The DNA Update for United Methodists - Mid-July 2011

Greetings, Members of Memorial:

I thought to pass on this article and hope to inspire some thought and discussion. I want to direct your attention to the section on "What is the Future of the Small Membership Church?" Though this article does not seem to speak directly to the concerns of Memorial (we don't fit the statistics of what he describes here as a "small membership church"), there are some issues raised in this article that should particularly catch our notice: declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances, aging congregation. The question is: what are we going to do about it? I mean, other than talk and complain about declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances and an aging congregation.

I'd welcome your comments and ideas and feedback. Thanks.

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 11

Check out Five Significant Facts about First-Time Guests by Rick Ezell -Sermo

Click here: Five Significant Facts about First-Time Guests by Rick Ezell -SermonCentral.com

 

This is something we should all think about as it pertains to our church. How are we doing on this? I'd like to hear your comments/feedback.

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Check out Sydney Woman's Remains Found Years After Death

Click here: Sydney Woman's Remains Found Years After Death

 

You can draw your own conclusions, lessons, sermon analogies, etc.  from this story.

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 11

Prayers and sympathy

Greetings, all,

Let us remember in our prayers this week families of our local and denominational church who have experienced bereavement:

 

Tena Brown, at the passing of her daughter ("Missy"); services are Wednesday, with the wake from 6-9 p.m., and funeral on Thursday at 11 a.m.

 

Robert Smith-Rapley, one of our youth at Memorial, whose father passed away yesterday. Arrangements are: wake on Thursday, 5-8 p.m., and funeral on Friday at 10 a.m., Church of Love.

 

Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sharpe Johnson, former Missionary Supervisor and General Officer of the WH&OM Society, wife of Bishop Joseph Johnson, who passed away today. Her final services will be held on Saturday, June 4 at noon at Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina.

 

Thank you,

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Check out Aretha Franklin Sings Amazing Grace - Video - Oprah.com

Click here: Aretha Franklin Sings Amazing Grace - Video - Oprah.com

 

In case you missed it...this was worth watching the farewell show.

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Reminder: First Friday fast

Good morning, everyone,

Just a reminder that tomorrow, the first Friday in the month, is our fast day. Please join us, if you are able, in fasting and praying for our church.

 

Thank you.

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Next steps, Sunday, May 1 sermon

Last Sunday's sermon was from John 20:19-31, titled, "He Comes Back!" What are the "next steps" God will have us take in response to the Word we heard?

 

1. When you have experienced a setback or crisis, do you do what the disciples did - hide and try to protect yourself?

2. When/if you react as did the disciples, how have you experienced Jesus just showing up, "coming back" when you thought he was gone?

3. When you have experienced a setback or crisis, do you do what Thomas did - run away or leave?

4. When/if you react as did Thomas, how have you experienced Jesus "coming back" if you "gave up" before he "showed up"?

5. How are you challenged to show God's peace, presence and power, especially if you have to forgive someone? Are you willing to prove to others (or to yourself) that your thoughts about sin were wrong?

6. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon or reading this passage? How is God speaking to you now?

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10