I am in Independence this week participating in the International Leaders’ Gathering at headquarters. It is a great opportunity to share with brothers and sisters who work for the church in a variety of positions, many of whom are self-sustaining or bi-vocational ministers. It’s is a chance to hear what’s happening from not only the church officers but what’s going on in mission centers. It's also a blessing to renew friendships I’ve made over the years as well as meet new associates in the Western Field. Our apostle, Scott Murphy, and his wife Sandra, have been hosting me during the days here. Being on the receiving end reminds me just how important hospitality is. This is true not only in our homes, but in our congregations on Sunday mornings. While formal greeting ministries are not required, a warm welcome at the door or outside of it makes everyone feel welcome, regardless if it’s their first visit or they’ve been attending the same congregation for 50 years.
This weekend I will be having a procedure done on my shoulder and will most likely be out of commission a good portion of the weekend. Ann Gould is serving as host for the DisicpleshipNOW ministry. If you have an immediate need to which I cannot respond, I would encourage you to visit with Diana Hansen or one of my counselors: Ann Gould, Laurie Frank, or Chris Fox. I hope to be back and functioning on Monday. Blessings.
WELCOME
Increase Our Faith
Exploring the Scriptures: Luke 17:5-10
From Worship Resources Year C: Live Generously, Love Courageously, for Sunday, October 3, 2010
Luke places the disciples’ request for increased faith immediately after the difficult lesson on forgiveness, as if the disciples were protesting: “Wait a minute! It’s too hard to forgive that many times in one day! Increase our faith so we can follow your teaching.” Jesus’ response begins with a mild rebuke: “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed….” The implication is that the faith of the disciples is even tinier than one of the small black seeds of the local mustard plant. The rest of the statement appears to provide hope and comfort. Even faith so tiny can uproot a sycamine tree (in the King James version) and replant it in the sea. The image, however, is full of both humor and warning.
The sycamine tree is a large mulberry tree with deep, spreading roots. To uproot it would take an immense amount of effort and time. It would create quite a sensation among any observers. But apart from creating a sensation, what would be accomplished? Uprooting a sycamine would undoubtedly kill the tree. Furthermore, planting one in the sea would have no purpose at all, for the roots would find no hold in the sea bottom, and the salt water would kill it. The image presented, then, is of a tiny bit of faith being used to no good purpose. Paraphrased, it might read, “If you had even a tiny bit of faith, you’d probably use it to uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea!”
Human beings are eager to ask for increased faith, but our motivation is often suspect. How do we intend to use or demonstrate that faith? Jesus calls his disciples to forgive seven times in one day, if necessary—something that we are capable of, but often unwilling to do. It does, indeed, require faith—faith in the person who is repentant and faith in our own ability to keep loving and forgiving. Even a tiny bit of faith will do; but if the investment of faith is flashy, public, with a demonstration of effort and self-righteousness, we will defeat the purpose and destroy relationships in the process.
Forgiveness is a delicate thing, deeply rooted in grace and love. A quiet expression of faith in a person who is repentant can empower transformation and stabilize a relationship in love. The sacrament of Communion is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates the relationships with one another and with God in community. Let us increase our faith in one another and in God so that we may help heal and empower those relationships.
From Worship Resources Year C: Live Generously, Love Courageously, for Sunday, October 3, 2010
Luke places the disciples’ request for increased faith immediately after the difficult lesson on forgiveness, as if the disciples were protesting: “Wait a minute! It’s too hard to forgive that many times in one day! Increase our faith so we can follow your teaching.” Jesus’ response begins with a mild rebuke: “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed….” The implication is that the faith of the disciples is even tinier than one of the small black seeds of the local mustard plant. The rest of the statement appears to provide hope and comfort. Even faith so tiny can uproot a sycamine tree (in the King James version) and replant it in the sea. The image, however, is full of both humor and warning.
The sycamine tree is a large mulberry tree with deep, spreading roots. To uproot it would take an immense amount of effort and time. It would create quite a sensation among any observers. But apart from creating a sensation, what would be accomplished? Uprooting a sycamine would undoubtedly kill the tree. Furthermore, planting one in the sea would have no purpose at all, for the roots would find no hold in the sea bottom, and the salt water would kill it. The image presented, then, is of a tiny bit of faith being used to no good purpose. Paraphrased, it might read, “If you had even a tiny bit of faith, you’d probably use it to uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea!”
Human beings are eager to ask for increased faith, but our motivation is often suspect. How do we intend to use or demonstrate that faith? Jesus calls his disciples to forgive seven times in one day, if necessary—something that we are capable of, but often unwilling to do. It does, indeed, require faith—faith in the person who is repentant and faith in our own ability to keep loving and forgiving. Even a tiny bit of faith will do; but if the investment of faith is flashy, public, with a demonstration of effort and self-righteousness, we will defeat the purpose and destroy relationships in the process.
