Candler School of Theology cordially invites you to attend two lectures about living a life of simplicity. The lectures are free but tickets are required.
Explore the relationship between spiritual and financial well-being by attending “Simple Enough?,” a lecture series sponsored by Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and featuring renowned United Methodist Church pastors and authors The Rev. Adam Hamilton and The Rev. Dr. Paul Escamilla.
Both speakers will address how to live a life of “less” despite being immersed in a culture that entices us with “more.” The lectures take place on February 1 and March 29.
February 1: Adam Hamilton speaks at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Reverend Hamilton is the founding pastor of the 17,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and the author of nine books. He will discuss his book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity a popular resource for adult religious education in hundreds of UMC churches. Get Tickets.
Paul Escamilla lectures March 29, 7 p.m., Cannon Chapel. He is pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, and author of Longing for Enough in a Culture of More (Abingdon Press, 2007), a collection of 25 brief meditations that are used for private and group study. Organized in five topics: The Good Book, The Good Life, the Good Work, The Good Society, and The Good Earth, the essays make the “life of enough” seem a natural next step in the lives of Christians. The book will be the focus of Escamilla’s lecture. Get Tickets.
For more information, go to candler.emory.edu.
Showing posts with label Stewardship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stewardship. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Simple living not necessarily simple
A UMNS Report
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg* 1:00 P.M. EST Nov. 19, 2010
John Wesley espoused three simple rules: Do no harm, do good and stay in love with God.
Though these rules sound — and are — incredibly simple, actually practicing them is anything but easy.
“I have a hunger for us to return to some of the original values and lifestyles of the early church and the early Methodist movement,” the Rev. Ryan Wieland, 28, said. He serves Ridley Park United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania.
He cited Acts 2:45 (The Message). “They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.”
Recently, United Methodist Communications asked 4,000 United Methodists how they felt about simple living, using the definition: “a lifestyle characterized by consuming only that which is required to sustain life.”
More than 500 people, both laity and clergy, answered the survey.
Living simply “is necessary for the survival of the planet and humankind, physically and spiritually,” the Rev. Nick Keeney, 31, wrote. He serves Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston, Pa.
Another respondent said mission experiences prove eye opening. “I meet in my mission work persons to whom our surplus represents unimagined riches. Such an imbalance bothers me.”
The Rev. Douglas Dean, 64, of Faith United Methodist Church, Oregon, Ohio, agreed. “The ‘simple lifestyle’ is a part of the equation for a ‘balanced life,’” he said.
Different things to different people
For some, living simply offers an opportunity to strengthen one’s spirituality. Others choose this lifestyle to improve their health and alleviate stress, to have more “quality time” with loved ones, to reduce their personal ecological footprint or to save money. Socio-political goals such as conservation, social justice, ethnic diversity and sustainable development motivate some people.
However, talking and actually putting words into practice are two different things.
“In theory, I believe that living simply is what my faith requires, but in fact I don’t make it a priority,” a respondent admitted.
Another commented, “I try to reduce my usage of natural resources and to be more self-sufficient. But I use much more than is really needed to sustain life.”
Several noted that the U.S. infrastructure largely depends on locked-in resource-usage patterns.
“Alternatives to electricity, water, natural-gas usage and garbage recycling are seldom available in ways that have a measurable overall impact,” the Rev. Pat Dunbar, 52, said. She serves Dawsonville (Ga.) United Methodist Church.
“While I may be interested in a simple lifestyle,” she continued, “it is a fight against the very business and government forces we put in place.”
Continued at the following link: http://barefootpreachr.org/2011/01/10/simple-living-not-necessarily-simple-umc-org/
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg* 1:00 P.M. EST Nov. 19, 2010
John Wesley espoused three simple rules: Do no harm, do good and stay in love with God.
Though these rules sound — and are — incredibly simple, actually practicing them is anything but easy.
“I have a hunger for us to return to some of the original values and lifestyles of the early church and the early Methodist movement,” the Rev. Ryan Wieland, 28, said. He serves Ridley Park United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania.
He cited Acts 2:45 (The Message). “They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.”
Recently, United Methodist Communications asked 4,000 United Methodists how they felt about simple living, using the definition: “a lifestyle characterized by consuming only that which is required to sustain life.”
More than 500 people, both laity and clergy, answered the survey.
Living simply “is necessary for the survival of the planet and humankind, physically and spiritually,” the Rev. Nick Keeney, 31, wrote. He serves Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston, Pa.
Another respondent said mission experiences prove eye opening. “I meet in my mission work persons to whom our surplus represents unimagined riches. Such an imbalance bothers me.”
The Rev. Douglas Dean, 64, of Faith United Methodist Church, Oregon, Ohio, agreed. “The ‘simple lifestyle’ is a part of the equation for a ‘balanced life,’” he said.
