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August 28, 2009
Volume 156, Number 17
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Question: Where have all the men gone?
Answer: Hunting, fishing,
home...almost anywhere
but to church
By Rachel L. Toalson
Managing Editor
Robert Thornton of Corpus Christi doesn’t really know why he doesn’t go to church. He’s just…never “really been real strong on going to church every Sunday.”
He’ll go every now and then, for special occasions—holidays, his grandkids’ baptisms or confirmations or graduations out of some program or another. He just has other things to do on Sunday morning.
Mow the lawn. Work around the house. Watch a little football.
He is not alone. Not even close.
In fact, the men who do go to church on Sunday mornings might just consider themselves the ones who are alone. Because of the five out of six American men who call themselves Christians, only two of them attend church on any given Sunday, according to the Barna Research Group, which measures church attendance and trends in all denominations.
One out of three attendees to church is a man. Two out of three are women. This is true in 70 percent of United Methodist churches, 55 percent of Baptist churches and 25 percent of nondenominational churches, also according to Barna Research Group. The gender gap stays consistent for all age categories.
This Sunday, about 25 percent of married, churchgoing females will worship without their husbands.
Fewer than 10 percent of the nation’s churches can successfully establish or maintain a “vibrant” men’s ministry, according to the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries, while 110 percent of the nation’s churches offer “vibrant” women’s and children’s ministries.
 Men from San Antonio and surrounding areas joined together for a Men of Light conference last year. More than 800 attended for worship and teaching.
“It is quite evident that adult male participation has significantly decreased over the years,” he said.
The church misses out
A Hartford Seminary study showed that church growth, health and harmony were directly correlated with the presence of involved men in the church. At the same time, an absence of male participation in churches was strongly associated with congregational decline.
Barna Research Group goes so far to say that a lack of male involvement in churches is a predictor of church decline.
“Men are the spiritual leaders of their families,” said Huck Nelson, member of Taft UMC and husband of Melissa Nelson, who pastors the church. “If the man joins, the family congeals around the father and that male image. The sons look to their father. The daughters look to their father.
 Mike Johnson, a member of Riverside Community in Spring Branch, helps set up for Sunday worship every Sunday morning. He is one of a team of men who set up a portable stage, chairs, sound equipment and other worship elements.
“Among younger men, the absence of the father is often followed by the absence of the sons and then the whole family,” Thompson said. “That is why we say that when the church wins the father, the family follows.”
Nancy McDougall, a deacon in the Southwest Texas conference who specializes in Christian education and faith formation, said research shows that when a mother attends church regularly, the family will follow 17 percent of the time. When a father attends church regularly, families will follow 93 percent of the time.
It’s a scary statistic, she said, considering how few men attend The United Methodist Church on a regular basis.
“But it’s an important statistic that shows us how critical it is that we are attractive to male populations at our churches,” McDougall said.
Thompson said the absence of men also has other negative effects on the church.
“Because of the cultural imbalance of incomes, the absence of men has a definite fiscal impact on the church,” he said. “Because of their inherent gifts and talents, the absence of men affects the maintenance of the church. And because of their social influence, the absence of men diminishes the evangelistic effectiveness of the local church.”
Fortunately, he added, many United Methodist women’s groups have stepped forward to keep “many of our churches, especially the smaller congregations, alive.”
Men need the church
The Hartford Institute for Religion Research reports that men who go to church are more likely to express a higher level of satisfaction with their lives, stay happily married, have less depression and higher self esteem and be more engaged husbands and fathers than men who don’t go to church.
The National Longitudinal Survey of youth also found that teens with religious fathers are more likely to say they enjoy spending time with their dad and that they admire him.
Church has its competition
So where are all the men?
“There’s no single factor that contributes to the decrease of men in our churches,” Thompson said. “As our congregations age, we are losing men to death, illness and mobility issues.
“But, unfortunately, church often loses out to alternative Sunday opportunities, like hunting, fishing, golf, team sports and jobs that require working on Sundays.”
Thompson said in David Murrow’s book Why Men Hate Going to Church, Murrow says that men of all ages find church boring and, when given a choice of “doing the same old thing” at church or doing anything else, they choose anything else.
“Men find their heroes in stadiums or on race tracks,” McDougall said. “But with minor course adjustments, churches could be more attractive to men.”
