Day in the Life….Sanctified!
October 29, 2010
Today is the eve of All Saints, or All Hallows, better known as Hallowe’en. One still sees it written that way–the evening before All Hallows. There’s an abundance of mythology around the day, most of which is a latter day invention. As a church, we’ll celebrate All Saints Day on November 7, reading the names of those who have this year joined the eternal communion of saints, then gathering around the Lord’s Table.
The whole matter of “saints” can be mystifying to us Protestants, that is, non-Catholics. I often hear “if we had saints, so-and-so would surely qualify.” We might be surprised at how thorough is the Roman Catholic qualification process, or “canonization,” that moves a person toward sainthood. It is notable that popularity during one’s life seems to not be a qualifier!
In the controversy about whether to close Dorothea Dix Hospital (before alternative care is fully in place, thus the controversy), I’ve been meditating on the life of Dorothea Dix herself. We are most familiar with her work as a reformer of care for people with mental illnesses, and the hospital that bears her name. I believe it was founded in 1859. Apparently the twenty year period before the Civil War also saw her working to reform prison conditions.
A brief biography revealed some more. She was in charge of the Union nurses throughout the war, spending much of her energy convincing the military establishment that women could actually be nurses–say what? She supervised 3,000 of them by war’s end.
Mental health reform, prison reform, women in the work place…that certainly widens my view of her contribution to the larger community. And do you reckon state legislators (many more states than ours) wanted to hear it? Or that military brass looked forward to her visits? Of course not. All in all, she sounds like a prophet.
Of course, we want our prophets to be vessels of the faith. My readings of the brief biographies didn’t say a lot about that, but it seems important that her introduction to prisons and prisoners came in answering the call to begin a Sunday School class at a local prison. She was appalled to learn of the conditions there, and her cause was born–Bible in hand?
When one adds to that a struggle with her personal health, a called and driven personage begins to emerge. Apparently she inherited enough money to live comfortably, but her Calvinist beliefs kept her from living idly. Why else does a 14 year old begin a career of teaching, for instance?
So. Am I offering up Dorothea Dix for sainthood? I’m not, at least not in the way that requires canonization–which I believe includes associated “miracles” after one’s death. We Protestants use “saints” as St. Paul did, referring to all who believe. John Wesley is helpful, too, in that he taught “sanctification.” One is sanctified (made ever more holy) throughout one’s life of faithfulness.
Who are the notable sanctified in your life? For whom do you give especial thanks to God for their impact upon your life? Bring those thoughts and prayers as we celebrate All Saints together, Sunday, November 7.
Pastor Steve
Day in the Life…A Huge Thank You!
October 22, 2010
Thank you notes kind of close the loop, don’t they? Our egos could certainly survive without them, but our sense of self is certainly affirmed with them.
So the thank you from Stop Hunger Now closes an important loop. There is a copy in the sanctuary, here is what it says–directly to us:
“Dear Friends of Stop Hunger Now,
“More than one billion people in the world do not have enough to eat–more than the population of Canada, the United States and the European Union. Today 25,000 people will die because of hunger and hunger-related causes. Catastrophes like the earthquake in Haiti temporarily increase hunger, but the reality is that an earthquake that brings the loss of life equivalent to that in Haiti happens every 9 to 10 days, week in, week out. Chronic hunger, not earthquakes, is ravaging our world.
“No one knows this better than those working with Stop Hunger Now. We know that while many are starving for food, many more are starving to give. We also know that numbers and statistics can too often overwhelm, leaving us feeling helpless or worse, apathetic. We are very proud of the fact that our organization provides not just an accountable, expedient channeling of donations to relieve hunger, but we also provide events in which volunteers can personally know the deep satisfaction of hands-on relief work.
“We are happy to inform you that on October 12th meals from your Stop Hunger Now packaging event were loaded at our Raleigh warehouse onto a 40 foot container of 285,000 meals. Those meals headed to Portsmouth, VA, where they will be shipped through Convoy of Hope (convoyofhope.org) to Mission of Hope (missionofhopehaiti.org) in Haiti. There they will daily feed 42,000 children in schools and orphanages across the country.
“Lives will be changed because of you!
“Stop Hunger Now thanks you for choosing us as your mission partner. Thank you for paying attention to the statistics and choosing to not just hope and pray that people get food, but making sure they do.
“With gratitude,
The folks at Stop Hunger Now”
To think our terrific night at Vacation Bible School has that kind of impact–it’s a humbling thing.
Did you know…since the earthquake in Haiti, we have contributed over $10,500 in food and relief? There was also quite a load of “in kind” goods which were transported to a depot in Clayton. That includes our initial response of $7,000 to Stop Hunger Now and UMCOR, the $1500 at Vacation Bible School, and $2000 more for the University Million Meals Event.
What a blessing to be connected for lo, these almost eleven years, with such a fine “upstairs neighbor!” If there is a line that captivates me, it’s the one near the beginning: “We know that while many are starving for food, many more are starving to give.” Does that not characterize our desire to give of both ourselves and our treasure? It’s the continual reminder, “It’s not about us!”