Forgiveness is a delicate thing, deeply rooted in grace and love. A quiet expression of faith in a person who is repentant can empower transformation and stabilize a relationship in love. The sacrament of Communion is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates the relationships with one another and with God in community. Let us increase our faith in one another and in God so that we may help heal and empower those relationships.
DiscipleshipNOW This Weekend
Please keep the DiscipleshipNOW cohort in your thoughts and prayers. They meet this weekend, October 1-3 at Phoenix Central to study “Christian Past as Prelude to Faithful Witness: Christian History and Thought.” Seventy Robin Linkhart and Bishop John Chatburn are co-facilitating.
Seasons of the Spirit Offers "Spirit Sightings" and "Spirit Screenings" to Tie to Lectionary
During Leadership Meetings this week at International Headquarters, Mary Gill, Disciple Formation Specialist, announced that Seasons of the Spirit church school curriculum includes two additional features at no charge to congregations. “Spirit Sightings” ties lectionary scriptures for the Sunday to current topics in the news somewhere in the English speaking world. This is a great resource if you are looking for ties between one of the lectionary scriptures and current events either for classes or for sermon preparation. They also have available “Spirit Screenings” which features how recent movies tie to one of the lectionary scriptures. Both include archives. Note: the key scripture for Seasons of the Spirit is not always the same as the one suggested for Community of Christ worship. Seasons of the Spirit is now the recommended curriculum for Biblical literacy in Community of Christ for children, youth, young adults and adults. For more information visit http://www.cofchrist.org/discipleformation/spiritseasons.asp.
Update on 2013 Hymnal Project
by Lauren Hall, Hymnal Project Coordinator
The International Leaders Council met the week of September 20th and gave serious consideration to the Hymnal Project. The project received critical input and feedback necessary for a collection of “global” music.
The 2013 hymnal will be one hardbound book, similar in size and thickness as Hymns of the Saints, containing at least 700 – 750 hymns, choruses, chants, Taize, and songs.
Conceptual guidelines for the selection process include our:
• Identity, message, mission, and beliefs (We Share)
• Strong four-part singing tradition
• Heritage
• Balance of gender inclusive language and metaphors
• Rich collection of texts for pursuit of peace and justice, sacredness of creation, mission, pilgrimage, centering, transformation, the sacraments, and relevant life issues
• Commitment to honor the historical and cultural context from which a hymn or song originated
For a complete list of conceptual guidelines visit www.cofChrist.org\hymnal.
Almost 5,000 selections have been culled to approximately 780 using the principles above and over 2,000 participants and consultants. The final content of the book, however, cannot be determined until summer of 2011 due to copyright approval process, limitations, and balance of collection.
Of the 618 Community of Christ hymns previously published in our hymnal and three supplements, over 50% are moving forward. In addition, there will be fresh texts to familiar tunes and a representation of musical styles and languages from other countries where Community of Christ is now represented.
Accompaniment recordings will be made available for the all songs in the hymnal collection, though the medium has not yet been determined (e.g. MIDI files). Guitar chords will be printed on the page of as many selections as possible.
Congregations can plan now to budget $25 per book. Auxiliary products will be produced at additional costs.
The ability to project the hymnal collection via slideshow or on screens will be determined by copyright restrictions at the time of release. We are hopeful that a good portion of the collection will be licensed to do so. Indexes for title, tune, topic, scripture, author, composer and more will be available for dynamic worship planning, including a concordance.
A core group of “shared” hymns (approximately 100) is being established that Community of Christ sings when the world church comes together for international gatherings. This initial collection of hymns and songs will be available for distribution on CD. This smaller collection can be printed on-demand in other places where the hardbound hymnal is not used or to learn from and sing to audibly.
The International Leaders Council met the week of September 20th and gave serious consideration to the Hymnal Project. The project received critical input and feedback necessary for a collection of “global” music.
The 2013 hymnal will be one hardbound book, similar in size and thickness as Hymns of the Saints, containing at least 700 – 750 hymns, choruses, chants, Taize, and songs.
Conceptual guidelines for the selection process include our:
• Identity, message, mission, and beliefs (We Share)
• Strong four-part singing tradition
• Heritage
• Balance of gender inclusive language and metaphors
• Rich collection of texts for pursuit of peace and justice, sacredness of creation, mission, pilgrimage, centering, transformation, the sacraments, and relevant life issues
• Commitment to honor the historical and cultural context from which a hymn or song originated
For a complete list of conceptual guidelines visit www.cofChrist.org\hymnal.
Almost 5,000 selections have been culled to approximately 780 using the principles above and over 2,000 participants and consultants. The final content of the book, however, cannot be determined until summer of 2011 due to copyright approval process, limitations, and balance of collection.
