November Youth Update

Life is going to get more interesting this month.  My wife sprained her ankle (or at least hurt it) this past week and has been unable to put weight on it or walk very well. Hopefully, in a few days she will be better.  We have a full agenda with the Church of God General Assembly, the MSLI, Weekly youth meetings, church, a bowling party and of course, Thanksgiving.  We are always active and blessed with an abundant life from God.  However, it will be different in a couple of aspects – first the good news.  We will be having another grandson due on November 14 with the only obstacle being that it will be in Atlanta, Georgia.  Somehow we will overcome the distance.

photo by José Goulão
photo by José Goulão

The unexpected news is “I need to have extensive knee replacement surgery” on Thursday, November 21st.  SO, this will cause some adjustments in youth scheduling, it will put me down for a few weeks followed by some weekly rehab and hopefully, have me ready to travel to Guatemala in February. Fortunately, I am blessed with a great wife and super youth counselors, Jo & Lawrence Adams, who will carry on the torch through the next couple of months.  We don’t know all the adjustments, however we will keep you informed.  I am asking for your prayers!!  God will be GOOD all the time!

Our Sunday mornings continue to buzz along with our study of “The Parables of Jesus” and the “Circle Maker” will be coming to close just before my surgery.  Our Sunday morning and nights plus Tuesdays have been experiencing great attendance with lots of energy, prayer and the Word of God.  Both youth meetings have had to work through some issues this Fall and that can be shared by your son or daughter.  But, youth is going well and we are growing both spiritually and in numbers. Praise God!

Our fundraisers continue.  Several youth earned money working at the fairgrounds a couple Saturdays ago, we did very well at the Bake Potato Supper, Olive’s yard will begin raking on November 4th, the Gift Card sale ends on November 3rd and we will have a poinsettia & wreath sale beginning next week.  Preparing for registrations for Winter Retreat and the International Youth Convention is keeping us very focused.

There will be a Bowling Party @ Northern Lanes on Saturday, November 16th and we will be packing Community Thanksgiving Baskets at Aldersgate Methodist Church on the afternoon of Sunday, November 24th.  Our Christmas Party will be December 15th.  There will be NO YOUTH on Sunday, November 24th because of the Community Thanksgiving Service at the Meridian Church of God and November 30 because of the Mt. Haley Hanging of the Greens Celebration Service.

We have two Big Events to register for in December. Winter Retreat is the weekend of January 10-12, 2014.  A $50 registration is due to the state office by Wednesday, December 4th.  To accommodate that due date, we will need your $50 and confirmation of attendance by Sunday, November 30.  Registration can take place after that date, but it costs more and the registrations are limited this year.  Tommee Profitt will be the band along with Michael Thigpen as the speaker.  Letters are being sent to parents this week.

The second registrations is the Early Bird Bonus Registration for the International Youth Convention in Nashville, TN on July 5–8, 2014.  The cost is $115 and must be postmarked by December 12, 2013. Registration will continue, however, the cost increases at different due dates.  The Speakers, Worship Leaders and Christian Bands haven’t been announced but they will be “Big Name” venues.  There will be many discussions about raising the funds for food, lodging and transportation.  Parents should have received a letter about this already.

Parents and church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship.  Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.

Love God, Love People

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

Reengaging as the Church of God

Last week, something fascinating unfolded on Facebook.  Church of God Ministries, our national office in Anderson, maintains a Facebook page to help Church of God people connect with each other.  (It’s very similar to Mt. Haley’s Facebook page, but it reaches a much broader audience than ours does.)  Occasionally, the people who maintain that page will ask a question, post a thought, or share a picture – and usually not a whole lot of discussion takes place.

That was not the case this week, when Church of God Ministries asked these questions: “How can the Church of God re-engage congregations, from California to the New England states? And, what would you say the Church of God needs to do to re-engage the younger generation?”

Martin Luther (by Lucas Cranach, 1533)
Martin Luther (by Lucas Cranach, 1533)

What followed was an intense, thoughtful discussion involving many different individuals.  This is rather unusual for Facebook, especially for an online discussion about faith-related issues!  Many of the responses were short and terse calls to “preach the Word of God alone” and “get back to the basics” – a kind of “scripture only” stance that many Christian groups have called for over the years.  (In Latin, one would say “sola scriptura“; that phrase was a guiding principle of the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 1500s.)  While I agree with the principle, there’s nothing uniquely Church of God about that stance.

