Tinney Chapel Today

TOMMY BOYD PRODUCES A DVD OF OUR CONSECRATION CEREMONY, AND DONATES IT TO TINNEY CHAPEL UMC AS A FUND RAISER. Tommy, at left in photo with his wife, Georgia Ann, was born and raised in the Old Tinney Home Place, at the intersection of what is now FM 312 and CR 4620. He grew up attending Tinney Chapel from his earliest recollections, and considers his recent generous action a partial payback on his heritage from the quintessential country church. "I could have produced the DVD much sooner, but the software was brand new, and I had to do some tweaking as I learned how to use it," Tommy explains. The new DVD, packaged in an attractive display case, is decorated with four-color photos, and the title, Hey, Church, Do You Know Who You Are? is based on Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure Jr.'s powerful sermon for the Jan. 9, 2005 Consecration Ceremony.



CHAPEL NEWS TODAY:

NEW TINNEY CHAPEL DVD AVAILABLE FOR
$15.00 DONATION TO THE CHURCH

Attractively packaged, illustrated with color photos and produced with both technical skill and Christian love by Tommy Boyd, who grew up in the Tinney Chapel tradition, this video captures all the drama and inspiration of January 9, 2005, when the dream became a reality in the consecration of the new Family Life & Christian Education Center.

Titled, Hey, Church, Do You Know Who You Are? this video production preserves Bishop Moncure’s unforgettable, powerful sermon, the Tinney Chapel choir, the Tinney Chapel Children, District Superintendent Rev. Pat Beghtel-Mahle, North Texas Methodist Reporter Editor Rev. Dr. Joan LaBarr, our own two Pastors, the Tinney Chapel Building Committee, and everything else you will never forget from that special day. (Thanks also to David Stanton, from whose video Tommy produced the DVD.)

To preserve those images and those voices forever in your personal library, hand a $15.00 check (made out to Tinney Chapel UMC) to Church Secretary Elaine Knoop and pick up your copy of the DVD during church business hours (Mon-Tues, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm; Wed-Thurs, 9:00 am to 11:30 am).

Oh yes, this special first edition of the DVD is limited to 20 copies.

To order a DVD by mail, send your check to the attention of Elaine Knoop, TC church secretary/treasurer, at Tinney Chapel UMC, 449 County Road, Winnsboro, TX 75494.

By the way, Tommy Boyd contributed all his time, talent, materials, software use and overflowing love associated with this project FREE. One hundred percent of the purchase income from this very special DVD goes to Tinney Chapel.

THANK YOU, TOMMY!



CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham told the children about the Transfiguration of Jesus, referring them to Matthew 17. He described the event as one involving Jesus and His three main Disciples: Peter, James and John. The Pastor told the children that Jesus’ whole being changed, with His shining face a blinding experience. He also told about Moses and Elijah appearing to talk with Jesus. By this time, the Pastor suggested to the children that the three Disciples were likely overwrought. He told them that Peter asked Jesus if they should build three tabernacles on the spot as a kind of commemoration or permanent memorial of the unique event.

“But, Jesus doesn’t actually answer the question,” said Pastor Graham, who then quoted Scripture:

Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" ---New King James Translation

The Pastor then switched the topic to today’s use of bumper stickers for instant messaging, asking if anyone had bumper stickers on the family car. “Yes,” said Matthew Stanley: “God bless our troops.” The Pastor recalled bumper stickers he had seen, including, “Honk if you love Jesus” and “God said it, that settles it and I believe it.” The Pastor said the last phrase of the latter was not necessary: “If God said it, what we believe makes no difference, because it is the Truth whether or not we believe it, although we are blessed if we do believe.”

In his closing prayer, the Pastor thanked God for the Truth in God’s own son, Jesus: “He’s Your only begotten son, divine, Lord, and He will come again because You said He would. Help us to always believe in what You say. Amen.”

ADULT SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s topic today was “Gleanings,” and his Scripture was Ruth 1:4-8 and 11-17:

“Ruth is one of the five books that is read in public at certain services in Israel each year,” began Pastor Graham during the introduction to his sermon and Scripture. “Ruth, a Moabitess, married into a Jewish family during the time of the Judges, when they (the Judges) were the head people of Israel, spoke for the Lord and led the Israelites in battle. Our story takes place just before the time of Saul.