As Stop Hunger Now’s board chair emeritus, and on behalf of the current chair, Reggie Ponder, let me add our thanks to that you have just read. May we continue together to feed hungry people and witness those lives changed!
Pastor Steve
Day in the Life…
October 15, 2010
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
–John Wesley
Each year the student leadership team at Wesley selects a theme that sets the tone for our year. We usually start out talking about our theme; sometimes we will put it on a t-shirt, but often the theme slips to the “back burner” by the end of the year. This year, however, might be a little different. The students have selected the theme, “Do all the good you can”, taken from the above quote attributed to John Wesley. What might make this year different, is the plan to study and talk about John Wesley throughout the year in preparation for our annual mission trip in May. You see, there are a growing number of our students who want to travel to England next spring to visit the places that mark our history as United Methodists and to see and hear firsthand about the life of our founder, John Wesley.
We did something similar back in 2003 and the pilgrimage was a real success. The students on that trip came back with a new understanding and a greater appreciation of our Wesleyan heritage. Many of them still talk about the experiences we had on that trip. While it was a departure from our traditional mission trip, it was still an inspiring experience.
Now, the idea has surfaced again with a whole new group of students. Despite gently suggesting some other, less expensive, locations, there seems to be a ground swell of interest and commitment for a Wesleyan Heritage trip. So, we are making plans to see if such a trip is possible again.
Would you like to join us? You are more than welcome to come along, just ask for more information! Whether we make it or not, let’s each commit to, “Do all the good we can” together in the coming year!
Kirk Oldham
Director, Raleigh Wesley Foundation
Day in the Life….10-10-10 ($10K)
October 8, 2010
I’ve always enjoyed numbers. I love baseball’s box scores. I watch (too closely) the car’s changing odometer, watching for odd sequences. I even enjoyed doing equations–but after the fact, when I was sure they were right!
Some time after my Dad’s passing, I realized that his being born on George Washington’s birthday in 1920 was 02 22 20–what symmetry! Today’s date is like unto it, 10 10 10. In and of itself, it doesn’t mean much. But it comes right about the time I’ve been reading about something called “10-Fold.” See what it’s about below…
10-Fold–10 Day–10 Projects–$10k
10-Fold is about 10 days of giving to 10 different global mission projects by multiplying and mobilizing passionate people to stand up and be counted. The event will launch Oct. 10 and last for 10 days with the goal to raise $10,000 for each project.
If we just “show up and be counted,” $1.00 will be donated on our behalf. We can support a ministry by going to http://www.10-fold.org (I’m including this especially for Flash Focus readers–making it easy!)
Here’s how it works. From October 10th through 19th we will be able to learn about and join United Methodist supported mission projects around the world supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church. This will be an online event unlike anything you have experienced before. It’s called 10-Fold. Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media at 10-Fold.org, you will see and hear about amazing efforts that are changing people’s lives.
Here is the daily schedule of projects that will be featured at 10-Fold.org:
- October 10: Haiti Recovery–3,000 humanitarians helping a country rebuild itself
- October 11: Children’s Health and Wholeness–”Transforming communities so that
children can live healthy and whole lives
- October 12: Missionaries in the US–Dedicated men and women living their faith through remarkable service
- October 13: Missionaries Around the World–Growing a global force for faith and hope in over 60 countries
- October 14: Training Church Leaders–Training the thousands called to devote their lives to Christ and the Church
- October 15: Church Planting Worldwide–From Asia to Latin America, introducing the
United Methodists and sharing the gospel through word and deed
- October 16: Justice for Our Neighbors–Church-based teams helping refugee-seekers and immigrants navigate their way as they start their lives in the United States
- October 17: Clean Water and Sanitation–Helping families in Africa and South America gain access to safe water and sanitation facilities
- October 18: Healthcare in Africa–Combating disease in 22 hospitals and clinics across
Africa
- October 19: Sustainable Agriculture–Training farmers so rural families and communities can thrive
Because of the unpredictability of planning a global event online, this is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change. Please join this incredible celebration and share it will all of your family, friends, small groups, and congregations.
So it’s “ministry by showing up.” We can do that! For more information and links, please visit: http://www.10-fold.org
Pastor Steve
To All the Saints in the Making…Sun & Moon
October 1, 2010
I am occasionally accused of rampant enthusiasm. How can I not be excited when it comes to the life of Fairmont United Methodist Church?! We have entered a most eventful time of year–event-filled. To be maximally effective, each event takes thorough planning, staffing, publicity, and most especially–you!
The Fairmont Bazaar is a case in point. With the date set months in advance, people begin both dreaming up and working on innumerable projects. It all comes together on a glorious fall day, October 9. With barely a nod to Thanksgiving, Advent will be upon us, and the full range of spiritual-physical preparations, culminating on Christmas Eve, with a stunning service and dinner for all who answer the call to, “O come, all ye faithful.”
