime, don't kill anyone unless I tell you to. Until then, let Me do it!
Don't fool around with another man's wife. His daughters and sisters and other females are okay as long as they're not married.
Stealing another man's property is also out! If you can grab it first, okay. But once he gets it, it's his. Stealing a woman's property? Let Me think about that some more.
Lying about your neighbor is also out. Other lies, if they serve My purposes, may be okay. But watch it!
Don't sit around leering at another man's wife, and don't go slobbering over anything else he has. I'm not really concerned about your wife making eyes at your neighbor's husband. Since I intend you to be the head of your family, I leave that up to you.
(Yes, this is a facetious parody, so don't get all upset at the posting.)
~~~~~~~
I've seen them defined in this manner: "The Ten Commandments refers to a list of moral imperatives or standards from the Judeo-Christian tradition. They were written by God and given to Moses." And in this manner: "as the unattainable standard that does not describe who we are but rather who we should be."

But one of the questions that comes to my mind through all of these descriptions and explanations is, if we (humans) have such a difficult time with these 10, why have we made so many more "rules", "laws", commandments to follow? Although some people will say that these commandments are archaic and no longer relevant, these same people will oftentimes give a whole new set of rules for which others are expected to obey. If society as a whole, without regard to specific religious beliefs, have created a set of laws to help us coexist in harmony with each other, why are so many of us challenged by these relatively simple rules? I for one, think it is worth my time and effort to ask myself these questions and earnestly seek a truthful answer. For in that process I may be able to define who I am, who I want to be, and how I can make a contribution to the community for which I am a part.

How about you? Are you up for the effort?