Many people discussed our annual national campmeeting, which has always been held in Anderson, Indiana.  Some people are calling for a moving, rotating convention so that people in all locations have equal opportunity to attend a campmeeting that is close to them.  Others are concerned about programming, service opportunities, and speakers at these conventions.  Several mentioned how the 20-to-30-something age bracket is missing at the national campmeeting and, not coincidentally, in our local congregations.  Again, many church groups (we can use the word “denominations”) are struggling with issues like these.

But one theme kept popping up over and over.  While all of the above issues are important, the identity of the Church of God resurfaced again and again as a question that needs to be answered.  If we are just another church group that holds annual conventions and connects local churches together and is losing touch with people in their third decade of life, then woe to us.  If we do not have compelling reasons to exist as “The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana),” then perhaps we should join arms with other like-minded church groups like the Nazarenes, Free Methodists, and Wesleyans.  I would argue that history, tradition, hymnody, emotional attachment, and generational connectedness are not good reasons to exist as a denomination.  (These were many of the ideas mentioned in the Facebook discussion!)

Christian faith is about one thing – salvation through Jesus Christ – and the far-reaching consequences of that salvation.  We live in a time of great division and distinction among church groups, and truthfully I don’t see that changing any time soon.  Denominations are here to stay.  While some might question the legitimacy and validity of other church groups (and this is part of our history in the Church of God), I believe each group has something important to contribute to the conversation about salvation through Jesus Christ.

This is what we as the Church of God must figure out in the years that lie ahead.  What is it about our history, theology, hymnody, and traditions that leads us to contribute something unique to the global conversation about Jesus Christ?  Why do we exist as a people?

Only once we have answered these questions will we be able to address the issue of reengaging widely diverging congregations and generations.

Pastor David

P.S. You can read the full Facebook conversation here:

Pursuing Peace

Jesus said some challenging words in the Sermon on the Mount, found in our New Testament in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  Today I’d like you to take a few moments to find and read Matthew 5:38-48.  Do that, if you would, before reading the rest of this article.

There is something counter-cultural about the way Jesus calls us to live.  In the first-century world, the relatively young Roman Empire controlled Palestine, the area in which Jesus lived and ministered.  Jews such as Jesus could have been forced to assist Roman soldiers in carrying supplies and materials for certain distances.  Walking “the second mile” thus became something counter-cultural, almost revolutionary:  it broke down the difference in power between a Jew and a Roman.

In the first-century world, if someone slapped you (with his right hand) on your right cheek, this was a power-building maneuver:  the aggressor states his dominance over you with this action.  Turning the other cheek (to receive another slap), as Jesus instructs, leaves the aggressor with an uncomfortable choice.  Either he must use his left hand, which was considered unclean, or he must use his right hand again – but this time using the front of his hand, not the back of his hand, to strike your left cheek.  Slapping with the front of the hand was understood as a challenge between equals; you might expect the aggressor to say “I challenge you to a duel!” at this point.  Again, this is counter-cultural, almost revolutionary:  Jesus tears down expectations of power-based relationships between people.

One year ago, a teenage girl stood up for the right of girls like her to receive an education.  As a result, in October 2012 she was targeted by aggressors who wished to silence her message by eliminating the messenger.  She and several others were shot, many of them killed, but she survived the gunshot wounds to her face.  This girl spent the next year recovering and continuing to speak out against the injustices in her world.  She became so well-known and beloved for her positions supporting justice and peace that she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year.  Her name?  Malala Yousafzai, a sixteen-year-old Pakistani girl.

photo by United Nations Information Centres
photo by United Nations Information Centres

In a recent television interview, Malala said something truly astounding.  When asked what went through her mind when she realized the Taliban (her eventual attackers) wanted her dead, she said:

I started thinking about that, and I used to think that the Talib would come, and he would just kill me. But then I said, ‘If he comes, what would you do Malala?’ then I would reply to myself, ‘Malala, just take a shoe and hit him.’  But then I said, ‘If you hit a Talib with your shoe, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib. You must not treat others with cruelty and that much harshly, you must fight others but through peace and through dialogue and through education.’ Then I said I will tell him how important education is and that ‘I even want education for your children as well.’ And I will tell him, ‘That’s what I want to tell you, now do what you want.’