In the midst of those fall happenings are two “global” events of such import that they are as the sun and moon around which we orbit the rest of the year.
Our fall Stewardship Campaign, in 2010 it’s “Higher Ground”
Our annual Charge Conference
May I say more? I will anyway!
You have doubtless devoured the front page story about Higher Ground and are eager for those events to unfold. I continually encounter discomfort when the subject of money is broached, as if “I” am somehow after what’s “yours.” While there may be subscribers to the old song, “Money makes the world go ’round,” I would posit that it’s not the money itself, but what the money can accomplish. Since we’re no longer on the gold standard, don’t our paper money, checks, stocks, etc., simply symbolize what we value? So the issue can shift from “Mine vs. Yours” to “What do I/we truly value?” and “What high-value good can our money do that my money could never do by itself?” Or, “Where will that value truly come alive?” Ponder these things as we move closer to “Higher Ground” Consecration Sunday, October 31.
The second experience is uniquely United Methodist, the Charge Conference. It is a time of accountability to the larger United Methodist Church, a time to set direction for the life of the church, a time to name the gifts we have shared as a church, and a time of electing leadership. Wednesday, November 3, 7:00 pm, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist, where we will also join together with congregations from Wilson Temple and Avent Ferry, with the leadership of our district superintendent, The Rev. Jon Strother.
So these are significant events- important enough to pray over, to prepare for, and to commit now to be in attendance. We are at an important juncture in our life together, where our future vitality depends upon our faithful response in the present.
Since the middle of May, I have prayed every day for God-given growth–in both our faithful stewardship and for new members of our church family. Will you join me in that prayer, day by day? How will our prayers be answered?!
Pastor Steve
Day in the Life…the Need Goes On
October 1, 2010
Just when I’m wondering where this column will come from, something emerges–inevitably. This week I was privileged to be at the Urban Ministries Faith Leaders breakfast. Each year, clergy are offered an up close and personal look at the vital work in which so many of our congregations share. As a “first Sunday” occurs on the heels of that meeting, and in light of today’s monthly offering, it seems good to offer a few thoughts about Urban Ministries.
In 1981, it was Raleigh’s faith leaders who first began to house homeless guests. Now nearing the 30 year mark, Urban Ministries embraces all of Wake County, giving a hand up to many in need. Just over three years ago, the center was able to move from the Seaboard area to Capital Blvd, into a first class renovated facility. One Fairmont connection is that as part of the move, our bus filled up with men from the Healing Place, who put in a day’s work moving files and equipment from the old location to the new. A key part of “recovery” is “service,” and the men were eager to give back to the community.
2010 marks 25 years of the Open Door Clinic, long upheld as the model for free clinics across North Carolina and beyond. Serving those that are uninsured and chronically ill, last year saw over 2,000 patients, with 8,567 patient visits. The Open Door’s licensed pharmacy dispenses over 300 prescriptions a day, or 52,457 for the year. We are proud to number among the Open Door’s volunteers our own Dr. James Womble.
As we gather our food offerings month by month, do you ever wonder how effective they are? Last year, 8,290 families received a week’s worth of groceries from the Food Pantry. To serve 40+ families/day, it takes 45,000 pounds of food each month to do that, over 270 tons for the year. So if we send 100 pounds a month, some more families have food.
Urban Ministries was born of the need to care for homeless people. In 2009 the Helen Wright Center For Women sheltered 300 homeless women, giving them the support needed to rebuild their lives. 108 moved to permanent housing, 135 found employment. That’s right, it is very challenging for everyone to achieve optimum success. There is always a need to prepare evening meals-for-35/40 there–any takers?
John Wesley, who told us to “do good,” might have liked Urban Ministries, as much good is done day by day. However, Mr. Wesley would encourage us not to send just money and goods but to spend time with the poor. You can check out volunteer opportunities at www.urbanmin.org . Over 1200 volunteers gave of their time and talent last year alone.
Here are a few more possibilities:
- Holiday Honor Card Program, using artful cards that always insert a homeless person into their winter scenes. 100% of the sales go to client services. Contact Kelly at kleonhardt@urbanmin.org .
- Holiday Gift Baskets for Families in need (sounds familiar for Fairmont!) Look for details at www.urbanmin.org/holiday-baskets.
- Host a Holiday Food Drive. Since we do this regularly, perhaps we can add some more festive items like yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie mix to our November and December food offering.
- A Love Offering For Needy Families. We connect here, too! Each first Sunday, as today, we receive such an offering. Watch for the baskets on the communion railing.
I suppose full disclosure is in order. As biased as I am in favor of Urban Ministries, it is all the more so from my six years on its board of directors. I feel like an “eyewitness” to the wonders wrought, including the leveraging of a $2 million budget into $8 million in services for our community. Clearly we do so much more together than we could ever accomplish separately!
Pastor Steve