How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

- Isaiah 52:7

   The prophet Isaiah captures the raw emotions known to any who have waited to hear Good News. The baby is fine. Your loved one is okay. The contract went through. You've go the job. Your football team finally beat their rivals! (OK, this last one is not as important as the others, but I was trying to include everyone)!

   Despite that much of the specific history of Isaiah's context has been lost over the centuries since these words were first uttered, it is clear that he once stood among God's people waiting for news to arrive. Obviously, waiting back then took longer: no cell phone towers, electronic mail, or even the pony express. Runners would risk their lives to carry back word of victories or impending attacks. In every way, technology has radically changed the meaning and methods of communications. Yet, the importance of communicating has not been altered one bit (or byte).

   I propose this is as true for the Bonaire Church now as in the days after those first Sunday services were held here in 1894. People need to stay in touch and be informed. It might be even more important now, considering the overwhelming amount of information and content that flows our way. We are inundated with communication, so we all need to hear things on more than one occasion in order to process it correctly. 

   We are updating some of our methods in small, but meaningful ways. We are now sending more each week in our emails. We are considering plans to begin sending a monthly piece out by regular mail. Here is what we would ask of you:

   1) Help us by providing and keeping current your email address and phone number with the Church Office. Send it to bonaireumc@bonairechurch.com or call Kristina at (478) 733-1806. 

   2) Call the church when you are having surgery or have experienced some need of pastoral care.

   3) Read your bulletin and transfer dates to your calendars.

   4) Pray that we continue to be a place where the Good News is proclaimed, and every visitor would walk away knowing that Our God reigns.

   Grace and Peace, Scott

   

The New Guy(s)

   We all know, it's not always easy being the new guy or girl in a new place. I remember walking into elementary school, after we moved to Statesboro the day before the start of First Grade, clutching a shiny new pen because it was the only friend I had in the building! Of course, Mrs. Marks was gracious to point out that in her class we'd be writing with pencils.

   You probably have similar remembrances of those moments you've walked into a place unsure of who you'd sit with, what would happen, how you'd be treated, and if would you be accepted. Those are often moments of anxiety and even fear. Yet, when we look back on some of those same moments we realize that they were often the beginnings of new and exciting chapters in our lives: new careers, new relationships, new opportunities, new directions, or new moments of learning. 

   Matt Martin has reminded me, on more than one occasion, that he's a new guy, too. Often, that happens when I whisper a question about the name of someone standing across the hallway. We're both wanting our 'newness' to work as permission to get more time to meet and get to know everyone. 

   All of us came to Bonaire as the new person, at one point or another. Despite Mrs. Kay's insistence that she's been here all her life - which is true - even she arrived (as an infant) not knowing what to expect. It's a good reminder for all of us that every Sunday (or any day, really) brings new people who walk through our doors unsure of what to expect. So, our own experiences of being the new person are guides to the simple acts of greeting people, introducing yourself, and extending a hand. Every moment we can treat someone as we ourselves have wanted to be treated we are living out Jesus' commandments:  

Matthew 7:12 -  "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. 

Matthew 22:39 - "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 

   Speaking for Matt and myself, you've welcomed our families with such grace. Thank you. May we welcome the next family, and the next, and the next, in the same manner! 

   Grace and peace, Scott

Hugs, Help Moving Boxes, Hospitality and a Humble Word of Appreciation

   We are humbled. The welcome we have received, from the very first phone call from Claire Chapman to the very last dessert brought to our door, has been a blessing. The list of tangible ways that this congregation has extended hospitality to our family is lengthy: hugs, helping move boxes, bringing food, balloons on the mailbox, helping move furniture, kind notes, beautiful flowers, helping move boxes, words of welcome by email, prayers that are written and spoken, helping move furniture, smiles, handshakes, helping move boxes, and offers to do even more in the days ahead. I am sure that I left some things
out, but did I mention how much we appreciate the help with moving boxes and furniture? That was awesome. I am unable to list every person who has already helped, but I must mention Linda Dykes for her exceptional work in this transition. She walked us through a truly magnificent home on Wednesday upon our arrival that was the product of the consistent effort of a host of people.
   We have met a few dozen people already, but please continue the grace-filled kindness of reminding us of your names for at least a month or so. We need the help! We will begin reviewing the Church Directory on Sunday evening to connect names with faces we've met so far, but it is a slow process, as you all know.
   Let me say a word of appreciation to Jay and Cathy, Mary Catherine and Ross, for the amazing ministry they have helped to steward for these eight years. Bonaire is not the same since they arrived here in 2007. I have long had a lengthy list of reasons to admire them and various points of connection and friendship, but their grace in this transition has been tremendous. They are good people, in the best sense of the term.
   I hope to meet you in worship and see you again soon - possibly as a volunteer at VBS this coming week!
   Grace and peace to you, Scott

A Word from Julie Hagan

God of mercy, sweet love of mine. I have surrendered to your design. May this offering stretch across the sky. And these hallelujahs be multiplied. 

As I stood and listened to Andy and the band sing these lyrics to one of my favorite songs last week, I closed my eyes so that I could hear more clearly. It sounds strange, but we all have been taught that when one sense is omitted, our other senses are enhanced. With my eyes closed, I could hear the intracacies of the guitar, the voices, the drums, and the piano, but I could also hear  my prayers for Epworth being lifted throughout the singing of that song. 

Epworth is a special place, full of special people.  People who share a common vision for what God's call is in their lives, as well as what His call is for the church.  The manner in which the people of Epworth have ministered to the least of these in Columbus is such a testament to what it means to be Epworth as well as to be the kingdom of God. This giving and service to others is simply part of the fabric of Epworth. 

I am so thankful to have been a part of this church for the past five years.  For five years you have welcomed my family, loved and cared for my children, and even laughed at whatever crazy prop Scott brought into worship that week. It has been a blessing and a privilege to serve alongside you. You have shown me and my family what it really means to be the people of Epworth and the people of God. For every prayer that I have prayed for you, you have prayed the same for me. I have felt it, and I know that those will continue even now that our time serving together is ending. That is just how you are built. This home that we have known will always have a special place in my heart. It is for all these things that I am thankful. 

May your lives continue to be blessings, and may all of your hallelujahs be multiplied.

Grace and peace,

Julie