Malala Yousafzai is a practicing Muslim.  Jesus is seen as a prophet within Islam, and in many ways I see Malala’s words above echoing Jesus’s thoughts from the Sermon on the Mount.  What she said is counter-cultural, both in Pakistan and in the western world.  Her stance toward her aggressors breaks down power dynamics and asserts the ultimate value that each person in the world has in God’s eyes.

What if we were to pursue peace as strongly in our own lives?  What if we loved and prayed for our enemies?  What if this is what it means to be “perfect” or “complete” or “mature,” as Jesus commanded us to be, in imitation of our heavenly Father?

Pastor David

Fulfilling Your Ministry

What do running a 5k, having itching ears, and serving in the church have in common?  Well, they all are part of Pastor David’s reflections on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, the sermon text for this week’s message.  As we continue our study of this letter to Timothy, how does this passage call us to fulfill our own roles within the church?  Listen in to the sermon by clicking this link.

Listen now!

The Unchained Melody

In 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul writes to Timothy some words of encouragement and reminder about what is really important.  Rather than quarreling about words, Timothy and the church people he serves should hold fast to the eternal Word of God, Jesus Christ.  How can this passage transform the way we use words in our everyday lives?  Listen in to Pastor David’s sermon on this topic:

Listen now!

Carrying the Baton

This week, we begin a study of 2 Timothy, a letter from Paul to a young church leader who is charged with “carrying the baton” of Christian faith into a new generation.  With whom do we identify, Paul or Timothy?  How should we run the race?  And how does this metaphor affect our daily lives?  Listen in to Pastor David’s sermon on 2 Timothy 1:1-14 by clicking the link below:

Listen now!

October Youth Update

We have shifted into HIGH GEAR and are off to a flying start of a new church & school year. We are meeting EVERY Sunday evening @ 6:00 and we want you there!  Come join us for fellowship, fun, games, food, prayer and the Word of GOD.  We are presently discussing & learning about the “Circle of Prayer” and its application of our daily life.   6th & 7th grade boys meet after school on Tuesday every week.  With a new year, it’s important that you complete the 2013-2014 permission slip, which covers activities, trips, and van riding for the whole year.  They were sent to everyone, but let us know if you need one.  Thanks!

photo by arsheffield
photo by arsheffield

Our quest to raise the funds for Winter Retreat in January and the International Youth Convention in Nashville next summer has begun.  After a very successful Mum Sale, we are moving on to a “Baked Potato” supper on Wednesday, October 9th (next week) and a Gift Card sale in the latter half of October.  Gift cards are easy and contribute a % of money for each one sold.  They don’t have to be for gifts because you can purchase gas cards, grocery cards, haircut cards, restaurant cards, shopping cards and the list goes on.  We all know items we will be purchasing – with the cards you just plan ahead and help the youth.  Olive’s Yard is also going to need raking soon, plus we are tentatively selling Poinsettia’s & Wreaths for Christmas.  Meanwhile, collect the pop cans & bottles; they bring in change to us in big ways.

We will be having a “Swimming Party” for all youth 6th grade – college on Sunday, October 13th @ 3:00 PM.  The van will leave the church @ 2:30 PM.  There will be food & games following the swimming @ church then regular Sunday night youth meeting.  We will be going “Bowling” on November 16, packing “Community Thanksgiving” groceries on November 24 and a “Christmas Party” on December 15.  There will be NO youth on Sunday, November 10th because Pastor Jerry & Connie will be attending their granddaughter’s baby dedication in Holland, MI.

We have two Big Events to register for in December. Winter Retreat is the weekend of January 10-12, 2014.  A $50 registration is due to the state office by Wednesday, December 4th.  To accommodate that due date, we will need your $50 and confirmation of attendance by Sunday, November 30.  Registration can take place after that date, but it costs more and the registrations are limited this year.  Tommee Profitt will be the band along with Michael Thigpen as the speaker.

