It has been a long time since anyone wrote in the NoHoFUMC blog so I decided to do an update and then we can decide who should do the blog moving forward.
October 16th we lost our beloved Pastor Joey. It was very sudden and completely unexpected. We knew he was close to retiring but we still showed up each Sunday to hear him preach. He was thoughtful and he loved the sound of children "using their voices" during the service. He gave anyone who wanted to lead a Missions project the freedom to do so and was like a father figure to those in the congregation who's father was either not close or not living. He baptized all 3 of my girls and I had the pleasure to work in the front office with him for a year and a half before he passed. I came to this church in November of 1999 and brought my husband when we were just newly dating and he fell in love with the church as well.
We have had a wonderful Interim Pastor in Allison Mark. She came to us in such a difficult time and breathed life into our devastated congregation. She brought with her a family. My girls fell in love with her girls and it was wonderful seeing them play with all the kids. Sunday school was busy with the sound of little feet and laughter. They will be missed dearly. Pastor Allison has been reassigned and we will be getting our new permanent Pastor on Sunday. His name is Pastor Steve and he seems like a cool guy.
Our congregation has dealt with transition so much in the last 8 months but I know we can "withstand the storm" because "we are the storm"
Blessings and Love,
Tonya Peat
Director of Outreach Ministries
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
REFLECTIONS: August 24, 2014
REFLECTIONS
August 24, 2014
It has been said that the general difficulty with religion is not theology or doctrine or even belief in God, but the difficulty is found in people and especially with their interpretation. A number of years ago, I remember watching a famous person being interviewed about his values. When asked about faith he said, “I am religious, but I hope not in a way that shows.” Perhaps what he was afraid of was what humorist, Garrison Keillor, describes in one of his stories. “The problem with protestant ministers is that they come across just a bit too earnest like a used car salesperson, wearing too much corduroy and Hush Puppies.”
In chapter fourteen of the gospel of Matthew, two of Jesus’ most powerful miracles are recorded. The feeding of the five thousand in verses 13-21, and walking on water in verses 22-36. This work is followed by what some scholars term the “tradition of the elders.” in chapter fifteen verses 10-20, & 21-28. These passages find Jesus encountering the fierce legalism of the Pharisees with regard to food intake, the apparent inability of the disciples to comprehend what he is teaching, and his own understanding of what he is called by God to do with regard to those outside of the fold of Israel.
In conversation with the Pharisees, Jesus points out that what a person takes in by mouth for food ultimately turns to waste, whereas, what proceeds from one’s mouth can have a potential, lasting harmful affect because it has come from a heart susceptible to all manner of evils. Therefore, religious dietary laws must be held in context with the internal bearing of the believer to do the will of God. Next, the disciples admit they do not understand what he is talking about. So he explains in greater detail the dangers of spiritual blindness, and especially of the spiritually blind leading others. Finally, the disciples complain to him that a Canaanite woman is following asking for Jesus to heal her daughter. Since she is an outcast, not a part of the House of Israel, they ask that Jesus send her away. Jesus speaks with her saying that he was sent to minster to the lost of Israel. However, her faith touches him and he tells her that her daughter is healed.
What Jesus models is transparent faith. A religious pattern which shows that we follow God not our own biases. His willingness to change his mind with regard to healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter bears witness to this. The late philosopher, G. K. Chesterton, said with regard to the value of religious behavior, “For religion all persons are equal, as all pennies are equal, because the only value in any of them is that they bear the image of the King,.” In the end, religiosity must take a back seat to being faithful.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
REFLECTIONS:August 17, 2014
Do you read advice columns? They illustrate perfectly how relatives and religious people say some wonderful and awful things. In one column, a while back, a person wrote to say that his understanding of faith called for him to ‘spiritually divorce’ himself from anyone whose views were not in tune with his. The advice columnist response was this thinking did not fit with the general understanding that theology is about love rather than hate. So the concept of staying apart from those who disagree with you would not be wise. In a recent column “Ask Annie” was queried on how to stop a relative from being a bully? Citing an earlier bit of advice where Annie had said simply leave when relatives become insulting and overbearing (the advice seeker) said this did not seem fair, and wanted to know how to change the behavior of said relative? Annie responded by saying leaving is always the first best option because while we cannot change the way others treat us, we can remove ourselves from toxic circumstances.