Different things to different people
For some, living simply offers an opportunity to strengthen one’s spirituality. Others choose this lifestyle to improve their health and alleviate stress, to have more “quality time” with loved ones, to reduce their personal ecological footprint or to save money. Socio-political goals such as conservation, social justice, ethnic diversity and sustainable development motivate some people.
However, talking and actually putting words into practice are two different things.
“In theory, I believe that living simply is what my faith requires, but in fact I don’t make it a priority,” a respondent admitted.
Another commented, “I try to reduce my usage of natural resources and to be more self-sufficient. But I use much more than is really needed to sustain life.”
Several noted that the U.S. infrastructure largely depends on locked-in resource-usage patterns.
“Alternatives to electricity, water, natural-gas usage and garbage recycling are seldom available in ways that have a measurable overall impact,” the Rev. Pat Dunbar, 52, said. She serves Dawsonville (Ga.) United Methodist Church.
“While I may be interested in a simple lifestyle,” she continued, “it is a fight against the very business and government forces we put in place.”
Continued at the following link: http://barefootpreachr.org/2011/01/10/simple-living-not-necessarily-simple-umc-org/
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hear You Want a Resolution!
You say you want a resolution
Well, you know
We all want to change our world
Talk to me of transformation
Well, you know
We all want to change our world …
I’ve been thinking a lot about what my New Year’s resolution will be this year. Usually, I avoid making resolutions until November so I have a better chance of being successful at keeping them, but this year I have been convicted to make some changes sooner. So, here goes … let me know what you think and help me remain accountable by checking on me to see if I am keeping my resolutions throughout the year!
My Resolutions for 2010:
1. I will give away a piece of me this year by reaching out to people who need a friend or words of encouragement or just a simple hello. Since I have a love of writing and desire to be in relationship with others, I will pursue this resolution by developing the Flat Jesus Project. This project will be designed to help others exchange words of encouragement and network (webpage) with others through the exchange of cards and letters, as well as books and … (and I will seek help from the greater social community to accomplish this.) – I will keep you posted as this is developed.
2. I will be a better steward of what I have and what I need by using what I already possess. Sometimes this will mean giving away what I possess so that others can make better use of it than I would. It also will mean using the knowledge, contacts, intelligence and God-given resources that I have.
3. I will increase my trust in God for my provisions by resisting the urge to add material things to my household. When I see pretty paper for scrapbooking that I just must buy – I will buy a book for a needy child or make a donation to a literacy center or find some way to give back instead of hoarding. This goes for shoes (did I really just say that?!?), clothes, household items and even food!
4. I will spend my time in study of scripture not just for work and supporting others, but so that I may also grow in my personal relationship with God.
5. I will take care of myself and become healthier – my body, mind & spirit. This may be lived out by taking one week this year to just relax and enjoy time with my husband, getting into a fitness routine, or reading a book for pleasure!
6. Finally, I will allow myself to use this YEAR to accomplish these resolutions – not just the first week of January – and if I am not successful one day, I will accept that failure only comes from not trying a second, third, twentieth or even a 364th time!
Okay, so these are my resolutions for transformation, what are yours? How can I improve mine? Would love to hear from you!
Blessings ~
Well, you know
We all want to change our world
Talk to me of transformation
Well, you know
We all want to change our world …
I’ve been thinking a lot about what my New Year’s resolution will be this year. Usually, I avoid making resolutions until November so I have a better chance of being successful at keeping them, but this year I have been convicted to make some changes sooner. So, here goes … let me know what you think and help me remain accountable by checking on me to see if I am keeping my resolutions throughout the year!
My Resolutions for 2010:
1. I will give away a piece of me this year by reaching out to people who need a friend or words of encouragement or just a simple hello. Since I have a love of writing and desire to be in relationship with others, I will pursue this resolution by developing the Flat Jesus Project. This project will be designed to help others exchange words of encouragement and network (webpage) with others through the exchange of cards and letters, as well as books and … (and I will seek help from the greater social community to accomplish this.) – I will keep you posted as this is developed.
2. I will be a better steward of what I have and what I need by using what I already possess. Sometimes this will mean giving away what I possess so that others can make better use of it than I would. It also will mean using the knowledge, contacts, intelligence and God-given resources that I have.
3. I will increase my trust in God for my provisions by resisting the urge to add material things to my household. When I see pretty paper for scrapbooking that I just must buy – I will buy a book for a needy child or make a donation to a literacy center or find some way to give back instead of hoarding. This goes for shoes (did I really just say that?!?), clothes, household items and even food!
4. I will spend my time in study of scripture not just for work and supporting others, but so that I may also grow in my personal relationship with God.
5. I will take care of myself and become healthier – my body, mind & spirit. This may be lived out by taking one week this year to just relax and enjoy time with my husband, getting into a fitness routine, or reading a book for pleasure!
