We Don't Stop Halfway

   The Peachtree Road Race runs this week. The world's largest 10 kilometer race, the event attracts 60,000 runners of all ages and paces eager to take part in the Fourth of July tradition. I know our own Jack Phillips ran it for over two decades, and I'm sure others have run it, as well. I am a not really a runner, but I do run a little. I've faithfully made my way to a local gym - with a couple of poor weeks as exceptions - since the end of January, and have endured the treadmill as a way to keep my heart in shape. I am a long way from being able to complete a 5k, much less a 10k like the Peachtree. 

   The best part of a treadmill is that you control the distance and pace. That is also the worst part. It is easy to slow down in the middle. But, imagine if the runners in the Peachtree just slowed down to a walk. It would complicate and confuse the whole thing. Running is about finishing and faithfulness. 

   Epworth has been running the faithful race given to those first women and men back in 1960. The vision of planting a church for a neighborhood filled with families was awesome, and we want kept that vision. Like the writer of Hebrews said, "let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us." We are showing families of every size the amazing love of God. We are lifting others up on the journey. 

   We are faithful to our vision because Epworth people have continued to commit their passions, their time and their money. Financial stewarship matters. Every contribution keeps us going, and every gift, of every size, is an act of faith in the vision God first gave and we still embrace. With the addition of online giving, folks can support this vision in worship on Sunday or at anytime during the week. Your gifts are precious and they make a difference. 

   The world needs good news. Jesus Christ, putting the world back together through the work of God's people, is good news. It is the best news. Epworth's leadership keeps the ministry in front of us and prevents the 'crisis mindset' from creeping in. The evidence of it working can be seen in the hallways, classrooms, mission partners, and lives of Epworth people. 

   At the halfway point of this year and midway through this race we are on, we cannot stop now. Epworth is about  finishing and faithfulness. 

   Grace and peace, Scott

You Cannot Get There From Here (Without Walking)

So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. - Ephesians 6:14-17

   

   A five-hour ride got us near the beach last week for a few days. Like most people, we drove to the beach. But, technically the car only got us to the parking lot. Our feet carried us to the beach. Unless you’re down in Daytona, most beaches cannot be accessed without walking. 

   Next week, we hope to attend my family reunion in Lake Junaluska, NC. It is a six-hour ride to get there. If you’ve ever been on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you remember seeing and stopping along those roadside overlooks that offer expansive views of the valleys and mountains. But, to really experience the terrain and the majesty of God’s creation, you have to get out of the car. All you can see from the car is the treetops. The mountains, pushed up by granite and cut by water, cannot be seen without some effort. 

  The same is true for the waterfalls of North Georgia, Providence Canyon just south of here, or the best concerts, shows or meals in this town or any other. Our feet are integral to abundant living. 

   Paul says as much in his passage about the full armor of God. Along with the place of truth, faith and the Bible, he says our feet are necessary to spread peace. Because you cannot get to some places without getting up and get going. We have to get up. Peace - the very thing our world and our lives need more of - can be reached only if we actively work at it. Spreading peace is not achieved with drive-by tactics. 

   We have to walk next door to speak to our neighbors. We have to run down the hallways, chasing and playing with kids. We have to stand in the kitchen and prepare meals for Rose Hill, Open Door, or that family that just lost a loved one. Then those meals have to be delivered or served. None of this happens sitting down. 

   My prayer is that we would take the truth we already know - we must get up and get active to experience the best stuff of life - and apply it to our life as disciples of Jesus. 

   Grace and peace, Scott

Summer Reading

   Summer. Kids are out of school, the sun is warm, and, for many people, that favorite vacation spot is calling. Whether you prefer the beach, the mountains, or your own back porch, lots of summer reading is reduced to entertainment, intrigue, or indulging in bad beach novels! But, back in grade school summer reading was about preparing you for whatever was coming next year. This summer, Epworth wants us to know seven Bible truths before God brings us whatever is next.