I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago. The title was “You Can’t Box God, Your Arms Are Too Short.” The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul. Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God? Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia. Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned? Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith? Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different. It happens yet today. In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions. The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God? The second is, if this is so, what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect, or chosen of God?
In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions. Did God reject Israel? Of course not, and then to underscore this point, “I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” As to how gentiles are part of the ‘Party’ Paul writes in verse thirty-two “God has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all.” This, of course, ended all dissent, debate, and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas. Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West, denominations, the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century. His point then and now still holds. It is God who invites and invests in humanity. In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss God’s graciousness.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago. The title was “You Can’t Box God, Your Arms Are Too Short.” The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul. Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God? Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia. Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned? Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith? Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different. It happens yet today. In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions. The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God? The second is, if this is so, what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect, or chosen of God?
In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions. Did God reject Israel? Of course not, and then to underscore this point, “I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” As to how gentiles are part of the ‘Party’ Paul writes in verse thirty-two “God has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all.” This, of course, ended all dissent, debate, and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas. Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West, denominations, the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century. His point then and now still holds. It is God who invites and invests in humanity. In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss God’s graciousness.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Theology of a Majordomo
July 3, 2011
Biblical scholars remark that the 24th chapter of Genesis is easy to overlook because it is preceded and followed by the funerals of leading figures in faith history, namely Sarah and Abraham. The story of chapter 24 begins with Abraham discerning that his son, Isaac needs a wife. He instructs a trusted member of his staff of where to go and what to look for in a marriage companion for Isaac.
A dictionary says the term major-domo refers to the head steward of a large household who acts on behalf of the head of the house. In Genesis 24:1-67 after arranging for the burial of his wife Sarah, Abraham gives instructions to his head steward (scholars think this was Eliezer) a highly regarded servant, to find a wife for his son Isaac. It is essential to note that the first thing Eliezer does is pray before asking Rebekah if she will return with him to marry Isaac. Arranged and bartered marriages were common within societies of the Near East at this time. It was common with theses tribal cultures to marry other people from within their own clan. Sending a representative of one’s household to broker the transaction was also a normative practice. Another important element to consider is the text shares that Rebekah is asked for permission before the negotiations are concluded.
The choice of Rebekah has been compared to that of Abraham. She, just as the patriarch, leaving her family and homeland to enter into relationship with people unknown is thought an act of faith. Her sons Esau and especially Jacob would shape the future of ‘the chosen people.’ The theological continuum first noted in the call of Abram in chapter 12 is further underscored here. To clearly understand, the will of God is the life work of Abraham. This concept is present in the answer of Rebekah. This is followed in the work of Abraham’s faithful steward, as well. While Eliezer certainly is the head steward of Abraham’s family, it would be safe to say that the true vocation he represents is a Holy application.
Biblical scholars remark that the 24th chapter of Genesis is easy to overlook because it is preceded and followed by the funerals of leading figures in faith history, namely Sarah and Abraham. The story of chapter 24 begins with Abraham discerning that his son, Isaac needs a wife. He instructs a trusted member of his staff of where to go and what to look for in a marriage companion for Isaac.
A dictionary says the term major-domo refers to the head steward of a large household who acts on behalf of the head of the house. In Genesis 24:1-67 after arranging for the burial of his wife Sarah, Abraham gives instructions to his head steward (scholars think this was Eliezer) a highly regarded servant, to find a wife for his son Isaac. It is essential to note that the first thing Eliezer does is pray before asking Rebekah if she will return with him to marry Isaac. Arranged and bartered marriages were common within societies of the Near East at this time. It was common with theses tribal cultures to marry other people from within their own clan. Sending a representative of one’s household to broker the transaction was also a normative practice. Another important element to consider is the text shares that Rebekah is asked for permission before the negotiations are concluded.