Of the 618 Community of Christ hymns previously published in our hymnal and three supplements, over 50% are moving forward. In addition, there will be fresh texts to familiar tunes and a representation of musical styles and languages from other countries where Community of Christ is now represented.
Accompaniment recordings will be made available for the all songs in the hymnal collection, though the medium has not yet been determined (e.g. MIDI files). Guitar chords will be printed on the page of as many selections as possible.
Congregations can plan now to budget $25 per book. Auxiliary products will be produced at additional costs.
The ability to project the hymnal collection via slideshow or on screens will be determined by copyright restrictions at the time of release. We are hopeful that a good portion of the collection will be licensed to do so. Indexes for title, tune, topic, scripture, author, composer and more will be available for dynamic worship planning, including a concordance.
A core group of “shared” hymns (approximately 100) is being established that Community of Christ sings when the world church comes together for international gatherings. This initial collection of hymns and songs will be available for distribution on CD. This smaller collection can be printed on-demand in other places where the hardbound hymnal is not used or to learn from and sing to audibly.
USA National Advisory Team to be Elected at Mission Center Conferences
The USA Apostle Team seeks the participation of two members from each mission center to serve on a special Advisory Team to review and provide feedback throughout the process that leads to the USA National Conference in July 2012. This Advisory Team will work with the USA Apostles to ensure that diversity of perspective on issues about relationships, marriage and ordination (e.g. same-gender marriage and ordination) is included in the experiences and resources developed to assist the membership in the discernment process. All Advisory Team meetings will take place via teleconferencing, email and web streaming. At times the Advisory Team may function in smaller sub groups to accommodate different time zones or to address different task responsibilities.
Members of the Advisory Team will be elected by each Mission Center at the 2010 Fall Conferences. Those elected should reflect the diversity of thought in the mission center as it relates to same-gender marriage and the ordination of members in same-gender relationships.
The expectations and requirements for advisory team members include:
• Willingness to listen to and work with others who have a different perspective on same-gender marriage and ordination
• Ability to share perspectives in a respectful manner that honors the diversity of thought among the different team members
• Commitment to participate in the discernment process and to attend, when possible, mission center or regional gatherings for sharing and discerning
• Commitment to keep confidentiality when personal perspectives are shared among the Advisory Team
• Ability to receive email information and respond to questions in a timely manner
• Ability to take part in evening or weekend conference calls when feedback is needed (once a month or quarterly).
If you are interested in serving as part of the Advisory Team, please notify Mike Hoffman, Arizona Mission Center President, by November 1, 2010. The two members of the Advisory Team will be chosen at the December 4, 2010 Mission Center Conference at the Mesa congregation. More information about the USA National Conference can be found at the following website: http://www.cofchrist.org/USAConf/.
Members of the Advisory Team will be elected by each Mission Center at the 2010 Fall Conferences. Those elected should reflect the diversity of thought in the mission center as it relates to same-gender marriage and the ordination of members in same-gender relationships.
The expectations and requirements for advisory team members include:
• Willingness to listen to and work with others who have a different perspective on same-gender marriage and ordination
• Ability to share perspectives in a respectful manner that honors the diversity of thought among the different team members
• Commitment to participate in the discernment process and to attend, when possible, mission center or regional gatherings for sharing and discerning
• Commitment to keep confidentiality when personal perspectives are shared among the Advisory Team
• Ability to receive email information and respond to questions in a timely manner
• Ability to take part in evening or weekend conference calls when feedback is needed (once a month or quarterly).
If you are interested in serving as part of the Advisory Team, please notify Mike Hoffman, Arizona Mission Center President, by November 1, 2010. The two members of the Advisory Team will be chosen at the December 4, 2010 Mission Center Conference at the Mesa congregation. More information about the USA National Conference can be found at the following website: http://www.cofchrist.org/USAConf/.
Peace Colloquy Set for October 29-31 in Independence, MO
“Children Cry, We Respond!” is the theme of the 2010 Peace Colloquy to be held October 29-31 at Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri. Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and co-founder/executive director of Central Asia Institute will accept the 2010 Community of Christ International Peace Award and deliver a keynote address on Friday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be webcast live. His mission has been to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The weekend will also include a prayer retreat, junior/senior high youth retreat, children's program, and a large variety of workshops. Other keynotes include Carol Greta, attorney for the Iowa Department of Education, "Children, Bullying, and the Church's Response," and Dala Al-Waheidi, executive director for Free the Children, Toronto, Canada, "State of the World's Children."Register online now www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy. Early bird savings available until October 1.
The Peace Colloquy includes a Prayer Retreat and a Youth Retreat. Find out more about them at
http://www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy/2010/prayerretreat.asp
http://www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy/2010/2010PCYouthFlyer.pdf
The Peace Colloquy includes a Prayer Retreat and a Youth Retreat. Find out more about them at
http://www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy/2010/prayerretreat.asp
http://www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy/2010/2010PCYouthFlyer.pdf
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