Don't Worry - Matthew 6

Talk Plainly - Matthew 5:37

Forgiveness Matters - Colossians 3:13

A Future With Hope - Jeremiah 29:11

Life is Not Private - Hebrews 3:12-13

You First versus Me First - Ephesians 5:21

Cure for the Selfish Life - Galatians 5:13-16

   I encourage you to read ahead. Pick a chapter and dig deep. If children are reading ahead for the purpose of preparing for what is next, why not us? We do not know what life holds next for us. The disciples did not either. So, Jesus prepared them with lessons and truths that they would soon rely on as each new challenge and turn on their journeys came up. Let us spend some valuable time this summer in a reading plan that is getting us ready for whatever is next.
   Grace and Peace, Scott

The Law of Empowerment

  John Maxwell wrote a leadership classic in 1998 that has since sold millions and instructed at least as many. In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, he covers the basic truths about leadership and influence. Maxwell was a church pastor before he became a best-selling author and noted speaker and his leadership laws are played out in local congregations every week and every day. Epworth has seen a number of them on display this week.

  John Maxwell places the Law of Empowerment as number twelve in his list, but this week it has been number one in my mind. Interestingly, he opens his chapter on the power of empowering others with a “how-not-to” story. His example is that of Henry Ford who, after changing the landscape and culture of America with his mass-produced Model T car, prohibited anyone from taking the lead to create a second option or upgrade. He stifled anyone from asking, “Where Next?” He permitted no one to even consider, “What Now?” It was nearly twenty years before the Ford Motor Company offered the Model A. The reason was that its leader did not empower others to do that which they were already great - designing and assembling great cars.

  I can testify that Epworth has done the opposite. Debra Johnson is our volunteer layperson who helps vision and carry out our ministry with Children and Families. We call it Family1+ or Orange. Debra, along with Kelley Conkle and Frances Phillips, have pushed the ability to choose direction, design amazing moments and lead precious children to some of the world’s greatest VBS Workers ever. They are ours. Each night this week, they have been partnering with families of all sizes and shapes to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of children! That is what we do. 

  Maxwell wrote, “The people’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.” This is directly from the story of Jesus. From day one the church has received the power and permission of God to go and serve and lead. Matthew 10 says, “Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority...” We take that to include authority over crafts, over 3-year olds, over menus, over skits, over experiments, over music and everything in between.

  So if it looks like Kelley, Debra and Frances are having fun this week, remember it is because they are leading by empowering. May we all have that kind of fun and touch as many lives.

Grace and Peace, Scott

Three Big Things

 The 2013 session of Annual Conference ended on Tuesday with Bishop James King setting the appointments for the coming year. This included my return to Epworth UMC as your pastor. This is something that delights my soul and thrills my family. We love Epworth and believe our very best days are ahead. There is much to do as we continue to love God, love each other, and discern a vision for how those activities take shape in our ministry here. This is awesome!

  The members of the Annual Conference, pastors and laypersons representing every church in South Georgia, also made history. On Tuesday the Annual Conference voted by a 397 to 363 margin to reduce the number of districts in South Georgia down from 9 to 6. After 50+ years with 9 districts being the norm this change will begin in June 2014. The churches of the Columbus District will likely become members of the slightly larger North West District. Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Edwin “Buddy” Cooper, wrote two days afterwards, 

When major changes in the status quo are approved by our Annual Conference, the designation “historic” is attached. The South Georgia Annual Conference of 2013 was truly an historic one. Our journey has become even more dependent upon one another. Each of us must dedicate ourselves to making this transition the blessing our conference envision. The cabinet met with Bishop King on Wednesday morning and began making plans for the reduction in districts. The conference has spoken and we are servants of our Annual Conference. This will be a year of transition and major adjustments. Since we have only a year, the transition becomes our central mission, as we prepare for the change in June, 2014. We are not fearful or anxious. What has been approved is good. Pray for the Bishop and Cabinet as we implement what will be the future God is leading us to enter for the sake of the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ in South Georgia. This is a time for prayer and unity. The vote was close, but now we move forward as the mighty army of God that we are. 

  Finally, miles away from the above actions of the Conference, Epworth is in the final days of preparing to hosting Vacation Bible School this coming week, June 10-14. It is not the most important thing we will do all year but, it is a part of the most important thing we do: partnering with families of all sizes and shapes to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of children! I encourage every person to pray each day for the children and volunteers. I encourage you to come and serve, and to consider a small gift to support the cost of meals and materials that are used to show the love of Jesus to these precious children.

Grace and Peace, Scott