The second registration is the Early Bird Bonus Registration for the International Youth Convention in Nashville, TN on July 5–8, 2014.  The cost is $115 and must be postmarked by December 12, 2013. Registration will continue, but the cost increases at different due dates.  The Speakers, Worship Leaders and Christian Bands haven’t been announced but they will be “Big Names.”  There will be many discussions about raising the funds for food, lodging and transportation.

The Guatemalan Team has been registered and they will begin monthly meetings in October.  We have a team of 16 from 4 churches (mostly Mt. Haley) and will be going February 8–15, 2014.  Thank you for your support.

We are anticipating a great year in the history of the Mt. Haley Youth Ministry. We want everyone to know that our ultimate desire is for each youth of Mt. Haley to accept and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow spiritually every day of his or her life.  We have adapted seven spiritual growth principles (adapted from Andy Stanley) that we will work to develop in our youth. They are:

  1. Authentic Faith:  Are our kids trusting God with the critical areas of their lives?  (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  2. Spiritual Disciplines:  Are our kids developing a consistent devotional and prayer life? (Romans 12:2)
  3. Moral Boundaries:  Are our kids establishing and maintaining Godly moral boundaries? (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
  4. Healthy Friendships:  Are our kids establishing healthy friendships and avoiding unhealthy ones? (Proverbs 12:20)
  5. Wise Choices:  Are our kids making wise choices in every area of their lives?  (Ephesians 5:15-17)
  6. Ultimate Authority:  Are our kids submitting to the authorities God has placed over them?  (Romans 13:1-2)
  7. Others First:  Are our kids putting the needs of others ahead of their own?  (Philippians 2:3-11)

With that in mind, parents and church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated, and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship.  Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.

Love God, Love People!

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

Changing Colors

It’s that time of year again – those few weeks, here in central Michigan, during which millions of leaves change color and fall to the ground.  This could cause a number of reactions within you:  anticipation of the winter months that lie ahead; excitement for the prospect of earning money by raking leaves; or simply amazement at the colorful beauty of the earth.

photo by Knowsphotos

I have been struck by this beauty in the past week or two.  Even on my short walk from home to the church, I can see many shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple – all signs of the changing seasons.  Have you ever wondered about why leaves change color in the fall?  It has been a while since I studied trees in elementary school, so I Googled the subject and found 38.7 million results.  It’s a popular subject!

As you may remember, leaves are green because they contain chlorophyll, a pigment  crucial to the process of photosynthesis.  Chlorophyll helps plants create energy from sunlight; it absorbs light with wavelengths in the red and blue areas of the spectrum.  But chlorophyll reflects green light, which is why living leaves look green.

The trouble is that chlorophyll constantly decays, so it must be constantly replaced by plants.  All spring and summer long, chlorophyll helps plants store up energy so that they can survive the winter.  But when the days grow shorter in the fall and sunlight becomes less readily available, plants stop producing chlorophyll.  At that point, leaves begin to die, slowly lose their greenness, and change into colors that really have been there all along but were covered up by the green pigment.

If you are sensing that I might turn this into an analogy about our spiritual lives, you are figuring me out:  there’s a sermon in everything!  However, I don’t want to compare our lives as believers to the changing colors of leaves for two reasons:

  • Spiritual life is not cyclical.  While trees go through this process year in and year out, we are not guaranteed regular, recurring periods of “spiritual dryness.”  There may be seasons in which we wander in the wilderness, but the light of God does not take a winter-long vacation from us.
  • The sin nature is not always lurking, buried deep within us.  If we think of “green” as “life in Christ” and “red/yellow/etc.” as “sinful living,” then we might reason that our sinfulness is always buried just beneath the surface; if the greenness ever fades away, our “true colors” will show.  But this is not the case.  Salvation is about the gift of a new identity; our sins, red as scarlet, have been washed away by the blood of the Lamb, making us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).  We may turn from Christ and return to sin, but it is not as if sin were lurking inside us, waiting for the right opportunity to take over.

Take a minute to read John 15:1-17, in which Jesus says he is the vine and we are the branches.  One thing is for sure:  leaves (branches) do not stand a chance of surviving if they are disconnected from the tree (vine).  Let’s stay green (bear fruit); let’s remain connected to Christ and to each other.  Let’s continue to find new ways to love each other during the changing seasons of our lives!

–Pastor David