Tuesday, September 28, 2004
LAITY REPORT: September 28, 2004
LAY LEADER JOHN FUTRAL IS A MAN OF MANY TALENTS. HE ALSO CHAIRS TINNEY CHAPEL MEN, AND IS SHOWN HERE (ABOVE RIGHT) IN ONE OF HIS MOST RECOGNIZABLE POSITIONS: THAT OF SERVING OTHERS. IN THIS CASE, JOHN IS SERVING HUNGRY VISITORS AT A SPECIAL TINNEY CHAPEL UMC MEAL WHICH HE ALSO HELPED COOK. JOHN'S LAITY REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2004 IS REPRODUCED BELOW. Photo by Angela Wylie.
Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church Laity Report, 2004
By John Futral, Lay Leader
The congregation at Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church submits this laity report to the Charge Conference for 2004. The church is a strong, vibrant and integral part of our community. Aided by Pastor Duncan Graham, and Bro. Gene Miller, our associate pastor, the laity have carried forth the work of Christ to the best of our ability through worship, evangelism, missions and nurture.
WORSHIP
At present we are implementing a combined worship service blending contemporary praise and worship music into a traditional worship service. Our choir continues to offer special music on a regular basis and seasonal cantatas. Average worship attendance is 85.
New members who joined during the last year are Clay Spears, David Reeves, Peggy Boyd, Charles Brewer, Jeremy and Heidi Crow, Emmaline Hallman, Linda and Matthew Hallman, Judy Spears, Bill and Elaine Knoop, Glen and Fanella Wood, L.R. and Linda Kemp, Linda and Sharon Carter, Harold Lenius and Marilyn Stokley.
Those that have been on the Walk to Emmaus still encourage others to experience what they have experienced. Those participating this year were Frankie Brewer, Alice Deitering, Mary Marrs, Linda Stevens and Bob Deitering.
Other ways we have encouraged people to enhance their Christian journey is by hosting a Disciple One Class led by David Stanton and Joe Dan Boyd.
EVANGELISM
Evangelism is very often an individual effort.
When we have visitors, we try to show hospitality, and present first-time visitors a Tinney Chapel imprinted coffee mug with the Methodist logo, the cross and the flame, to remind them to visit again. Bro. Gene Miller visits within the first week of their attending worship service.
Sunday School is well attended in our four adult classes with plans for another Sunday School class in the making. A women’s class was recently started with Peggy Boyd as leader and Bill Knoop will soon be leading a class for men. We also offer classes for children and youth.
We sponsored a Bring-A-Friend Sunday again this year.
We provide occasional news items and weekly paid advertisements to the local newspaper, and one of our members, Joe Dan Boyd, is Chair of the Conference Communications Commission. Through Joe Dan’s efforts, each household registered through the church receives a very concise weekly E-Letter recapping worship service and announcements.
Recently, Tinney Chapel Communications launched a new Weblog (blog) service for our church, which is updated several times each week, and may be viewed on the Internet at http://tinneychapeltoday.blogspot.com/
In addition, a talented, dedicated staff of volunteers, headed by Zonnie Griffin, produces a monthly Tinney Chapel Newsletter.
Arvinell Newton McClaren’s book, “Going to the Chapel” which won the Kate Warnick award for Best Church Story at Annual Conference, recaps early church history and informs readers interested in our first one hundred years.
Some side port events include concerts by Johnsmith, Lynn Adler and Lindy Hearne, and singer/storyteller David Clark. Rural Life Sunday is always well attended and allows us to revisit our early church heritage.
MISSIONS
Our church makes regular and substantial contributions to support the ministries of Way of Salvation UMC in Mytichchi, Russia, and Henry & Josie Zaragosa in Mexico with their NEW HOPE ministry.
Canned goods and money are gathered for community ministries. The congregation has helped families with clothing, food and money. Some individuals help local missionaries in foreign fields.
Our Ladies Group, with 25 active members, made special contributions to Winnsboro Community Ministries, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Holy Highways Girls Home, Safe T House for Women, Samaritan’s Purse, Methodist Home in Waco, local nursing homes and funded several in-house mission projects. The Ladies Group recently visited the Methodist Home in Waco.
Some of the mission projects in which the congregation participated with particular enthusiasm were:
1. Blessings of Blankets to a local outreach organization
2. Collecting Fans to be distributed for summertime relief
3. Pennies collected for local Meals on Wheels
4. Postage stamps and videotapes collected for the Child Advocacy Center
A donation of $500.00 was extended to the construction of a Chapel at the Texas Department of Corrections Johnston Unit.
The pastor has a discretionary fund to help those who have an emergency. The fund comes from money left at the altar rail on Holy Communion Sundays.
Tinney Chapel sends relief funds, along with its delegate, to the target project at each year’s North Texas Conference meeting.
The Sunday School classes contribute to emergency needs as well as special offerings.
Individuals also give to Methodist Home, Golden Cross, World Communion, Salvation Army, Visionaries Program and any need brought to our attention.
One month in the year, we provide a birthday party for the three nursing homes in our community. This year, our Ladies Group provided game prizes for nursing home residents.
One of our members, who taught weekly Sunday School classes for a year at one of the local nursing homes, also conducted a monthly program of devotionals and music at that facility for much of the past year.
Some from our congregation help with the REC (Residents Encounter Christ) program at the Johnston Substance Abuse Facility each year.
Our most recent act of “reaching out” to our immediate community involves the establishment of a Mother’s Day Out program targeted for 3-5 year olds. This effort was conceived and implemented by Heidi Crow and Sadie Jordan and it is due to their efforts that additional young families are becoming familiar with Tinney Chapel.
Cypress Basin Hospice, based in Mt. Pleasant, asked permission and is currently using our facilities to conduct training classes for their local volunteers.
PHYSICAL CHANGES
This year’s physical changes have been the largest for us in over 100 years with the addition of an 8,000-square-ft. building which includes a new fellowship hall with a stage area, six classrooms, multiple restrooms, a conference room, kitchen and storage.
Remodeling has been done in the north Sunday School wing to enlarge children’s classrooms, provide access to the new building and make the existing facilities more “kid friendly” with new paint and murals.
YOUTH & FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Our Youth Group meets every Wednesday night for programs combining fun with special service projects. They are currently working on a fundraiser involving painted rocks, which is representative of the story of David and Goliath. Scripture reference comes from Samuel, who--as you will remember--tells us “the battle is the Lord’s”. Upcoming events include a cookout, movie night and a trip to see The Promise, a drama of the Passion of Christ, in Glen Rose, Texas.
Tinney Chapel Children, a program which has in the past received special commendation for our church, currently meets on Wednesday evenings also. Gabrielle Mattox has done an outstanding job revitalizing the Children’s Choir. They have been invited to other churches, and are a true blessing to us as we hear those young voices offering praise to our Lord.
Sunday dinners, stew suppers, pancake breakfasts, ice cream suppers, fish fries, Thanksgiving dinner and Sunday School outings are featured in church family activity.
Tinney Chapel regularly hosts special Christian music concerts.
The Tinney Chapel Ladies Group conducted fund-raising activities during the year, including a Holiday Bazaar, which is coming up soon on November 6 . In addition, the Ladies Group continues to sell Tinney Chapel cookbooks.
The Tinney Chapel Men’s Group, now in its fourth year, has a Saturday morning monthly meeting that includes breakfast. Devotionals, fellowship and fundraiser planning for various church projects are some of their activities. The group hosts an annual fish fry and also a barbeque dinner complete with Cowboy Poetry reading. This year we renamed that event. It's now The Jim Asbill Barbeque and Cowboy Poetry Gathering in memory of a much loved and missed member of our congregation.