“We don’t want to give up on men,” Nelson said. “Our churches can’t give up on men. We will miss out. Woe to us if we do.”
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Conference leaders attend School
of Congregational Development
 Missing from the picture is the Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones and her husband, the Rev. David Gilliam. From left to right (back row): the Rev. Charles Baskin, William Horan, the Rev. Mark Deaton, Cynthia Deaton, Ralph Thompson. (Front row) Heidi Baskin, the Rev. Karen Horan, the Rev. Kim Cape.
Evanston, Ill., was the site of the 2009 School of Congregational Development (SCD), a gathering of several hundred United Methodist clergy and laity who were seeking tools and resources to help them create and develop disciple-making faith communities. The General Board of Discipleship, Path 1, and the General Board of Global Ministries joined with the Northern Illinois Annual Conference in welcoming United Methodist leaders from across the United States and beyond.
In addition to recognizing the need for new faith communities in growth areas without a United Methodist presence, the SCD stressed the need to recognize our existing churches as potential “new faith communities” that, through prayer, training, and “retooling,” are capable of growth by effectively reaching out to communities in transition and to people who are currently being underserved.
SCD 2009 events focused on several areas where new and existing congregations could find success:
- The need to identify, recruit, and develop younger clergy and lay leadership
- Discerning and implementing new ministries that are more in tune with the needs of the church’s ministry fields AND the gifts and talents of the congregation
- Revisiting our Wesleyan roots and doctrines and a good starting point for understanding who we are and what we are called to do as United Methodists
- Becoming more seamlessly involved in the life of the communities where we serve
- Reassessing and refining the vision, mission and values of the local church
- Reviewing our allegiance to homegrown traditions that MAY be holding back the local church from reaching its full potential
- Becoming more aware and involved in opportunities made available through the United Methodist connectional system
- Creating more visitor-friendly worship, with music and content that are more relevant to the people the church hopes to attract
- Encouraging lay and clergy leadership to not settle for mediocrity (the status quo) in the life cycle of the congregation
- Placing the worship and honor of God above all things, through intentional prayer, worship, fellowship, and ministries
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Rusty Freeman responds to baptism concerns
The Rev. Rusty Freeman is responding to concerns about a baptism picture that ran in the Aug. 14 edition of the United Methodist Witness. The picture showed Freeman baptizing a student during one of his youth summer camps.
Dear Southwest Texas Conference pastors and friends,
I would like to offer a quick response to those who might be concerned with the baptism of two of our students at camp this summer.
First, let me say baptisms at camp are not a common practice. This summer, two youths were baptized but only in consultation with their pastors and parents. These are the only two students who have been baptized in the 10 years of my relationship as the conference director of youth ministries. In addition, both have been active in conference youth ministry for many years and feel a close connection to the ongoing “body of Christ” as experienced through summer camps and Midwinter retreats.
Second, it is not my desire to undermine the authority or the role of the presence of a local congregation or pastor. I take very seriously the act of baptism, and it was only through previous conversations and prayerful consideration that this sacrament was performed. It is my hope that discipleship of these youth continues within the presence of the local congregation.
Finally, the Holy Spirit was present and moving mightily in the lives of these students this summer. Their baptisms were not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a well thought out affirmation resulting from weeks (even years) of conversation and prayer. I celebrate God’s movement in the lives of these youth this summer as well as the connection we have as United Methodists in the Southwest Texas Conference.
May the Lord continue to strengthen us all as we help reach youth with the common purpose of growing them into effective and life-changing disciples of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely,
Rev. Rusty Freeman
Director of Youth Ministries
Southwest Texas Conference
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Connecting with God’s peace through music, silence
By Linda Keen
Director of Leadership Development
Church music leaders, Christian educators, lay speakers and clergy members yearning for peace through spiritual growth will be helped to RETHINK CHURCH through worship and prayer Jan. 11-16. FEAR NOT—Choosing Peace in a frightening world will focus five nights and parts of six days when the Academy for Spiritual Formation offers 16 worship services including daily Eucharist, in a rhythm of prayer & study, silent reflection & holy hilarity, and solitude & community. In collaboration with the Academy Office at Upper Room Ministries, GBOD Nashville, the Southwest Texas Conference Board of Discipleship is able to again offer world-class faculty leadership. Each day two faculty members will present Christ-centered study and spirit-enlivening empowerment for the gathered community.