“This was a time when Israel was in turmoil, chaos and strife, within and without,” added the Pastor. “Elimelech went to Moab to find a better way of life during a time of famine in Israel. He and Naomi raised their two boys, Mahlon and Chilion, who later married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. But Elimelech died and left Naomi a widow, and then the sons died and left their wives as widows. After all this, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem and live among her relatives, urging her daughters-in-law to return to the homes of their mothers:

4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.
6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each to her mother's house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. ---New King James Translation

The Pastor explained that Naomi interpreted the turn of events as an indication that the Lord had acted against her.

11 But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go--for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!" 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me." ---New King James Translation

“One daughter goes back to worship idols, whether personal gods or national gods they were still idols,” explained Pastor Graham. “But, Ruth decided to go with Naomi, and remain with the family she had married into. We are not told why Ruth decided to do this. It may have been love for Naomi or honor for her dead husband or even possibly a relationship with the Living God of Israel. Perhaps a Hope had been transmitted to Ruth from Naomi. For whatever reason, Ruth decided not to return to idol worship.

“When Ruth made that choice, however, she knew nothing of the details as far as we know,” added Pastor Graham. “Ruth had not been to Bethlehem in Judah, but she was making a commitment to help provide for Naomi, her mother-in-law. In that day, Israel had no welfare program such as we have today. They did have a welfare program in Israel, but it required that you still had to work.

“Upon arrival in Bethlehem, the talk of the area was that Naomi had returned and brought her daughter-in-law,” said the Pastor. “They likely said things like, Poor Naomi, how terrible that the Hand of God has struck out against her, how sad, and the like. But, the first thing you know, it’s time for the barley harvest, and Naomi gives instructions to Ruth for gleaning the fields. That was, in fact, the welfare program in Israel at the time. It would not make you rich, but it would keep you from starving, and perhaps keep a few clothes on your back.

“By Mosaic Law, widows, orphans, the down-and-out could follow the paid harvesters and glean anything that was left,” explained Pastor Graham. “In fact, the harvesters were supposed to leave something for the poor to glean. Into this situation, Ruth happened on the field of Boaz, and Ruth’s work ethic during the gleaning process quickly made it clear to all who could see that she is a very industrious woman who is planning to take care of her mother-in-law. All this combines to create for Ruth the reputation of being a very virtuous woman.

“Eventually, Boaz arrives to check on the harvest of his field,” said Pastor Graham. “He notices Ruth, is impressed, asks about her and receives a good report. Boaz tells Ruth to remain in his barley field and for the subsequent wheat harvest, and promises that the harvesters will not trouble her. In fact, Boaz even tells the harvesters to leave a little extra for Ruth to glean. There were two reasons for Boaz’s actions: He sees that Ruth is industrious, and Naomi is his relative.

“Part of the Mosaic Law of that time was that the nearest kinsman had the responsibility of caring for his family in time of trouble,” related the Pastor. “If the relative had to sell land, the nearest kinsman had the right to redeem that land and also to marry the widow involved. When Naomi learns that Boaz is her kinsman, she has hope that God will bless them.

“To shorten the story, Boaz marries Ruth the gleaner,” said Pastor Graham. “Ruth started gleaning a few grains for survival, and ends up gleaning redemption for herself and her mother-in-law. All this is a definite reference to Christ and The Church. Jesus Christ is the nearest kinsman the Church has. He came and gave His life to redeem the Church. Boaz redeemed not only Ruth and Naomi, but also is symbolic of God’s people. Finally, the birth of the child of Boaz and Ruth, Obed, becomes the heir apparent:

Ruth 17 (b) ... And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; 19 Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; 20 Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; 21 Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; 22 Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David. ---New King James Translation

“So Ruth and Boaz become the great grand parents of King David, who ranks close to Moses in Isralite history, because he was anointed by God as King of Israel, was a man after God’s own heart and his heir would rule forever. All this because of what Ruth did during desperate circumstances.

“When we are in desperate circumstances, we should remember that God may be about to overcome our troubles and lead us to a greater place where He is the redeemer, the restorer,” added the Pastor. “We are promised these things in Jesus Christ, and when God says it, that settles it! Watch expectantly for blessings provided by God to befall us, for they surely will.”
In his closing prayer, the Pastor said to God that we are grateful for the examples of Ruth and Boaz, which shows us what a glorious redeemer we have in Christ Jesus our Savior: “All to His glory forever. Amen.”

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Overcoming Grief.

LADIES BYKOTA CLASS, Peggy Boyd: Jesus Will Return.

TINNEY CHAPEL MEN, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel.

OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Fellowship.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Jesus’ Baptism.

THE REMNANT CLASS, Joe Dan Boyd: Healthy Churches Transforming The World.

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS

MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS & KEEP YOU

Life Lessons # 253 from the recent “first nationwide Healthy Churches training” for the United Methodist Church, held in Houston, Texas:

1. A healthy church prescription includes:

2. Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20.

3. Great Commandment Matthew 22:37-38.

4. Great Requirement Micah 6:8.

5. Great Commitment Matthew 16:24.

6. John Wesley died March 2, 1791, filled with wisdom and The Spirit.

7. John Wesley overcame his doubts when his heart was strangely warmed and he became afire from God.

8. John Wesley founded Methodism, which became the first denomination to meet the spiritual needs of a new urban population.

9. John Wesley would have nothing of a self-indulgent pietism that led to retreating into oneself and domesticating or sanitizing religion.

10. Methodism, as founded by John Wesley, has always believed in and acted upon open hearts, open minds, and open doors—centuries before this became a TV slogan.

The Wesley material in items 6-10 was gleaned from a presentation by Dr. Leslie Griffiths, Dean of Wesley Chapel, London.

TODAY’S DATE: 02-06-05

The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Tinney Chapel UMC
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 02-13-05

READ ONLINE:

http://www.gbod.org/ministries/

http://www.gbod.org/smallgroup/covenant/winter05/default.html

http://www.gbod.org/smallgroup/covenant/winter05/gift.html

http://www.gbod.org/smallgroup/covenant/winter05/eightypercent.html

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=213085&category=285&sub_category=

http://www.gbod.org/leadership/leading/winter05/listen.html

http://www.gbod.org/leadership/leading/winter05/soul.html

http://www.ntcumc.org/Equipping/index.html


Afterwards, reflect upon these things from the links above:

1. Begin, my dear brethren, begin now: else the impression which you now feel will wear off; and possibly it may never return! What then will be the consequence? Instead of hearing that word, 'Come, ye blessed. . . . For I was sick and ye visited me,' you must hear that awful sentence, 'Depart, ye cursed! . . . For I was sick, and ye visited me not' (Matthew 25:34, 36, 41, 43)! –Covenant Discipleship Quarterly

2. All who follow Jesus Christ and seek to obey his teachings to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself" have the potential to be pastoral leaders for their congregation. They are pastoral leaders because others see and experience the grace of Jesus Christ through their lives. They are spiritual, servant leaders who follow the example of Jesus. These are ordinary people. They are laity and clergy. They are people like you. -- Steven W. Manskar


3. "This great gift of God, the salvation of our souls, is nothing more or less than the image of God stamped afresh upon our hearts. It is a renewal of believers. The spirit of their mind is conformed to the mind of Christ. . . . Their hope is that they will see God as God is. It is in this hope that they purify themselves as God is pure. They strive to be holy, as God is holy. They live this out in the way they conduct themselves in the world. It is through the living out of this life, to which God has called them, that they grow and mature in faith and love. In this way they will someday become the people God created them to be."— From A Perfect Love: Understanding John Wesley's "A Plain Account of Christian Perfection," §13, p. 23

4. What matters most in any Covenant Discipleship group is the members showing up each week to be together and to build one another up in love. Your presence each week is much more important than your "success" or "failure" with any part of your group covenant. The group exists to build up the body of Christ by building up one another. --- Covenant Discipleship Quarterly

5. ... in the Christian faith, listening to God is very important, despite the pitfalls. We need to receive the guidance God offers to us as individuals and as groups if we are serious about working in the world on God's behalf. At the same time, we need to know that our ability to deceive ourselves is huge. Learning to discern when the voice we are hearing is God's and when it is not is crucial to our faithfulness. Since we are invited, even urged, to listen to God, we ought to do so with both excitement and caution. And we have been given guidance. We have both the Bible and the help of the faith community of which we are a part. We can check out what we think we have heard with mature Christian friends whose spirit we trust. -- Susan W. N. Ruach, Ed.D.

6. Recently, among the various notes I have stashed away for years in my files, I came across a quote purportedly from Howard Thurman, the great African American Quaker, teacher, and writer. It goes like this: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive!" I was immediately put in mind of the early Church Father Ireneus, who famously proclaimed "The glory of God is the human being fully alive." --- Marjorie J. Thompson

BIBLE READINGS TODAY:

Readings for Transfiguration Sunday: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9.