The church continues its traditional fourth Sunday dinner at the Tinney Chapel Fellowship Center.
STEWARDSHIP
God has blessed each of us with unique and important gifts.
Stewardship is a way of life in which we take care of all that is entrusted to us. As stewards of the church, we need to practice careful management of all our possessions and our finances. Thoughtful choices and decision-making are essential to keep us on track with the goals for our church.
This year we have seen growth that has made it necessary to increase our budget – and we have been able to accomplish this with your tithes and offerings. All of this is possible because, as a congregation and as individuals, we are making a conscious effort to practice good stewardship. And most importantly – WE ARE SUCCEEDING.
Thanks to all of you for making these dreams a reality and for being such generous stewards of your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.
OTHERS
Individual members have visited hospitals and homes, planted shrubs and flowers in the churchyard, cleaned the church and decorated the sanctuary for Christmas.
They have also ushered, served as greeters, made coffee and cookies for our fellowship time, prepared and helped serve Holy Communion, taught Sunday School, played the piano, led singing and directed choirs.
In addition, they have provided food and flowers for those who have lost loved ones, sent out birthday cards, hosted wedding and baby showers and held fellowship suppers.
Church leaders have gone to district and conference training events and laity celebrations.
In closing…
The year, 2004 has been another very eventful one in the life of Tinney Chapel UMC. After being presented the Marvin T. Judy award for the 2nd time, I hope everyone will feel that it is our honor and responsibility to set the standard each year for whoever is presented this prestigious award.
A lot of blood, sweat and tears as well as joy went into making ’04 eventful, but the reality is that ’04 will soon be history. So I challenge each of us to make 2005 even more eventful.
Respectfully submitted,
John Futral, Lay Leader
CHARGE CONFERENCE: Sept. 28, 2004
THE STANTON TEAM, MOLLIE & DAVID. HE'S THE CHURCH BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIR, AND SHE'S THE CHURCH TREASURER. THEY ARE ALSO HUSBAND AND WIFE, AND DAVID QUICKLY CONCEDES THAT NEITHER COULD HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THOSE CHALLENGING POSITIONS DURING THE PAST TWO AND ONE-HALF YEARS WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT AND HELP FROM EACH OTHER. AT TINNEY CHAPEL UMC'S RECENT CHARGE CONFERENCE, DAVID ANNOUNCED THAT THE NEW 8,000-sq.-ft. FAMILY LIFE & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTER IS 95% COMPLETE, THEN CEREMONIALLY TURNED IT OVER TO THE CARE OF THE CHURCH TRUSTEES. DAVID'S COMMITTEE REPORT IS REPRODUCED BELOW, FOLLOWED BY CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES, COMPILED BY CAROLYN BEAVERS, AND OUR 2005 CHURCH LEADERSHIP LIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Photo by Joe Dan Boyd
(TO VIEW THE 2005 LEADERSHIP LIST, SCROLL DOWN BELOW THE BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT AND THE CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES.)
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
TO THE CHARGE CONFERENCE
September 28, 2004
Good evening. I’m David Stanton and I am reporting to you tonight as chairman of the building committee.
Two and one half years ago on February 21, 2002, our administrative council formed a study committee to determine needs of the church and our community. The study committee’s recommendation was to build a Christian Family Life and Education Center to replace our existing fellowship hall, kitchen and Sunday school rooms.
On August 14, 2002, our annual church conference elected a nine-person building committee to study and plan a building. A capital campaign fund drive in June and July, 2003 produced pledges of $160,518. That, coupled with the $90,000 in the building fund, prompted Texas Methodist Foundation to provide a construction loan of up to $175,000.
A special church conference of September 22, 2003, gave the building committee approval to proceed with construction plans. With $265,000 to start, the building committee was confident that we could construct a building for $33 to $37 per square foot provided we acted as our own general contractors.
The final step in the process came on January 26, 2004, when the Paris-Sulphur Springs District Board of Church Location and Building gave the committee approval to build an 8000 square foot building with the stipulation that the cost not exceed $300,000.
On the rainy Sunday of March 14, 2004, the congregation of Tinney Chapel held a ceremonial groundbreaking for our new Christian Family Life and Education Center. To view photos of that event, go to:
http://www.winnsborotoday.com/City/ground_breaking.htm
The weekly meetings of nearly two years and countless hours of the building committee members and your pastors have paid off. And here, after six and one half months of construction, the building is 95% complete. We will continue in our efforts until we are done.
I can now report that this building, valued at over $400,000, will be completed within the original budget of $286,675 at a cost of $35.83 per square foot. I can also report that the building committee unanimously voted to transfer the building to the care of the Trustees on this date.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the building is yours!
Respectfully submitted,
David Stanton,
Building Committee Chairman.
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING:
CHARGE CONFERENCE – 2004.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
THE CHARGE CONFERENCE FOR TINNEY CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, CHARGE OF THE PARIS/SULPHUR SPRINGS DISTRICT OF THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE, WAS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M. REV. PAT BEGHTEL-MAHLE, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, CHAIRED THE MEETING.
THERE WERE SEVENTEEN (17) IN ATTENDANCE.PASTOR DUNCAN GRAHAM OPENED THE MEETING WITH A PRAYER. PASTOR GRAHAM THEN INTRODUCED REV. BEGHTEL-MAHLE.
SHE FIRST INFORMED THE GROUP THAT MIKE NICHOLS, OF THE CONFERENCE CABINET, WAS SCHEDULED FOR BRAIN SURGERY TOMORROW MORNING AT 7:00 A.M., AND ASKED THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY BE REMEMBERED IN PRAYER.
REV. BEGHTEL-MAHLE THEN GAVE THE READING "RAGMAN" FROM RAGMAN & OTHER CRIES OF FAITH AS HER DEVOTIONAL FOR THE MEETING.
AS THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS, SHE ASKED THAT CAROLYN BEAVERS BE ELECTED SECRETARY, AND THAT WAS DONE BY ACCLAMATION.
PASTOR GRAHAM WAS CALLED TO GIVE THE PASTOR’S REPORT, STATING THAT PROGRAMS AND PARTICIPATION ARE CONTINUING AT TINNEY CHAPEL AT A GOOD RATE, AND THAT THE YEAR AHEAD LOOKS PROMISING.
THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2005 WAS PRESENTED. IT WAS NOTED THAT APPORTIONMENTS WERE INCREASED DUE TO THE HIRING OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR, THE MUSIC MINISTRY AND THE INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP. REV. BEGHTEL-MAHLE STATED THAT ALL ITEMS ON THE BUDGET COULD BE CHANGED, IF NECESSARY, OTHER THAN THE PASTOR‘S SALARY, WHICH IS FINAL. THERE BEING NO QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR, THE BUDGET WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED.
THE TRUSTEES REPORT WAS PRESENTED.
DAVID STANTON, CHAIRMAN, PRESENTED THE REPORT FROM THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. THE REPORT OUTLINED THE STEPS IN THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIFE AND EDUCATION CENTER, AND CONCLUDED WITH THE TRANSFER OF THE BUILDING TO THE CARE OF THE TRUSTEES. THERE ACTUALLY REMAINS A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF WORK TO COMPLETION, AND THE BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE ITS FUNCTION UNTIL ALL PHASES ARE COMPLETE.
