This must be the 'Start of the rainbow' Cause that boat it's on is no 'Pot o Gold' :~)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Prayers answered
aren't always answered the way you thought they'd be.
Our church, Paupack United Methodist, has been going through very tough times for the last 2 years. Being a Methodist church we accept any and all so long as they accept Jesus as their savior. Being the only Protestant Church around we found our our congregation rather heavy with Presbyterians. Nice people but they have a different method of church polity. As Methodist we welcome all but we will not change our methods of administration or mission to suite your denomination no matter how much money you put in the plate. Well as that finally became apparent to them they left. Took their money too. So we're now in a major revival of Methodism but in major financial need.
We, the Administrative Council, have been looking into combining our two services into one. I've been proposing taking parts of the first service, more traditional, parts of the second service, more contemporary, and new forms of worship and creating a new service that might bring more disciples of Christ into our church.
At last nights AdCouncil meeting, which I chair, I found that the vision is mostly mine. The rest are vacillating about committing to a course of action that puts the remainder of 'The Members of Long Standing' at risk of defecting with the Presbyterians. I've pointed out that the children and grandchildren of these fading 'Blue Hairs' don't attend church. Why? 'Cause the present services don't see to their spiritual needs.
Anyway I'd prayed for guidance and I got it. I'll back off. Don't know what the plan is. I never thought it was mine. I've been following the plan that Jesus set before me in the Fall of '75. I've learned not to push the plan but to follow it with a smile on my face and love in my heart. Knowing that all goes as He wishes.
Zipidee
Our church, Paupack United Methodist, has been going through very tough times for the last 2 years. Being a Methodist church we accept any and all so long as they accept Jesus as their savior. Being the only Protestant Church around we found our our congregation rather heavy with Presbyterians. Nice people but they have a different method of church polity. As Methodist we welcome all but we will not change our methods of administration or mission to suite your denomination no matter how much money you put in the plate. Well as that finally became apparent to them they left. Took their money too. So we're now in a major revival of Methodism but in major financial need.
We, the Administrative Council, have been looking into combining our two services into one. I've been proposing taking parts of the first service, more traditional, parts of the second service, more contemporary, and new forms of worship and creating a new service that might bring more disciples of Christ into our church.
At last nights AdCouncil meeting, which I chair, I found that the vision is mostly mine. The rest are vacillating about committing to a course of action that puts the remainder of 'The Members of Long Standing' at risk of defecting with the Presbyterians. I've pointed out that the children and grandchildren of these fading 'Blue Hairs' don't attend church. Why? 'Cause the present services don't see to their spiritual needs.
Anyway I'd prayed for guidance and I got it. I'll back off. Don't know what the plan is. I never thought it was mine. I've been following the plan that Jesus set before me in the Fall of '75. I've learned not to push the plan but to follow it with a smile on my face and love in my heart. Knowing that all goes as He wishes.
Zipidee
Friday, May 02, 2008
Random blather
Well tomorrow, Saturday, I hope to make my last ever trip to John F. Kennedy International airport. It's only about 2 1/2 hrs away but the intensity and density of the traffic is taxing. From now on ‘Dad’ will pick up travelers at Newark, Philly, Avoca or any of the other area airports but he’s not gonna cross the Hudson again.
The trip is to pick up Evan. Wondering how 4 months in Rome and 2 weeks wandering around Europe has affected his outlook. I can only imagine how much smaller Tafton PA will look now.
The inside of the house is being painted --- by me and a helper. Evans return will increase the crew to 3. I was hoping to have the painting done by the 9th but after 2 days of rolling primer on I can see it taking a few more days :~)
Spring is here. The trees that should have bloomed have, the flowers that mark the occasion are up and the weather has turned wet and chilly. We had a week and a half of our summer preview (mid to high 70’s and sunny) but reality had to raise it’s ugly head. Oh well. Zipidee!
The trip is to pick up Evan. Wondering how 4 months in Rome and 2 weeks wandering around Europe has affected his outlook. I can only imagine how much smaller Tafton PA will look now.
The inside of the house is being painted --- by me and a helper. Evans return will increase the crew to 3. I was hoping to have the painting done by the 9th but after 2 days of rolling primer on I can see it taking a few more days :~)
Spring is here. The trees that should have bloomed have, the flowers that mark the occasion are up and the weather has turned wet and chilly. We had a week and a half of our summer preview (mid to high 70’s and sunny) but reality had to raise it’s ugly head. Oh well. Zipidee!
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