Faculty leaders are the Rev. R. Grace Imathiu and Elise Eslinger. Imathiu is an ordained elder in the Methodist Church of Kenya, currently pastor of Brown Deer UMC, Wisconsin, a small diverse congregation in the outskirts of Milwaukee. She authored Matthew’s Message and Words of Fire, Spirit of Grace, a collection of sermons. As a preacher and Bible study teacher, Imathiu is in constant demand around the world including the Festival of Homiletics, where more than 700 clergy members from various denominations gather to hear the nation’s best preachers.
Elise Eslinger is a uniquely gifted musician and editor of the highly acclaimed Upper Room Worshipbook (2006). She is a sought-after leader in UM worship and spirituality. Formerly a staff member of the General Board of Discipleship, Eslinger is currently a staff member at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Her worship leadership has given shape to the Upper Room Academy program and promises to inspire and renew musical leadership in the Southwest Texas Conference. Elise holds a master’s degree in Theology and Liturgy from St. Meinrad’s Archabbey and Seminary, Indiana.
The servant team consists of the Rev. Dr. John Fluth, the Rev. Judy Holloway, the Rev. Sue Huntsman, the Rev. Dr. Mel Hazlewood, Jackie Heupel, and Linda Keen. Location will be Zephyr Encampment on Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis, in the spacious Marshall Center. Participants will enjoy calming lakeside breezes, healthy snacks and hearty meals, double or single occupancy, with linens provided. Registration is through the conference events registrar. Typical five day academy fees across the nation average $400-500; however, participants may enjoy a nearly half discount ($250) thanks to partial funding from a grant from the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Health, Wholeness and Education Fund and the Program Priority Fund of the Conference Council on Ministries. Contact Fluth at john@fluth.com.
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United Methodist Women news
UMW annual meeting to be Oct. 9-10 in Gonzales
The United Methodist Women of the Southwest Texas Conference will be celebrating their 35th Annual meeting Oct. 9-10, at First UMC, 426 St. Paul Street, Gonzales. The meeting will be hosted by the Victoria District. The invitation is extended to all United Methodist women, families, friends, neighbors and pastors. Keynote speaker for the celebration will be Barbara Dorff, educator, active United Methodist Woman and wife of Bishop Jim Dorff.
There will be historical tours of Gonzales on Oct. 9 beginning at 2:45 p.m., as well as a celebration banquet at 7 p.m. The business meeting will be on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. For more information contact Cheryl Meadows at cmeadows2@stx.rr.com or (830) 672-7711. Hotel and registration information is available on the conference UMW Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/swtxumw.
UMW pledges $210,000 for mission work
By Evelyn Burleson
Southwest Texas Conference UMW Treasurer
The Southwest Texas Conference UMW has pledged $210,000 for mission work of The United Methodist Church. So far two quarters have passed, with a total of $78,909.22 being received to fulfill this pledge. Additionally, UMW members have given $10,798.05 of designated funds, but this does not count toward our pledge.
As a reminder, Five Star Units/Five Star Women must give to each undesignated category: Pledge, Gift to Mission, Gift in Memory, Special Recognition and World Thank Offering. A candle burning ceremony will be held at both district and conference annual meetings. The ceremony is to emphasize the mission work of the church. Women’s Division donates $31.14 per minute to missions. The candle will burn a second for every 52 cents donated. Money can be donated “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” friends or family.
I am happy to report that the following donations were received at our School of Christian Mission: $455.77 to mission giving; $455.77 to SWTC UMW Christian Vocation Scholarships; children and youth sponsored Noisy Offering for Sudan Project, Advance No. 184385, $451.42; Silent Auction, $1,040.00 for Mission Giving; UMCOR Health Kits for a net amount so far of $1,387.00. Through the generosity of Kerrville District President Schatzie Norris, who delivered the health kits to UMCOR at Baldwin, La., we were able to save the postage.