THE CHAIR RECEIVED ANNUAL REPORTS FROM EACH OF THE LAY SPEAKERS: DONNA FUTRAL, JOE DAN BOYD, ROGER SCHNEIDER, AND ANGELA WYLIE. THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT EMPHASIZED THE LAY SPEAKERS’ IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH AND THE DISTRICT -- THAT, IN FACT, THEY ARE A GIFT TO THE DISTRICT AND THE CHURCH.
THE CHAIR RECEIVED THE PROPOSED MAILING LIST FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE NORTH TEXAS REPORTER FOR THE YEAR.
COPIES OF THE PROPOSED LAY LEADERSHIP LIST FOR 2005 WERE DISTRIBUTED. THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIONS WERE NOTED: TREASURER - LINDA & BILL STEVENS; RECORDING SECRETARY - ELAINE KNOOP; ASST. CHAIRS FOR YOUTH MINISTRIES - L. R. KEMP & DONNA FUTRAL.
NOMINATIONS WERE ACCEPTED FROM THE FLOOR FOR THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE. JOE DAN BOYD NOMINATED CHARLES BREWER AND DICK BEAVERS NOMINATED BILL STEVENS. THE CHAIR ASKED FOR A VOICE VOTE TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS, WHICH WAS APPROVED. THE PROPOSED LAY LEADERSHIP WAS APPROVED BY ACCLAMATION. REV. BEGHTEL-MAHLE INSTRUCTED ALL PRESENT THAT EVERYONE SHOULD START PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERSHIP FOR THE COMING YEAR TOMORROW. (TO VIEW THE 2005 LEADERSHIP LIST, SCROLL DOWN BELOW THESE MINUTES.)
THE 2004 LAITY REPORT, PREPARED BY LAY LEADER JOHN FUTRAL, WAS PROVIDED TO THE CHAIR. (TO VIEW JOHN'S LAITY REPORT, CLICK ON THIS WEBLOG'S ARCHIVE POST FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2004.)
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, DAVID STANTON MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE MEETING. JOE DAN BOYD SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
CAROLYN BEAVERS,
RECORDING SECRETARY
*****
LEADERSHIP LIST 2005
(updated by Nominating Committee 12-16-04 and approved by Administrative Council 12-20-04)
Chair of Adm. Council: Marcella Salter; (Ex Officio member of Finance Committee)
Assistant Chair of Adm. Council, L. R. Kemp
Lay Leader: David Stanton; (Nominations, Finance, PPR)
Assistant Lay Leader, Donna Futral
Treasurer: Elaine Knoop; (Ex Officio: Finance)
Financial Secretary: Peggy Boyd; (Finance)
Recording Secretary: Carolyn Beavers
Membership Secretary: Josephine Garrett; Assistant, Angela Wylie
Chair – Children’s Ministries: Sadie Jordan; Assistant, Heidi Crow
Chair – Youth Ministries: Donna Futral; Assistant Chair, L. R. Kemp
Chair – Education: ____vacant_____________
Chair – Evangelism: Bob Deitering
Chair – Family Ministries : Jenna Nelson, Gabrielle Mattox
Chair – Golden Ministries: Mary Marrs
Chair--Missions: John Futral
Chair – Sunshine: Frankie Brewer
Chair – Telephone Committee: Linda Stevens
Lennie Norlock
Mary Marrs/Imogene Myers
Lou Wilkerson
Chair – Stewardship: Charles & Sherri Brewer
Communications Coordinator: Joe Dan Boyd
Print Newsletter Editor: Zonnie Griffin
Bulletin & Calendar Editor: Elaine Knoop.
Lay Members, Annual Conference: Elaine Graham; Joe Dan Boyd, Rule 5, Agency Chair.
Angela Wylie (chair), Andy Anderson, Helen Miller, Elaine Knoop, Roger Schneider, Elaine Graham. Communion Stewards: Josephine Garrett & Wanda Hardin. Pianist & Choir: Pat Hollingsworth.
Zonnie Griffin (chair), Linda Burdett, Don Norlock, Treasurer,
Financial Secretary, Chair – Stewardship, Trustees Representative, Chair of Ad Council, Pastor, Lay Leader (David Stanton).
Pastor-Parish Relations Committee:
Lay Delegate – Annual Conference (NV)
2005 Mollie Stanton 2005 David Wylie
2006 Dick Beavers 2006 ____vacant_______
2007 John Futral (chair) 2007 Jenna Nelson
Trustees:
Pastor (NV) Trustees to elect chair & finance rep.
2005 Mickey Tinney 2005 Bob Deitering 2005 Randy Stanley (Chair)
2006 Marcella Salter 2006 Cheryl Ann Newton
2007 Bill Knoop 2007 Dick Beavers
Nominations Committee:
Pastor (chair), Lay Leader
2005 Angela Wylie 2005 Carolyn Beavers
2006 David Stanton 2006 Joe Dan Boyd
2007* Charles Brewer 2007* Ronny Ellison
* nominated (and approved) from the floor at charge conference
NV = Non Voting Member
Sunday, September 26, 2004
TODAY: Rural Life Sunday, September 26, 2004
RURAL LIFE SUNDAY MAKES US ALL FEEL YOUNG AGAIN. THREE YOUNG LADIES, ABOVE, OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC, COMPETE FOR TOP HONORS IN THE EVENT'S APPLE BITING CONTEST, ADULT DIVISION. Photo by Angela Wylie.
*****
CHAPEL NEWS TODAY:
*****
RURAL LIFE SUNDAY WAS ALSO DENIM DAY!
We wore our jeans! That goes for at least some of our preachers, too! Pastor Duncan wore his overalls while he led today's singing and preached the children's sermon.
Sinners challenged saints to a contest to fill up both sides of the sanctuary today! Losers buy the hamburgers, winners fry the hamburgers, someone said. Zonnie Griffin and Charles Brewer led the challenge, and the final tally may still be up for grabs!
Guest preacher was Rev. Fred Durham, District Superintendent at Sherman, former pastor of Tinney Chapel UMC and former Mayor of Winnsboro. His message: "Always Talk to Strangers," with a caveat for kids who are told not to talk to strangers.
The Men's Group served smoked brisket and sausage, cooked by master chef Bob Deitering, for lunch today. Tinney Chapel Ladies provided side dishes and desserts.
Jenna Nelson coordinated the event, and made it a great success, with the help of a cast of thousands (well, quite a few) who volunteered their help. Thanx to all!
*****
METHODIST STUDIES TO START ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 6:30
Senior Pastor Duncan Graham has announced that Methodist Studies will be the next topic of his Wednesday evening programs, beginning this week, September 29, at 6:30 p.m. This class will be especially helpful for newcomers to Methodism, but is highly recommended for veterans as well.
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THE PASSING OF BRET LENIUS & HIS GIFT OF LIFE TO OTHERS.
Bret Lenius, 43, passed away after a tragic motorcycle accident in Arizona, where he was traveling on business. At Saturday's Tinney Chapel Men's breakfast, Bret's grandfather, Harold Lenius, spoke of how proud he was that four people have received the gift of life from the donation of Bret's precious organs. Today, at Rural Life Sunday, Harold said he has since learned that all four organ transplants were successful, and that all four recipients are recovering on schedule. Our prayers continue for all of Bret Lenius's wonderful extended family, which is such a close-knit, loving group.
*****
WANT TO HELP VICTIMS OF RECENT HURRICANES?
Donations for flood and hurricane victims may be made to The United Methodist Committee on Relief, (UMCOR). This committee is supported by Methodist church apportionments, so all the money that is donated goes to help victims.
