Recently we began a new study group at Calvary: Methodism 101. It's a class being led by all the clergy at Calvary (active and retired) and based on the book: Living as United Methodist Christians--Our Story, Our Beliefs, Our Lives, by Andy & Sally Langford.
Certainly, we do have a unique history as United Methodists . . . but God isn't finished with us yet. The best, I believe, is yet to come.
True, the church as we know it may morph and change into other manifestations and movements . . . but this was John Wesley's vision from the beginning. His greatest fear was that the people called "Methodists" would become a dried-up sect, a people void of spirit and passions.
I'm thankful that we are yet alive at Calvary. We are growing, changing, adapting, moving, and helping. Our hands, as well as our hearts, keep us alive. When we become complacent, or stand pat in our faith, we miss the Spirit's lead . . . and so we continue to transition. Thank God. These transitions are evidenced in the scriptures and throughout church history.
Here are other exciting Methodist-related movements you may not know about:
* Sunday, March 3--the Purduettes (singers) will be at Calvary for both worship hours and offer a long program of inspiration in song!
* Sunday, March 10--our District Superintendent, Bert Kite, will be the speaker of the day . . . as Mr. John Wesley himself. You won't want to miss brother John in person, speaking about the warmed heart and asking the question: "How is it with your soul?"
* As I write this, Bob Walters (Indiana Conference Missionary) is in the Congo, working with pastors and communities there. Our United Methodist brothers and sisters in the Congo are us . . . and they are showing us how the Spirit moves through deep faith, commitment to peace, and conversations born of ministry to the least and among those in high places. Keep Bob and Joseph Mulongo and the leaders in your prayers.
I'll see you in the Methodist place soon!
Certainly, we do have a unique history as United Methodists . . . but God isn't finished with us yet. The best, I believe, is yet to come.
True, the church as we know it may morph and change into other manifestations and movements . . . but this was John Wesley's vision from the beginning. His greatest fear was that the people called "Methodists" would become a dried-up sect, a people void of spirit and passions.
I'm thankful that we are yet alive at Calvary. We are growing, changing, adapting, moving, and helping. Our hands, as well as our hearts, keep us alive. When we become complacent, or stand pat in our faith, we miss the Spirit's lead . . . and so we continue to transition. Thank God. These transitions are evidenced in the scriptures and throughout church history.
Here are other exciting Methodist-related movements you may not know about:
* Sunday, March 3--the Purduettes (singers) will be at Calvary for both worship hours and offer a long program of inspiration in song!
* Sunday, March 10--our District Superintendent, Bert Kite, will be the speaker of the day . . . as Mr. John Wesley himself. You won't want to miss brother John in person, speaking about the warmed heart and asking the question: "How is it with your soul?"
* As I write this, Bob Walters (Indiana Conference Missionary) is in the Congo, working with pastors and communities there. Our United Methodist brothers and sisters in the Congo are us . . . and they are showing us how the Spirit moves through deep faith, commitment to peace, and conversations born of ministry to the least and among those in high places. Keep Bob and Joseph Mulongo and the leaders in your prayers.
I'll see you in the Methodist place soon!
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