More than 235 attend 2009 mission school
By Vernelle Moncure
2009 School of Christian Mission Dean
The Southwest Texas Conference School of Christian Mission was July 16-19 at Mt. Wesley in Kerrville. More than 235 women, men, youth and children attended. The group studied “The Beauty and Courage of Sudan,” “Native American Survival,” and “Food and Faith.” Other activities included swimming and video previews, computer classes and a silent auction that was well supported. Money from the auction went to support UM Women mission giving.
Health Kits for UMCOR were solicited from each UMW unit in support of the Sudan study. More than 1,400 kits were collected, along with more than $2,000 for toothpaste and kit delivery. The kits were delivered shortly afterwards to Sager Brown UMCOR Depot in Baldwin, La. by Schatzie and Keith Norris of the Kerrville District.
Next year’s School of Mission will be July 15-18. The studies will be For the Love of God: John’s Letters, Mission & Evangelism and the second part of the study on Sudan.
Assembly 2010 celebrates, empowers
By Sue Sidney
UMW President
As United Methodist Women who are disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to share…
Faith: Our belief in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.
Hope: Our expectation of needs met for all.
Love: Our sisterhood of grace and our embodiment of justice.
In Action: We find fulfillment of Faith, Hope and Love in the name of Jesus Christ.
April 30-May 2, in St. Louis, Mo., a gathering of women will convene for Assembly 2010—a three-day conference hosted by United Methodist Women celebrating and empowering women of faith in mission for women, children and youth. This event, which has taken place since 1942, represents one of the largest and most diverse groups of women of faith from the largest denominational faith organization for women.
The Southwest Texas Conference UMW is offering four $325 scholarships for those attending the assembly for the first time. The deadline for application, which can be found online at www.gbgm-umc.org/swtxumw, is Dec. 15.
Early bird registration for the assembly is $215 until midnight Nov. 30. All information about the assembly and registration forms can be found at www.umwmission.org. For information about the conference scholarships, call Sue Sidney at (512) 259-8623.
Assembly bus trip promises fun, fellowship
By Joyce Brown
UMW Secretary
Have you ever wanted to visit some of our United Methodist mission sites? If you go on the bus trip to Assembly April 26-29, 2010, you will see Wesley-Rankin Community Center in Dallas; Camp Aldersgate and Black Community Developers in Little Rock, Ark.; Mt. Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center in Fayetteville, NC. The cost is $646.75 if we have 25 people on the bus, which includes the bus, rooms en route, dinner and breakfast at Mt. Sequoyah and the assembly hotel room.
Previous trips have included stops at the UMCOR Depot, Red Bird Mission, Lake Junaluska, and the Heifer Project. And there were many unplanned adventures: getting stuck in a ditch of water at the OIMC campgrounds, having a flat tire in east Texas, giving an immigrant water and food in the Arizona desert and going through a glass factory. The bus ride is not just long days of driving. We have worship services, play 10,000, try to say everyone’s names on the bus, have scavenger hunts, knit afghans, read books, visit, have ice cream stops in the afternoon, work word puzzles and form lifetime friendships.
The bus is handicap accessible. Our bus owner and driver Don Ball has driven each Assembly bus, so he is very familiar with us and our activities. Join us for an exciting four days. Contact Joyce Brown at jbrown2@suddenlink.net or (361) 578-3070 for more information. Information about the bus and a scholarship is available on the Southwest Texas Conference UMW Web Site: www.gbgm-umc.org/swtxumw.
Pursue social justice
By Gloria Scott
Conference UMW Social Action Coordinator
The Social Action focus is a pursuit of social justice, through our spiritual and biblical foundation. The district and unit Social Action Mission Coordinators have been working diligently to make a difference in our top three priorities: health care, public education and environment.
The priorities for this year as set at the 2009 Legislative Event are: health care—children and elderly; public education; and environment. The Green Award Program, which emphasizes ways to protect the environment, has included community garden projects and provided a major source of food and environmental improvement in some communities.
Women take day apart
By Joanne Wilshusen
The Corpus Christi District UMW set aside April 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Wesley Community Center in Corpus Christi as a day apart when women, children and youth came together for a time to grow in body, mind and spirit, in company with their Native American neighbors.
Vikki Schwarz, gifted teacher, musician and worship leader, and Locinda Landry, member of Lipan Apache Tribe, led the group in the spiritual growth experience as women shared their faith, their culture and their spirituality.