To make an ONLINE donation, go to: http://www.umc.org/
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS TODAY
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WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Becoming God's Children.
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LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Encouraged By Knowing God.
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OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: CHARLES STANLEY STUDY: FEELING SECURE IN A TROUBLED WORLD! (This is a multiple-week study.)
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YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.
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CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: A Study of the Psalms.
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PAIRS & SPARES, Joe Dan Boyd: 2 Timothy 3: SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED & USEFUL.
Pairs & Spares Class Handout is below:
MOMENTS OF TRUTH (Life lessons # 236)
Take home lessons from studying 2 Timothy 3 and related Scripture:
1. The Apostle Paul reminds us that, in the last days, dangerous times shall come when men will be self-absorbed, money hungry, and disobedient. Our challenge is to remember that no knows when the last days will come to an end.
2. Paul warns of hypocrites professing a phony Christianity, but who are unchanged inside with no spiritual power to deal with evil. Our challenge is not to be deceived by them.
3. Paul cautions us to be wary of smooth talkers, the "new Gnostics" of our day, who are convincing with their careless talk. Our challenge is to remain steadfast in the unchanging Truth of the Gospel.
4. When confronted with confusing choices, each claiming to represent Truth, Paul says our challenge is to recall that events tend to coalesce for the good of those who love God & are called according to His purpose.
5. Paul's experience demonstrates the truth of his admonition that living a Christ-centered life invites both admiration and antagonism. Our challenge is to be aware of the price for obedience & loyalty.
6. Paul emphasizes that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for exposing false doctrine and affirming Truth. Our challenge is to set Scripture as our moral compass and roadmap for a righteous life.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 10-03-04
READ 2 TIMOTHY 4
Afterwards, reflect upon these things:
1. Our charge: Preach the Word!
2. Be prepared, in & out of season!
3. Endure hardship & discharge duties.
4. Poured out like a drink offering.
5. Paul's departure.
6. A believer's crown of righteousness.
*****
SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY, MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.
Greeters: Charles Brewer & L.R. Kemp.
Soundman: Bob Deitering
Ushers: L. R. Kemp & Charles Brewer.
MUSIC
Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.
Songleader: Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham.
Songs: When We All Get To Heaven; Let's Just Praise The Lord; We Worship & Adore Thee; Thank You Lord; He Is Lord; When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder; Dwelling In Beulah Land; Sanctuary; Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.
SPECIAL MUSIC BY TINNEY CHAPEL CHILDREN'S CHOIR (we counted young 11 singers today, directed by Gabrielle Mattox):
My God Is So Big & Standing On The Promises.
Morning Prayer & Lord's Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham
LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed
CHILDREN'S SERMON TODAY:
Pastor Duncan Graham's sermon today was on honesty, and he used references about handling money to make his points. His first question was intended to find out what the kids would do if they found money and did not know who it belonged to. He was pleased with the first answer: Try to find out who the money does belong to!
The Pastor then told stories about real people, including some kids, who had done just that, and mentioned some of their stated reasons for doing so. One was afraid that the person who lost the found money might lose his job if it was not returned. Another said it was just the "right thing" to do.
God wants us to be faithful and honest, emphasized Pastor Graham. If we are faithful in the small things, we will be trusted with large things.
At the conclusion, Pastor Graham passed out two pictures for each child. In his closing prayer, the Pastor thanked God and asked Him to help us all be faithful in both the large and small events of life, to help us always give God the glory, to help us serve and share, to help us be honest with God and with each other, all in the Name of Jesus.
*****
TODAY'S ADULT SERMON:
"Always Talk To Strangers."
Guest preacher, Rev. Fred Durham, began by introducing his wife, Teresa, then reminded the congregation of his affection for this church:
"Theres no place on earth I love more than Tinney Chapel and Winnsboro," said Rev. Durham. "It's where we feel welcome. Its where we feel like we are coming home. I was very pleased when Tinney Chapel won the Marvin T. Judy award at Annual Conference this year as the standout Rural Church in the North Texas Conference."
Rev. Durham's beginning Scripture was Deuteronomy 10:12-19:
Deuteronomy 10: 12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? 14 Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. 15 The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. 16 Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. 18 He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. 19 Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. ---New King James Version of The Bible
"There's a lot in that passage," said Rev. Durham, "but I will emphasize only the part about welcoming, embracing, and loving strangers (with a caveat that my message is intended for adults, and that children should obey their parents when told not to talk to strangers).
"I am convinced that if the Lord says the same thing more than once, and has different writers say that same thing, then the Lord must really want us to get that message," added Rev. Durham. "The message I get is that we are to treat strangers like family until they become family.
"Today, I will mention three reasons why you and I and the church of God should not only love each other, but also reach out and love strangers until they become family," he said. "By now, it's clear that this is a sermon on evangelism, but embracing strangers is not what I see in most churches. Yet it is what God would have us do.
"I serve 60 churches in the Sherman-McKinney District, and I am in them all the time," declared Rev. Durham. "I see a lot of churches where they love each other well. They describe themselves as friendly churches, but the truth is that, unless they embrace strangers, they are either stagnant or dying churches. They have turned inward on themselves, but their outward reach has disappeared. They are proud of themselves, and they think God is proud of them.
"We are not to be proud when we only take care of each other," he added. "And, we can only take a small, humble pride if we do both: love each other and strangers, too. So, the first of the three reasons is this: (1) Deuteronomy 10:19 tells us to embrace the stranger, love the stranger, and take in the stranger because we were strangers ourselves. We are, as Jesus said, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Put ourselves in their shoes! You all know what it feels like to be a stranger in a new group or class that's forming. You know what it takes for you to overcome that and start to feel a part of the group. If we love others, we want them to feel a part of the group. We want to help them feel loved.
"The second reason comes from Matthew 25:31-46," he explained:
Matthew 25: 31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
---New King James Version of The Bible
"Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to Me," Rev. Durham repeated to emphasize the Scripture. "And, if you have not done it to the least of these, you have not done it to Me. I go to very few churches that are good at embracing strangers, but Jesus said that doing so was the same as doing it to Him and to ignore strangers is to ignore Him. I don't think I ever understood this Scripture fully until I had children of my own. If you have done it to my kids, you have done it to me. Each time I have gone into a new church, I am always asked what they can do for me, and my answer is always the same: Take care of my family. We have two daughters who have moved away, and our number one interest is that they find someone there to take them in as family. I would virtually lay down my life for those people who made my family their family. And because of those who don't: I'm hurt!
"Each of us should remember who every little boy or girl is," declared Rev. Durham. "It's Jesus' little boy and girl away from home. He wants your arms wrapped around them. He's serious about that. And the third reason comes from Hebrews 13:2:
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
---New King James Version of The Bible
"We all know about God's angels, the created beings of God, different from us, God's messengers, glorious creatures, but in a metaphorical sense, you and I are God's everyday angels who do His work, who bring His gifts," explained Rev. Durham.
"From this Scripture, I take it we should embrace strangers because a stranger may be the person who brings what this church needs," added Rev. Durham. "When you pray for resources for your church, what if God sends those resources by a stranger? We should invite strangers. What if God is preparing them, and will send them to you as strangers?
"The next person who comes through the door may not act or look like an angel, but it may be in God's plan for that person to become an angel," declared Rev. Durham. ."You will not know unless you take them in and bring them home. We are to embrace strangers because in doing so we may entertain angels unawares. We know that the resources are in the harvest, and the harvest is out there! Our job is to embrace it and bring it in.