The choice of Rebekah has been compared to that of Abraham. She, just as the patriarch, leaving her family and homeland to enter into relationship with people unknown is thought an act of faith. Her sons Esau and especially Jacob would shape the future of ‘the chosen people.’ The theological continuum first noted in the call of Abram in chapter 12 is further underscored here. To clearly understand, the will of God is the life work of Abraham. This concept is present in the answer of Rebekah. This is followed in the work of Abraham’s faithful steward, as well. While Eliezer certainly is the head steward of Abraham’s family, it would be safe to say that the true vocation he represents is a Holy application.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Between Gatekeepers and Relatives
Do you read advice columns? They illustrate perfectly how relatives and religious people say some wonderful and awful things. In one column, a while back, a person wrote to say that his understanding of faith called for him to ‘spiritually divorce’ himself from anyone whose views were not in tune with his. The advice columnist response was this thinking did not fit with the general understanding that theology is about love rather than hate. So the concept of staying apart from those who disagree with you would not be wise. In a recent column “Ask Annie” was queried on how to stop a relative from being a bully? Citing an earlier bit of advice where Annie had said simply leave when relatives become insulting and overbearing (the advice seeker) said this did not seem fair, and wanted to know how to change the behavior of said relative? Annie responded by saying leaving is always the first best option because while we cannot change the way others treat us, we can remove ourselves from toxic circumstances.
I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago. The title was “You Can’t Box God, Your Arms Are Too Short.” The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul. Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God? Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia. Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned? Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith? Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different. It happens yet today. In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions. The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God? The second is, if this is so, what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect, or chosen of God?
In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions. Did God reject Israel? Of course not, and then to underscore this point, “I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” As to how gentiles are part of the ‘Party’ Paul writes in verse thirty-two “God has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all.” This, of course, ended all dissent, debate, and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas. Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West, denominations, the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century. His point then and now still holds. It is God who invites and invests in humanity. In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss God’s graciousness.
I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago. The title was “You Can’t Box God, Your Arms Are Too Short.” The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul. Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God? Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia. Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned? Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith? Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different. It happens yet today. In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions. The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God? The second is, if this is so, what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect, or chosen of God?
In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions. Did God reject Israel? Of course not, and then to underscore this point, “I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” As to how gentiles are part of the ‘Party’ Paul writes in verse thirty-two “God has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all.” This, of course, ended all dissent, debate, and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas. Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West, denominations, the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century. His point then and now still holds. It is God who invites and invests in humanity. In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss God’s graciousness.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July 31, 2011 Archives
7-31-2011:
Story has it that the mother of Ray Charles, fearful of her son’s dependence on her sought to change the path of his life. Blind since birth she had tended to his every need, until the realization that she would not always be there for him. The next day she made him get ready on his own. While he screamed and wailed behind his bedroom door she listened in agony on the other side. The change she had chosen for her son was incredibly difficult, but she explained she was doing this for his future. He went on to fame and fortune, remaining fiercely independent, both as a recording artist, and as a businessman, being one of the few artists of his era to control the master recordings to his music.
Genesis 32:22-31 is the ‘bookend’ to chapter 28:10-19a. In chapter twenty-eight Jacob is on the run from his brother Esau. Having cheated him out of his birthright for a bowl of soup a few chapters earlier, Jacob now has stolen the family blessing belonging to Esau. Having sent his family across the Jabbok river he settles in for a nights rest but as in chapter twenty-eight he gets none. Where in the earlier story he visioned his ancestors, here he spiritually wrestles with God. So bold is Jacob that with the Holy he will not quit until he receives a blessing. Therein his name is changed to Israel, because he has ‘struggled with humans and with God and prevailed’. Jacob (Israel) then changes the name of the place to signify the Holy encounter.
In athletics someone with talent is referred to as a ‘game changer’. In the realm of faith God is ‘The Game Changer’. God saw something in Jacob, which Jacob himself could not perceive, leadership and hope. This errant vagrant grandson of Abraham was changed both in name and spirit by the blessing of God. A gifted theologian Max Lucado puts it slightly differently. “ While it is true that God loves us as we are, God does not expect us to stay where we are.” This is the spirit of Holy change to which we are all invited.