For the closing service of Holy Communion, worshipers were reminded of the Native Americans’ Sacred Circle. All joined in a circle as they participated in a moving worship experience, passing the elements to one another.
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Kerrville District news
Alaska Taught me about Stewardship
 Tail of a humpback whale near Juneau, Alaska
Kerrville District Superintendent
This summer we traveled in Alaska but more importantly, Alaska traveled into me. Not only is this the largest state in the Union but it is unique, full of beauty and majesty. The wildlife is abundant and the streams are pristine. The air is cool and crisp and clean. The peoples of Alaska take stewardship seriously as they care for the land and waterways. They have a sacred relationship with wildlife. They spoke with pride the obligation they have to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to their care. Something happened within me on my trip to Alaska.
My eyes were opened to my own personal stewardship, that is my rather weak stewardship towards the earth. As superintendent of the Kerrville District, I drive a lot of miles and spend many hours on the highway. In Alaska I honestly did not see trash lying around as I do here in my home state. Traveling from Kerrville to San Antonio this morning, I saw trash strewn along the highway. When I entered into the city limits of the place of my birth, I was very disturbed with what I observed. In the span of one mile along 1604, I counted over one hundred pieces of trash. Sorry but the truth is the truth: too many of us don’t take the stewardship of the earth and her resources as seriously as we should. The highway should not be the depository of our hamburger wrappers nor our used baby diapers. I see various kinds of beverage bottles and cans scattered along rural highways. While I was pastor at Coker, I drove on E. North Loop Road virtually every day for nine years. It was the dumping ground for old couches, mattresses, washing machines and all kinds of junk. The unwritten policy along that road is that if there is no one looking do what you think you have to do. Dump to your hearts content. But whilst I point out the sins of others, may I confess my own. Years ago, as a young man, I changed the oil in my car and poured that black gunk down a sewer. I felt justified because it was at the end of the block, no one was looking and “out of sight is out of mind.” I got rid of the mess but ultimately I polluted the river. In my ignorance I did not think about the consequences of my actions. I was no better than the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in Alaska years ago. Mine was on a much smaller scale but my sin was no less.
This morning I was challenged when I saw a woman taking a walk in a local neighborhood who was simply picking up trash as she took her morning walk. She carried a bag and filled it along her way. She showed me a positive example of what it means to make a difference. She was taking her stewardship responsibilities seriously. She showed her love of the earth and ultimately to our Creator who endowed us with this beauty that lies all around us. Alaska is a beautiful place to visit but I love my homeland of Texas. Thank you Alaska for reminding me of what my farming/ranching grandparents tried to teach me long ago: “ take care of the good earth and it will take care of you.”
Visitors Determine the Heartbeat of the Congregation
By Bob Moulder
Kerrville District Lay Leader
Worship is central to the spiritual vitality of a faith community. Through it, newcomers and visitors determine the heartbeat of the congregation. Public worship is for more than just believers; it is the point at which the gospel intersects with the world. Worship is the unique place where people experience the living God in community for the purpose of serving others. This experience is not just for insiders; instead, it is a witness to the community a large of what the faith community believes, practices, and is called to do as it hears the call to transform the world through the power of Jesus Christ. It takes but a moment of time, And minimal energy spent, To pass an encouraging word, To one who’ll be glad it was sent. ---Hess
The human spirit soars with hope when lifted by an encouraging word.
Note: Watch this column each month for words of encouragement, joy, hope and peace.
District happenings
 Ray and Susan Johnson primeing outside of home
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Corpus Christi District news
A Thank You Note from Barbara Ruth
One of my great failings in life is not writing all the thank you notes I have intended to write, so before I get too caught up in my ministry again, I want to thank you for the renewal leave I was granted for two months this summer.
Some years ago, General Conference approved the insertion in the Discipline of two paragraphs granting renewal leave to superintendents and pastors. In the 2008 Discipline, paragraph 425 relates to superintendents, and paragraph 351.3 relates to local church pastors. As a superintendent, I have learned that these paragraphs are often misunderstood by pastors as an entitlement and not a privilege and misunderstood by laity as one more opportunity for pastors to neglect their responsibilities.
This is the second time I have taken a renewal leave. The first time was when I had led a church through two capital funds campaigns and a building campaign as only part of my responsibilities. It was both an exhilarating and exhausting time in my ministry, and I was aware that, if I was going to lead that church into the next stage of its life, it would be tough for me as I was mentally and spiritually exhausted. At that time, I had been in active ministry twenty-two years.