"All this is a message from God," concluded Rev. Durham. "It is communicated to us by Moses, by Jesus and by the writer of Hebrews, and it is also communicated to us a hundred other times in a hundred other ways. He wants us to embrace strangers like family until they are family."
*****
BIBLE READINGS TODAY:
Readings for seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31.
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ABOUT US TODAY:
CORE VALUES OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:
We are an extended family of God.
We are an open door church to all persons.
We value our traditions as building blocks to the future.
We are a Bible-based, Christian community.
We believe in an empowered laity.
We are a conservative congregation, theologically and politically, and our beliefs are generally consistent with the Methodist doctrine.
MISSION STATEMENT OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:
To welcome people to Jesus and fellowship within His family, complete them in Christ, provide for their ministries, enrich their lives and glorify God.
VISION OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:
To be a growing Christian church where anyone can become a disciple for Jesus Christ.
*****
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Rev. Fred Durham's Frog Kissing Sermon
REV. FRED DURHAM, A NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE (NTC) DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (UMC), IS GUEST PREACHER AT TINNEY CHAPEL UMC TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 26, FOR OUR RURAL LIFE SUNDAY CELEBRATION. AT ONE TIME, FRED WAS MAYOR OF WINNSBORO, AND PASTORED TWO CHURCHES HERE, INCLUDING TINNEY CHAPEL. FRED IS A GIFTED STORYTELLER, AND FEW AT TINNEY CHAPEL WILL EVER FORGET HIS MEMORABLE SERMON, "GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND KISS FROGS," PREACHED AT THE QUINTESSENTIAL COUNTRY CHURCH JUST FOUR YEARS AGO, ON OCTOBER 22, 2000. Photo: NTC Communications.
When Rev. Fred Durham returns to Tinney Chapel, it's always a special occasion! It's hard to say which is most powerful: Fred's love for this church or the love of this church for Fred. Four years ago at Tinney Chapel, Fred (then Pastor at Tyler Street UMC in Dallas) prefaced his powerful plea to "kiss more frogs" by introducing a friend from far away who had accompanied him to the quintessential country church that revival evening: "I brought my friend along so he could see what a real church is like," Fred confessed. "I'd rather be here, in Winnsboro, Texas, at Tinney Chapel, than anywhere in the world. It's the place of my fondest memories. It's where I feel whole again. "
"Fred Durham is the best preacher I have ever heard, bar none," declares Ronny Ellison, a long-time Tinney Chapel member who has held virtually every leadership position here and who is still our most effective evangelist for introducing newcomers to this church.
Those who heard Fred's "frog kissing" sermon would likely agree. It began as if Fred might be telling a fairy tale about a princess in a castle. Her father was a great king, and the princess enjoyed visiting the surrounding countryside. On this occasion, she encountered a dismal, dark, dank pond where she saw a frog. The frog, ugly and ashamed, tried to escape by hopping away, self-conscious in the glow of the radiant beauty and love of the fair princess. When the princess begged the ugly frog to stay, he asked her why: "Because I want to give you the kiss of love," she replied.
The frog was confused, and again asked why: "Because I know you are meant to be a prince, and not an ugly frog," she told him, and the frog agreed to experience the kiss of love. Afterwards, the frog was slowly transformed into a prince, and asked the princess how she knew this would happen. "My father told me there are no frogs in the world; only princes and princesses," she explained. "But most have been frogs so long they have forgotten who they were born to be." The grateful prince responded: "How lucky it is that you came!"
Thus, Fred Durham established his sermon's theme with unforgettable drama, and quickly moved the frog versus prince analogy to our mission as Christians.
"That's our Father's first call on us: Go ye into all the world and kiss frogs: All the frogs we can. It's our job! And, guess what: I used to be a frog, too. So did we all, although some forget they were once frogs and don't even want to go near frogs anymore, much less kiss them.
When Jesus first saw Levi, he was an ugly green frog until The Master bent to kiss him. Then Levi got up, no longer a frog, and invited Jesus to his house for a great feast. A lot of frogs attended that feast, and some self-righteous folks wondered why Jesus hung out with frogs. Jesus told them that princes did not need Him: He came to kiss frogs!
After His resurrection, Jesus returned to Levi and the other Disciples: He told them to go out into the world and kiss frogs. What we have received, we are to give. His death on the cross was the kiss of love! As Christians, our first task is not to sing hymns, build buildings or hold covered dish dinners: It's to kiss frogs. We are The Church because we are former frogs.
Some frogs are uglier than others, Fred told us, and those frogs may need to be kissed more than once, perhaps every day for 20 years, before the change takes place and becomes visible! Fred challenged each of us to think of some frog in our own lives: Some frog who is not yet a prince, and who is without hope or help.
At this point, Fred mentioned his own granddaughter, who was born and who died on the same day: September 25, 1999, not quite a year before the sermon he was then delivering so eloquently. Fred, along with the whole family, had been devastated. They grieved. They still do.
"But Paul did not say we would be without grief," Fred explained. "He did say that Christians are not like those without hope or help." This was Fred's way of reminding us that lives are constantly being turned dark and bitter, causing some to be more like frogs than princes: "And you are the only ones who can do anything about it," he declared. "Get up. Get out. Kiss frogs for all those Jesus died for: That's everyone in this world!
How do we kiss frogs? Fred asked the question, then provided the answer: "Don't tell them what's wrong. Get to know them, love them, invite them, then share your story, as I have done tonight. If you can't do that, bring them here, to this church. Remember the number-one thing Jesus told us: I want you to go into all the world and kiss all the frogs you can!
Tomorrow, September 26, Fred's message, "Please Talk To Strangers," (from Deuteronomy, Matthew and Hebrews) will be different, but one thing will not change: We will be nourished by the experience! And so will he.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Rev. Joan LaBarr's Quilt of Life Sermon
RURAL LIFE SUNDAY (RLS) 2004 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SEPTEMBER 26. MEANWHILE, RLS 2002 WAS TINNEY CHAPEL'S MOST RECENT CELEBRATION OF THIS AGRARIAN EVENT, WHEN THE GUEST PREACHER WAS REV. JOAN LABARR, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE. REV. LABARR BROUGHT HER OWN CONTRIBUTION TO THAT YEAR'S "SPECIAL QUILT" THEME (ABOVE IN PHOTO), AND FRAMED HER SERMON AROUND A QUILT WHICH HAD BEEN A PARTING GIFT AT THE CONCLUSION OF HER TENURE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WICHITA FALLS DISTRICT. GUEST PREACHER FOR RLS 2004 AT TINNEY CHAPEL WILL BE REV. FRED DURHAM, A FORMER MAYOR OF WINNSBORO AND FORMER PASTOR OF OUR CHURCH. THIS YEAR'S RLS THEME WILL BE "SPECIAL" BIBLES. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED!
Photo by Joe Dan Boyd.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Day, The Dish And The Diorama
TINNEY CHAPEL'S NEW 8,000-sq.-ft. FAMILY LIFE & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTER WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THIS YEAR'S RURAL LIFE SUNDAY, SEPT. 26. THE DIORAMA, SHOWN ABOVE, WAS CONSTRUCTED BY TINNEY CHAPEL MEMBER BILL STEVENS, AND SHOWS BOTH THE NEW FACILITY IN THE REAR AND THE VINTAGE SANCTUARY IN FRONT, BOTH SURROUNDED BY A COW PASTURE. Photo by David Stanton.