6. Finally, I will allow myself to use this YEAR to accomplish these resolutions – not just the first week of January – and if I am not successful one day, I will accept that failure only comes from not trying a second, third, twentieth or even a 364th time!
Okay, so these are my resolutions for transformation, what are yours? How can I improve mine? Would love to hear from you!
Blessings ~
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12: 1-2
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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."
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."
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Living in eternity
I was able to get out today and see some sweet, dear, friends of mine. We celebrated what God is doing in our Chrysalis community and prayed for discernment of the future of our community. More importantly, we worshiped together. Our time in preparation was too short and we are dealing with an assortment of emotions for what we have lost. Yet, I saw so much joy and love in that room where we were gathered that I can't help but think I am richer for the experience.
That brings me to the rest of my day. After visiting a local hobby store and finding more than I needed, I headed on home to keep myself company. After eating lunch and cuddling a couple of lonely kitties, I began checking my email. Although it is almost mid-summer plans are in full swing for a local charity that helps children with back-to-school items. One of my emails was from a volunteer requesting help with clothing for the children. What struck me about this email was the reminder that with the present economy situation there will more children to help than in the past, and less resources available. We have seen people in the church community seeking help with limited incomes. Several families are dealing with high medical bills or job loss. Others have significant credit card debt. Many people live on limited incomes from retirement sources that have taken a hard hit in the stock market. We are all in some form of "financial crisis". Now I wonder, how are we as people of faith called to respond to the needs of our community? to the elderly and children? to the strangers and the hungry?
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21
Let me go back to my sweet sisters that I met with this morning. The example these women shared with me is the path we could all follow in understanding the call to respond to those in need. You see, today we met to say good-bye for now to each other. These women spent the past two months (some much longer!) preparing to serve God on a special retreat. They met on a regular basis for hours at a time, they prayed for each other and for God's will to be done, they laughed together, sang together, worshiped together, cried together, ate together, supported and loved each other. Each member gave generously from her heart out of her love for Christ. And today it all ended. Our plans and preparations were interrupted by God's perfect will and his perfect plan. And isn't that the way things are supposed to be?
If we are a part of the body of Christ, then is the present economy of the world what we should be focused on? Where we can look for all of our needs to be met is at the cross of Christ. I read this quote recently (from I don't know who!)"Your money follows your heart. Yet you can bring your heart—and thereby your life—closer to God by reallocating your treasure from earthly possessions to eternal blessings. Giving shifts your focus from internal to external ... to eternal."
In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote, "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."" (8:12-15) This scripture speaks to me and tells me, it is time to clean out a closet and pass along those possessions I do not have need for. It's also time for me to forego that cup of coffee and pick up a couple of cans of soup for the local food pantry. And it is certainly time for me to thank God for his blessings and provision of all of my needs.
That brings me to the rest of my day. After visiting a local hobby store and finding more than I needed, I headed on home to keep myself company. After eating lunch and cuddling a couple of lonely kitties, I began checking my email. Although it is almost mid-summer plans are in full swing for a local charity that helps children with back-to-school items. One of my emails was from a volunteer requesting help with clothing for the children. What struck me about this email was the reminder that with the present economy situation there will more children to help than in the past, and less resources available. We have seen people in the church community seeking help with limited incomes. Several families are dealing with high medical bills or job loss. Others have significant credit card debt. Many people live on limited incomes from retirement sources that have taken a hard hit in the stock market. We are all in some form of "financial crisis". Now I wonder, how are we as people of faith called to respond to the needs of our community? to the elderly and children? to the strangers and the hungry?
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21
Let me go back to my sweet sisters that I met with this morning. The example these women shared with me is the path we could all follow in understanding the call to respond to those in need. You see, today we met to say good-bye for now to each other. These women spent the past two months (some much longer!) preparing to serve God on a special retreat. They met on a regular basis for hours at a time, they prayed for each other and for God's will to be done, they laughed together, sang together, worshiped together, cried together, ate together, supported and loved each other. Each member gave generously from her heart out of her love for Christ. And today it all ended. Our plans and preparations were interrupted by God's perfect will and his perfect plan. And isn't that the way things are supposed to be?
If we are a part of the body of Christ, then is the present economy of the world what we should be focused on? Where we can look for all of our needs to be met is at the cross of Christ. I read this quote recently (from I don't know who!)"Your money follows your heart. Yet you can bring your heart—and thereby your life—closer to God by reallocating your treasure from earthly possessions to eternal blessings. Giving shifts your focus from internal to external ... to eternal."
In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote, "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."" (8:12-15) This scripture speaks to me and tells me, it is time to clean out a closet and pass along those possessions I do not have need for. It's also time for me to forego that cup of coffee and pick up a couple of cans of soup for the local food pantry. And it is certainly time for me to thank God for his blessings and provision of all of my needs.
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