The SPRC of the church I served was very supportive of my renewal leave and provided not only the time but also some funding. They understood that they were supporting this leave, not only for the long-term health of their church, but for the long-term future of my ministry in the annual conference.
Laity can misunderstand what a renewal leave provides, stating that such leave is not provided in their own vocations where they work just as hard as pastors. That’s what makes it a privilege for pastors to have this opportunity for renewal—it isn’t provided in all vocations.
But there is wisdom in what these paragraphs provide for pastors whose vocations are different from some others. The simplest difference that takes a toll on pastors is being available to respond to crises 24/7. Long years of service to the various crises in others’ lives have changed my internal reaction to phone calls. Whenever my home or cell phones ring, I always assume that something is wrong, that some crisis has occurred. My stomach may lurch a little in expectation of what I may be called out to see or do. Understand that this often does not fit with the reality of the actual phone call, but it is the result of responding time and again day and night to the crises of others.
What renewal means to pastors is as unique as the individuals who serve as pastors. I want to thank you for the opportunities I had to be in God’s astounding creation, where I saw so many beautiful natural sights and was reminded of how great is the Creator and how awesome is creation. I want to thank you for the time I had to be quiet and reflect on my life and ministry, sometimes while visiting ancient spiritual sites where I was confronted by the fact that Christians in former times sacrificed for God in Jesus Christ in ways I would be incapable of sacrificing. I want to thank you for the time I had to be with family members, even the time I spent preparing for the newest family member to come, our first grandchild.
I’m back, rested and raring to go! I can’t wait to see where the Spirit leads us in the coming months for Christ’s sake.
St. John’s UMC Celebration
St. John’s UMC invites the public to an Open House celebrating the completion of their new Community Life Center. On August 29, from 10 until 2, you can enjoy a hot dog lunch, moonwalk, petting zoo, entertainment on the stage, tours of the building, and more. Come to 5300 S. Alameda or call the church office at 991-4342 for more information.
District happenings
By Linda Morrow
Director of District Ministries
There is much happening within the Corpus Christi district. Plans are underway for the District South Awards Celebration on September 19th at First UMC in Corpus. The evening will include good food, music by the men’s group from St. John’s UMC, and time to celebrate those who have “Let Light Shine” in their church, community and district.
October brings many opportunities:
Variak Khus, of Methodist Healthcare Ministries will be in the District on October 1st to help all those interested in learning how to apply for grants. This evening of training will be a basic hands-on workshop. It is scheduled from 6pm -9pm at the District office.
The Older adult workshop “Mind, Body & Soul” will be held at St. John’s UMC on October 3rd from 9am – 1pm. There will be four different workshops involving the Mind, the Body and the Soul.
The Lay Speaking team has planned training for both Basic Lay Speaker and Advanced Lay Speakers at Portland First UMC on the weekend of October 16 -17. To register for these classes contact the District office (361) 852-8268 or Sharon Cooke (361) 643-6113.
On October 24th at St. John’s UMC we will have our final time with Don Nations from 10am -2pm as we celebrate where we have been and where we are going as we seek to be transformed.
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McAllen District news
Disciples Please Don’t Be Profane
By Leo Carrasco
Pastor FUMC Hebbronville
I was watching a documentary on moviemaking and heard something that really shocked me. “We have no responsibility to preach morality,” he said. “My job is to produce and make films that make money. If the public wants to pay money to see this garbage that’s what we’ll give them.”
A television news executive was asked recently about the graphic and numerous depictions of violence on the six-o-clock news and he said, “Look, here’s the rule, if it bleeds it leads.”
A super big name sports super star was asked about his responsibility as a role model. He said, “I’m no role model, that’s the parents’ responsibility, not mine. Scoring points and winning games, that’s my job.”
One day, I overheard a group of people gossiping about someone I knew. I knew I needed to step in and defend my friend but for some reason I kept quiet; didn’t say a word.
All of this relates to the scripture in Mark 14 in which Simon Peter denied His Lord --three times. The point is clear that profanity and discipleship don’t go together. There are many marks of Christian faith and discipleship; profanity is not one of them.