Members of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC) invite the public to share a celebration of Rural Life on Sunday, September 26.
Guest speaker for the 9 a.m. worship service will be Rev. Fred Durham, former mayor of Winnsboro and now Superintendent of the North Texas Conference UMC Sherman-McKinney District.
The church will be decorated with “special Bibles,” loaned by members and friends of Tinney Chapel. An inscribed proclamation describes each Bible’s special significance to its owner.
Following the 10:30 a.m. Sunday School program, an old-fashioned country feast will feature smoked brisket & sausage cooked by Tinney Chapel Men’s Ministries, with side dishes, trimmings and desserts provided by members of the congregation.
Games and contests after lunch include such favorites as horseshoes, hay scramble, apple bobbing, bean bag toss, duck pond drawing, washer toss, egg toss, tug of war, bubble blowing, sack races and much more.
This year’s Rural Life Sunday celebration spotlights Tinney Chapel’s 8,000-square-feet Family Life and Education Center where lunch will be served.
“Our guests will notice a few construction details still underway, but the new building will be functional on Sunday, September 26, for our Rural Life Sunday,” says David Stanton, Chairman of Tinney Chapel’s Building Committee.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
The quintessential kids choir: 9-19-04
STANDING ON THE PROMISES: Tinney Chapel UMC's quintessential Kids Choir sang the old standard hymn, Standing On The Promises, at two venues today. After performing at an early Episcopal Church service, they returned to sing at their home chuch, under the direction of Gabrielle Mattox. In photo, left to right: Kailey Hensley, Madison Crow, J.T. Crow, Matthew Stanley, Zack Hensley, Kenny Crow. Singers not pictured: Ashley Noble, Parker Smith, Peyton Smith and Presley Smith. Photo by Angela Wylie.
CHAPEL NEWS TODAY:
NEW MEN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS STARTS SUNDAY, OCT. 3.
The new men’s Sunday School Class, led by Bill Knoop, will read and discuss the book, The Case For Christ, by Lee Strobel. Please let Bill know if you intend to participate, so he can order enough books.
*****
MOTHER’S DAY OUT MINISTRY FOR TINNEY CHAPEL IS UNDER WAY
Heidi Crow and Sadie Jordan now coordinate a twice-a-week, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., fee-based Mother’s Day Out community outreach Ministry at Tinney Chapel UMC on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Spread the word.
*****
DON'T FORGET THE "SPECIAL" BIBLE DISPLAY DURING RURAL LIFE SUNDAY
"Each Bible should be accompanied by a sheet of paper describing what it is that makes it special," says event coordinator Jenna Nelson. "Perhaps it is your first Study Bible. Or maybe you received it as a special gift. Or perhaps it commemorates a special event in your life, such as birth, graduation or marriage. Bibles can be special for any number of reasons: Please share yours with our congregation and visitors on Sunday, September 26.”
*****
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS TODAY:
WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Power For Deliverance.
*****
LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Knowing God Through Jesus.
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OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: CHARLES STANLEY STUDY: FEELING SECURE IN A TROUBLED WORLD! (This is a multiple-week study.)
*****
YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.
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CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Jesus Goes To Synagogue School.
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PAIRS & SPARES, Joe Dan Boyd: 2 Timothy 2: Where The Right Word Is Everything!
Pairs & Spares Class Handout is below:
MOMENTS OF TRUTH (Life lessons # 235)
Take home lessons from studying 2 Timothy 2 and related Scripture:
1. The Apostle Paul here reminds us to keep in touch with Christ, whose grace provides the power that strengthens us for warfare against the evil one. Our challenge is to maintain constant communion with Christ that we might always be strong Christian soldiers, marching as to war.
2. Paul suggests there is a right way and many wrong ways to interpret the Gospel Message of Life in The Spirit. Our challenge is to earnestly seek understanding that we may be fruitful in obeying the Law of Christ.
3. In this Letter, Paul emphasizes that our claim to imputed righteousness depends on the firmness of our faith and obedience to Christ’s teachings. Our motivation is our love for Him and for each other.
4. Paul’s message in this Letter includes strong reminders against “majoring in the minors,” such as pious nitpicking squabbles about degrees of meaning in the words used to proclaim our Christian doctrine.
5. We are called upon by the Apostle to be role models in the proper interpretation and proclamation of Scripture. Our challenge is to do our homework while seeking the Mind of Christ.
6. Paul stresses our call to be gentle listeners, unifiers of the church and capable teachers who can keep cool under pressure.
TODAY’S DATE: 09-19-04
Pairs & Spares
Sunday School Class
Tinney Chapel UMC
Winnsboro, Texas
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 09-26-04
READ 2 TIMOTHY 3
Afterwards, reflect upon these things:
1. Terrible times in the last days.
2. A laundry list of what not to do.
3. A form of godliness but denying its power.
4. Persecution for those who live for Christ.
5. Wisdom from the holy Scriptures.
6. All Scripture is God-breathed.
7. Men of God thoroughly equipped.
*****
COMMUNITY LINKS TODAY:
TO READ THE SEPT.17 ISSUE OF THE NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER ON LINE, GO TO:http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/040917mr.html
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TO READ THE AUG.27 ISSUE OF THE NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER ON LINE, (including the column, "Our Bias For Action," written by Rev. Fred Durham, former Tinney Chapel UMC Pastor, former Winnsboro Mayor and guest preacher at Tinney Chapel's upcoming Rural Life Sunday, September 26, go to: http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/040827mr.html
*****
Link to the Paris-Sulphur Springs District website (below):
http://www.ntcumc.org/PSS/index.html
*****
WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY:
Songs:
Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing, There Is Power In The Blood, Sweet Sweet Spirit, Thou Art Worthy.
SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE TINNEY CHAPEL QUINTESSENTIAL KIDS CHOIR:
Standing On The Promises
Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham
LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed
OUR SERMON TODAY:
Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s topic was "Jesus: Power And Authority," based on Matthew 8:5-13:
8:5 When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him,
8:6 "Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain."
8:7 Jesus said, "I will come and heal him."
8:8 Then the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed!
8:9 I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this or that,' they do it."
8:10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!
8:11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.
8:12 But many Israelites – those for whom the Kingdom was prepared – will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
8:13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.
----The New Living Translation of the Bible
“A striking thing that we notice about this Scripture is how much power and authority is assumed by the Gentile Roman officer to be at the command of Jesus, a Jew,” said Pastor Graham. “It’s particularly striking when we recall that the Romans generally regarded as inferior those people who had been conquered by Rome, and were also occupied by Roman troops. Yet, he plainly assumes that the power and authority of Jesus far exceeds his own or that of anyone else in Roman authority. Certainly, he knows of no one else with the power and authority to heal his servant.
“Power gives us the force to accomplish a task,” emphasized Pastor Graham. “One might even call it the explosiveness to get it done, since the Greek word in this case is the same one from which we also get the English words dynamo and dynamite! These two words—dynamo and dynamite—are what Jesus is all about: He is a force, a power, an authority. Think about it. We use dynamite to shatter rock in a massive way to construct dams and highways, for instance. The Roman officer knows that Jesus is capable of mighty things.
“Why did not everyone see Jesus for what He was?” The Pastor’s question was largely symbolic, even rhetorical. “Our answer might be to ask another question: Why does not everyone today see Jesus for what He is, with ultimate power and authority? After all, even the earthly Jesus had power over the natural forces of the world. He calmed waters, stopped winds, walked on water. No one can do that today, despite the story I heard recently about someone who purported to stop Hurricane Ivan by throwing baby powder at it. Needless to say: That did not work.