Story has it that the mother of Ray Charles, fearful of her son’s dependence on her sought to change the path of his life. Blind since birth she had tended to his every need, until the realization that she would not always be there for him. The next day she made him get ready on his own. While he screamed and wailed behind his bedroom door she listened in agony on the other side. The change she had chosen for her son was incredibly difficult, but she explained she was doing this for his future. He went on to fame and fortune, remaining fiercely independent, both as a recording artist, and as a businessman, being one of the few artists of his era to control the master recordings to his music.
Genesis 32:22-31 is the ‘bookend’ to chapter 28:10-19a. In chapter twenty-eight Jacob is on the run from his brother Esau. Having cheated him out of his birthright for a bowl of soup a few chapters earlier, Jacob now has stolen the family blessing belonging to Esau. Having sent his family across the Jabbok river he settles in for a nights rest but as in chapter twenty-eight he gets none. Where in the earlier story he visioned his ancestors, here he spiritually wrestles with God. So bold is Jacob that with the Holy he will not quit until he receives a blessing. Therein his name is changed to Israel, because he has ‘struggled with humans and with God and prevailed’. Jacob (Israel) then changes the name of the place to signify the Holy encounter.
In athletics someone with talent is referred to as a ‘game changer’. In the realm of faith God is ‘The Game Changer’. God saw something in Jacob, which Jacob himself could not perceive, leadership and hope. This errant vagrant grandson of Abraham was changed both in name and spirit by the blessing of God. A gifted theologian Max Lucado puts it slightly differently. “ While it is true that God loves us as we are, God does not expect us to stay where we are.” This is the spirit of Holy change to which we are all invited.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
July 10, 2011 Archives
The writings of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels. Scholars use this term because, while they approach the life and work of Jesus differently, some of the work is quite similar. One element each has is the parabolic teaching by Jesus. Luke contains the greatest number of parables, but all three authors note this work. Parables were common stories used throughout the region. They were used to make a point with regard to culture and custom, especially with regard to normative behavior. What Jesus did was apply the stories to a life in faith. The parable of the good Samaritan, and the parable of the Lost Son also known as the Prodigal Son are found only in the work of Luke. The parable of the Sower is in all three gospels.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus uses common life experience to illustrate how people respond to the Word of God. “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain...” verses 3b-7. Jesus closes the parable in verse nine with the admonition, ‘Let anyone with ears listen!’ In verse eighteen through twenty-three Jesus amplifies the teaching by sharing how those who either did not hear, respond, or in some manner were inhibited from doing so, met devastating results in their spiritual lives. Likewise those who heard and responded blossomed spiritually.
Pat Alger and Ralph Murphy wrote a modern parabolic interpretation of this message titled “Seeds.” It was a very popular recording. The second verse is the teaching narrative. ‘I saw a friend the other day I hardly recognized; he’d done a lot of living since I last looked in his eyes. And he told his tale of how he’d failed and the lessons he’d been taught. But he offered no excuses, and he left me with this thought:’ (chorus) “We’re all just seeds, in God’s hands–We start the same, but where we land–is sometimes fertile soil and sometimes sand. We’re all just seeds in God’s hands.” In the Bible, in life, we are each and every day invited to do at least two things well. Listen and grow.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus uses common life experience to illustrate how people respond to the Word of God. “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain...” verses 3b-7. Jesus closes the parable in verse nine with the admonition, ‘Let anyone with ears listen!’ In verse eighteen through twenty-three Jesus amplifies the teaching by sharing how those who either did not hear, respond, or in some manner were inhibited from doing so, met devastating results in their spiritual lives. Likewise those who heard and responded blossomed spiritually.
Pat Alger and Ralph Murphy wrote a modern parabolic interpretation of this message titled “Seeds.” It was a very popular recording. The second verse is the teaching narrative. ‘I saw a friend the other day I hardly recognized; he’d done a lot of living since I last looked in his eyes. And he told his tale of how he’d failed and the lessons he’d been taught. But he offered no excuses, and he left me with this thought:’ (chorus) “We’re all just seeds, in God’s hands–We start the same, but where we land–is sometimes fertile soil and sometimes sand. We’re all just seeds in God’s hands.” In the Bible, in life, we are each and every day invited to do at least two things well. Listen and grow.
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