Profanity is more than just cursing. It’s much deeper than that. Profanity is denying Christ by treating Holy things, or human beings, or sacred relationships with contempt, disrespect, and disregard. Our words can be profane, but more than that, we can be profane in our attitudes and actions.
For example hate is profane. Arrogance and prejudice is profane. So are jealousy, pettiness, resentment, bitterness, and ingratitude.
Any attitude that treats persons with disrespect is profane. I know some people that would never think of saying a dirty word; yet, they are some of the most profane people I know.
For whatever reason we use profanity, it’s wrong. Every time we express profanity in words or attitudes or actions we are denying our Lord and if you listen really carefully you can hear a rooster crowing in the distance.
Profanity and discipleship just don’t go together.
From church to church, Amen!
Amen to San Benito FUMC, who had a youth-led worship service on Pentecost Sunday. Everyone wore RED. Following the service they had a 5th Sunday luncheon that was served by the youth. The money raised will go to help in the remodeling of their youth room, “The J Station.”
Amen to Zapata UMC, who celebrated the Pentecost Service with memorial dedications and by releasing red balloons before a church picnic in the fellowship hall. You could see red everywhere on this special day.
Amen to Mission First UMC, who celebrated their new Welcome Center with an Open House on July 19, 2009. What a wonderful way to show Christ’s love to those coming to worship at their church for the first time!
Amen to Edinburg First UMC, for continuing their “In His Steps” Program this year. This program provides vouchers for shoes enabling needy families in the community to provide new shoes for their children in time for school.
Amen to the McAllen District Churches who hosted or participated in Vacation Bible School this summer. VBS is an awesome and fun opportunity for churches to reach out into the community and teach children about Jesus through worship, music, crafts, games, and so much more.
Amen to First UMC, Alice, for developing a new and creative ministry that will help feed the hungry by baking bread together, having a devotion and time of fellowship. Each participant bakes 2 loaves – one to keep and one to give away.
Amen to Wesley UMC, Harlingen congregation for hosting a group of youth and adults from Parkway UMC Houston as they jointly worked on mission projects in the Harlingen and San Benito communities.
Amen to Wesley UMC, Harlingen for moving forward on two projects near the sanctuary. The construction of a music room will include building two new bathrooms that are handicap accessible. The second project is a ramp to replace the sidewalk in front of the sanctuary providing easier access to the church offices and sanctuary.
Amen to First UMC, McAllen providing 130 backpacks filled with school supplies that will be given to needy school aged children in Mexico. The backpacks will be handed out through the Methodist Church in Reynosa, Mexico. Donations were given by the congregation.
Amen to First UMC, McAllen’s Young Women’s Ministry who are in service for others by providing home cooked meals and casseroles to those who are sick, new parents, or those who just need a night off cooking. The dishes are prayed over before being delivered.
Amen to First UMC, Laredo for starting a new ministry “Abundant Crop Sharing” that will benefit many people. Rather than letting produce go to waste, farmers and gardeners are encouraged to bring their over abundant produce on Sundays that will be placed in a basket for anyone to take home. In return, leaving a good-will offering will be appreciated and will be donated to the Emergency Fund.
Amen to the McAllen District Churches that continue the Angel Food Ministries. One order of $30.00 per box per person is enough food for one month. This is also a wonderful ministry of service for those who aren’t able to participate physically in other ministries. Order and purchase one (or more) boxes per month that will be donated to a needy family of your choice or at the church’s discretion.
Amen to First UMC, Alice for continuing the CrossBar Coffeehouse for their youth. These are very challenging times for our youth. The Coffeehouse provides a positive and spiritual environment that helps keep our youth focused on Christ.
Amen to First UMC, La Feria’s Wesley nurse, Candy Wiley who shares a list of helpful tips for a safer home. The Home Safety Council dedicates June as Home Safety Month.
Amen to First UMC, La Feria who invited the La Feria High School students UIL State competitors to bring their horn sextet, saxophone & horn quartet and play their hearts out for Christ during their Wednesday night Gospel Service.
Amen to St. Mark United Methodist Church youth for keeping active for Christ during the summer months.
Do you have an AMEN to share about the McAllen District? If so contact Luvy Carrasco by email. (luvcar_23@hotmail.com)
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