“Jesus had the authority to distribute bread and fish, multiplied many times over, on at least two occasions in Scripture,” added pastor Graham. “He did it as a demonstration of His creative power before people, just as He healed the sick, the blind, the lepers and those with withered hands. He cured all things that evil forces could throw at Him. He healed multitudes! He has such power and authority, yet so many of His own people saw it only with their natural eyes, and it made no difference in their faith.
“Yet, along comes this elite Roman officer with every reason NOT to believe in Jesus because the Romans were often quite disdainful, even contemptuous, of the conquered people under them,” explained the Pastor. “But, in this case, the Roman officer comes humbly to Jesus with his request for the healing of his servant. It’s also somewhat remarkable that the Roman officer seemed to care genuinely about his servant. So, all in all, this was quite an event: A Roman officer telling Jesus that he is not worthy to have Jesus under his roof, but he understands that Jesus need not be there personally to effect His miracle of healing! He knows that Jesus can accomplish the healing act just by speaking a word of authority! In other words, the Roman officer realizes that even the Words of Jesus carry both authority and power.
“Indeed that is still true,” said the Pastor. “The Words of Jesus are more powerful than armies, kings or presidents. Ultimately, Jesus even asserts His power and authority over death itself by overcoming it through His Resurrection! The power and authority of Jesus are complete and ultimate. There is none greater. His Name is the basis for our Salvation.
“To the Roman officer, Jesus said: ‘Go your way. It is done.’ And it was so. Thus, Jesus has complete power and authority over all that is. And we may be sure there will come a time when Jesus will exercise that power and authority in the final outcome of our lives—yours and mine. Also in today’s Scripture, Jesus says that many will come from all over the world, and I will tell you about that in tonight’s sermon. The sons of the kingdom will not enjoy that event because of their unbelief. I say to you, today, church: Too many walk in unbelief of Jesus Christ. They may walk in unbelief for many reasons. But, I say to you that if we meet the criteria displayed by the Roman officer in today's Scripture, we can rejoice in the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
“That power and authority were given to Jesus by God the Father,” said Pastor Graham. “Jesus said in yet another Scripture that He was given all power and authority on heaven and on earth. We must recognize that all power and authority rests with Jesus Christ. He is the One we look to for answers.”
In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham told God that we recognize afresh the greatness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and we recognize that He possesses all power and authority in heaven and earth and that He bestows that power on people. May we present the message of the Gospel by sharing the Truth, giving the world the Truth of Jesus Christ in power and authority. In His glorious Name we pray. Amen.”
*****
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Bishop Moncure: New Leader of our Conference
BISHOP RHYMES H. MONCURE, JR., PRESIDED OVER HIS FIRST MEETING OF THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM (CLT) IN DALLAS TODAY. He took office just two weeks ago. (Photo courtesy of NTC Communications)
As the first African-American United Methodist Bishop to serve the North Texas Conference (NTC), Rev. Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. was completely at ease with his new responsibilities today, and appeared more than equal to any challenges that might arise.
His is a low-key leadership style butressed with a commanding presence, a respect for tradition, an engaging personality and the self-assurance to mix appropriate humor with this day's primary role of presiding elder for a roomful of clergy and laity intent on introductions, reportage and occasional requests for favor and funding.
At one point, after first calling for a standard parliamentary "yea or nay" vote on a funding request already approved by an agency committee, Bishop Moncure suddenly transformed the texture of the agenda with a simple semantic segue: "Remember that we are not just voting," he said. "Rather, we are expressing attitudes toward ministry: If you favor this ministry proposal, then say 'YES,' if you don't, then say 'No'."
The approval was unanimous and the tone for the day established.
"A listening ear and a compassionate heart" are among the traits that Rev. John F. Fiedler sees in the new NTC Bishop. Fiedler, Pastor of First UMC, Dallas, adds: "Behind the Bishop's trademark bow tie lies a keen intellect."
Many of those at today's CLT meeting had already heard or read Bishop Moncure's now famous sermon delivered at the recent General UMC Conference in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In that sermon, the Bishop said he views life as a song waiting to be sung.
"Every one of us is a one-of-a-kind, precious child of God, with a unique song to sing," he emphasized.
The Bishop said that "singing the songs of our lives" means that our words, our actions and our thoughts should all be in harmony with the way God intends us to live our lives. He used the analogy of individuals "coming together as a symphony," and occasionally getting "off key" when they are out of harmony with God.
Bishop Moncure's General Conference sermon challenges us to regard the lyrics, the harmony and the spirit of our lives as if we expect a divine conductor to call the chorus together to resurrect our songs.
Before adjourning today's CLT meeting, Bishop Moncure provided the potential lyrics for a song yet to be sung: He announced his intention to quickly learn all the names and faces in the room, and to personally visit each of the 325 churches in the North Texas Conference!
If Bishop Moncure's leadership style at today's meeting suggests a song waiting to be sung, then a good choice might be the old Charles Wesley standard, A Charge To Keep I Have.
Bishop Moncure comes to NTC from Nebraska, where he served as Bishop for the past four years. Throughout his 30 years of parish ministry, Bishop Moncure's appointments have included churches ranging in size from 50 to 2,500 members. His wife of 37 years, Jewell Lena, is an educator and public school counselor. The Moncures have two adult children: daughter Roxanne, a middle school teacher living in St. Louis; and son, Jason, who lives in Atlanta, where he and his wife, Patricia, own a business and are the proud parents of the Moncures' grandson, Jason, Jr.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
A Special Place For Special Bibles
RURAL LIFE SUNDAY COORDINATOR JENNA NELSON DECLARES SPECIAL BIBLES AS THIS YEAR'S SPECIAL EMPHASIS. "Bring your family Bibles or other Bibles with special meaning on Sept. 26," she suggests. "We'll have a place of honor reserved for them." (Photo by David Stanton)
CHAPEL NEWS:
SPECIAL BIBLES TO BE ON SPECIAL
DISPLAY DURING RURAL LIFE SUNDAY
If you have a “special” Bible in your family, bring it to church for public display during Rural Life Sunday, Sept. 26, suggests event coordinator Jenna Nelson. “Last year’s emphasis was on family quilts, and this year's emphasis will be on family Bibles or other Bibles that are special to each of you. We’ll reserve for them a place of honor during that special day.”
*****
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY: 9:00 a.m.
Congregational Songs:
Worthy, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, God Of Wonders, He Lives, You Are My King (Amazing Love), Blessed Assurance (a Fanny Crosby hymn), Heaven Came Down And Glory Filled My Soul.
SPECIAL MUSIC by Tinney Chapel’s quintessential choir:
Sanctuary, Shine medley (Shine On Me & Shine Jesus Shine).
Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham
LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed
CHILDREN’S TIME TODAY:
Senior Pastor Duncan Graham said to the children: “Know what this is? A quarter, half dollar? How about a dollar? Caught you, didn’t I? It’s a small dollar coin. The other day on TV, I heard a sportscaster refer to a football player as a 'Susan B. Anthony player,' referring perhaps to unexpected power based on a first impression of diminutive size? But, did you know that some people make life decisions based on the results of a coin toss. I recall doing that as a kid, sometimes trying to rig the outcome by switching to ‘2 out of 3’ instead of a single toss that had already disappointed me.
“But Scripture tells us to make life decisions by seeking to know God’s Will through asking, seeking and knocking,” added Pastor Graham. “Sometimes it’s hard to hear when we ask, so we seek, perhaps by reading the Bible. Finally, we may move to the option of knocking, and we know from the TV shows that there are usually several doors on which to knock, but we can’t always tell what’s behind the doors.
"Also, remember that I once gave each of you wristbands with the WWJD inscription: What Would Jesus Do? That’s always a good question to ask about any decision we face, isn’t it?
“Certainly, I do not recommend using the coin toss method,” emphasized the Pastor, whose closing prayer thanked God for the young lives present today, asking that the Lord continue to guide each of them in their life decisions: “Give them a heart for Truth and Righteousness as they make their life decisions, and we give You all the praise. Amen.”
*****
ADULT SERMON TODAY:
Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s topic was “Parables Of The Kingdom: The Greatest Treasure,” based on Matthew 13:44-46:
13:44 God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic - what a find! - and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
13:45 "Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls.
13:46 Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
---The Message Translation of the Bible
“The Kingdom of Heaven is two things,” declared Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham. “It is a place we go to when we die, the New Jerusalem, a city with streets paved with gold, pearly gates and 12 foundations, each a precious stone, a place of God’s Glory, glorified bodies, no sadness, no tears, a place where a great river runs through. Nevertheless, those of sound mind are usually in no hurry to get there. The sweet bye and bye is sufficiently soon enough.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is also a state of being that is not directly associated with a place,” added Pastor Graham. “It is the place where God rules and reigns in people here and now. That’s what Jesus was referring to when He said the Kingdom of Heaven is near and that it is within us. So the Kingdom of Heaven is a time and place when and where God lives and reigns in our lives because we have given Him the right to control by our surrender to Him. We are living for God and not living for the devil or even living for ourselves.
“In one sense, we will always be living our lives under the reign of either God or the devil,” said the Pastor. “Which is true for you? Say amen or oh me! When we turn to God and let Him reign, we may occupy our place in the Kingdom of Heaven. In another respect, that situation is for us a time of preparation or a time of testing to see if we are serious about the life commitment: How important it is to us. Is it like a treasure found in a field? In the first century, there were no banks, so people did hide their treasures in fields as related in the Parable today in which a man stumbles on the treasure, recognizes it as such and then buys the land to acquire the treasure.
“The most valuable thing you or I will ever have is our place in the Kingdom of Heaven, our salvation in Jesus Christ,” added Pastor Graham. “It’s certain that when we leave this world, we will take nothing with us. And, we don’t really know what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like, despite the hints in Scripture. In fact, the Apostle Paul mentions in the 12th chapter of 2 Corinthians an event in which he apparently saw things in the third heaven, but was not at liberty to discuss them. We do know that the event made an impact on Paul’s life. The Kingdom of Heaven is very real. It is both the future and now, and we will be tested.
“The rich young ruler of Scripture was tested,” reminded Pastor Graham. “When he asked Jesus what he must do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus told him to obey the commandments, and the ruler said he already did that, so what next? Jesus told him that, if he would be perfect, to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor and follow Him (Jesus) to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But the rich young ruler was sorrowful because of the value he placed on his earthly treasure. The rich young ruler was thus tested and found wanting.
“We will always have that testing,” declared Pastor Graham. “How serious are we? Salvation is free, but not necessarily without cost to us. The decisions we face are sometimes God’s way of asking us if we truly desire the Kingdom of Heaven.
[At this point, the Pastor told a story which emphasized the value of a gift given though love and grace, exemplified by blood sacrifice, compared with the attitude of attempting to earn (by works or merit) love and grace, which are gifts without price. Bottom line to the story: Some gifts are available to us only through love, and can not be bought at any price other than acceptance of the love gift. Salvation, available to us as a gift through the sacrifice of God’s own Son, is the best example of this. Anything we might do to earn salvation pales in comparison to the sacrifice of the love in which this precious gift is packaged.]
“That’s how salvation comes to us,” added the Pastor. “We receive a great and precious gift from God, which results in a New Life and we walk in a New Way to the Kingdom of Heaven. That gift to us cost God the Father His greatest possession, His Son, yet He offers it freely to all who accept it in gratitude. I can only marvel, but never understand, those who regard such an act with indifference. If, indeed, as they seem to think, this life is all there is: Then live it any way you can get by with. If there is more, then anyone is a fool not to prepare for it. In any event, we all die either full of faith or full of foolishness!
“The Kingdom of Heaven is our greatest gift,” concluded the Pastor. “All the gold in the world pales in comparison. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place and a state of being, and we can never see the place unless we choose the state of being, which is best exemplified by an attitude of: Here I am Lord, be my Savior, and take me to be Your Own.”
In his closing prayer, the Pastor said, “Help us to see clearly in our spiritual vision the Kingdom of Heaven: What it does for us! Give us the wisdom to choose the vision that will bring to us the pearl of great price. Let your Son live in us that we might live lives of renewed dedication. For all that You do, and for all that we are because of You, we give thanks in His most precious Name. Amen.”
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS TODAY:
WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Beginning Again.
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LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Responding To God’s Holiness.
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OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: CHARLES STANLEY STUDY: FEELING SECURE IN A TROUBLED WORLD! (This is a multiple-week study.)
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YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.
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CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Jesus Goes To Synagogue School.
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PAIRS & SPARES, Joe Dan Boyd: 2 Timothy 1: THE PROMISE OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS
Pairs & Spares Class Handout is below:
MOMENTS OF TRUTH (Life lessons # 234)
Take home lessons from studying 2 Timothy 1 and related Scripture:
1. The Apostle Paul uses a distinctive phrase to describe the Gospel Message, calling it: “The Promise of Life in Christ Jesus.” Our challenge is to make the most of such a Promise, which includes both the present and the future.
2. While the contents of this Letter present the last recorded words of the Apostle Paul, composed under decidedly depressing prison conditions, his faith and resolve are clearly intact. Our challenge is to remember one of Paul’s favorite admonitions: Do not lose heart!
3. Paul faces what he knows are his final days with this attitude: “The time of my departure has come, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” Our challenge is to learn from this awesome example of unwavering faith and the power of a focused mission.
4. Paul’s second letter to Timothy lingers lovingly over the nature of Timothy’s faith as it reflects that of his mother, grandmother and the divine grace of God’s own gift. Our challenge is to be grateful for the abiding gift of faith and its inherent rich rewards, one of which is the ability to please God.
5. Paul gently advises the young Timothy to “stir up” his God-given gifts, to stoke the coals into flames, presumably by study, prayer and frequent use. Our challenge is not to neglect the gifts that are in us!
TODAY’S DATE: 09-12-04
Pairs & Spares
Sunday School Class
Tinney Chapel UMC
Winnsboro, Texas
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 09-19-04
READ 2 TIMOTHY 2
Afterwards, reflect upon these things:
1. The character of a soldier of Christ.
2. Finding strength in the gifts of God.
3. Power in a focused vision.
4. The unchained Word of God.
5. An unashamed workman of God.
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COMMUNITY LINKS TODAY:
Winnsboro Today, a great online newspaper serving the Greater Winnsboro community:
http://www.winnsborotoday.com/
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METHODIST LINKS TODAY:
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TO READ THE CURRENT SEPT.10 ISSUE OF THE NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER (NTMR) ON LINE, GO TO:
http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/040910mr.html
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For the “mother lode” link to Methodism go to: http://www.umc.org/
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TINNEY CHAPEL UMC COMMUNICATIONS
The quintessential country church!
JOE DAN BOYD, COORDINATOR
