a workbook for personal study and devotion
TRANSCRIPT
a workbook for personal study and devotion
a workbook for personal study and devotion.
Weeks 1-4
James A. Harnish
with Kendra Lee and Deborah Richards
Week 5
R. Brandon Harris
Material for weeks 1-4 excerpted from reCONNECT, by The Rev. Dr.
James A. Harnish. © 2009 by Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Used by
permission.
All Scripture quotations unless noted otherwise are taken from the New Re-
vised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian
Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United
States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations noted (THE MESSAGE) are taken from THE MES-
SAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000,
2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Scripture quotations noted (KJV) are taken from the King James or Author-
ized Version of the Bible.
I Will
a workbook for personal study and devotion
© 2011 by Avondale United Methodist Church
All rights reserved.
Table of Contents:
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3
How to Use this Workbook .................................................................................... 6
Week 1 ................................... 7
Week 2 ............................ 27
Week 3 ............................... 47
Week 4 .................... 67
Week 5 .......................... 86
3
Introduction
Whenever someone desires to join the United Methodist Church, the pastor stands before the con-
gregation and asks that person the following question:
As a member of this congregation,
will you faithfully participate in its ministries
by your prayers, your presence,
your gifts, your service,
and your witness?
This is at the same time a profoundly personal commitment. To say I implies that no one else can
make this commitment for me! But, it is at the same time a deeply communal commitment. To
lived out in an esoteric spiritual quest, but rather will be lived out, or incarnate within the life of a
people who have made the same commitment to follow the same Lord. This is why every time
someone joins the church, the receiving congregation responds to their new brother or sister:
As members together with you,
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service,
and our witness
that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ.
In the simple statement above, we discover and rediscover the essence of what it means to be a
being participating in
five essential ways: prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. These commitments that bind us
together reflect that being a disciple of Jesus is as much a flesh-and-blood venture as a spiritual one.
4
Connecting Pastor Jim Harnish of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Fla., helps indicates that
the practices named in our membership vows are not just isolated practices, but rather essential
disciplines that connect us to one another and to Christ.
you wait; the page is stuck and you have to take action to get your computer going again.
Our membership vows suggest that sometimes our life in Christ is like this. We cannot expect to
have a life-giving, fulfilling, exciting connection with God unless we are actively and participatively
working to nurture that relationship.
Even those of us who have been in church all of our lives will occasionally feel disconnected. This
what God longs for. The Bible says that our searching for a connection with God is the result of
Treasures of the Transformed
Life, p. 8).
within us a great hunger and thirst for deeper and stronger connections with one another and with
the Lord through the vital practices of Christian discipleship.
May God bless us on this journey,
Brandon Harris
Kingdomtide 2011
Acknowledgements: The material in this study guide is largely excerpted from a study offered at Hyde Park United
Methodist Church in Tampa, Fla., called reConnect (used by permission), which was written by
pastor Jim Harnish and a writing team from his congregation. Hyde Park published this material
before the 2008 United Methodist General Conference added witness to our membership vows, so
I have developed the material to help us explore the fifth dimension of our vows.
6
How to use this workbook The I Will devotional workbook is an adaptation of a study titled reConnect, written and developed
by Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. It is a resource that will help you ex-
plore the commitments we make as United Methodists and how those commitments help us to
connect with God, one another, and our community.
.
Choose a time and place where you are able to focus. In addition to your workbook, you will need a
Bible, something to write with, and possibly a highlighter to underscore words that resonate. Some-
times, our tendency will be to breeze through the lesson, but slow down and savor it. Let God work
on and through you during this spiritual experience.
The I Will workbook is divided into five weekly sections. Interviews with some Hyde Park mem-
bers are incorporated into weeks one, two, three, and four. Take time to learn about these indi-
viduals and how they have grown in their faith and as disciples, for they are wonderful examples of
discipleship in our United Methodist heritage.
There is also a weekly Psalm. Read the Psalm each day before beginning to study, asking God to
open your heart and mind to the passage. Let the words speak to you. Then, review the commen-
tary. Be honest with yourself and with God when answering the . The work-
book is for your eyes only.
quotes from faithful Christians, prayers, connections for you to
make, and ways to dig deeper into your faith.
The purpose of this daily study is spiritual growth and discipline, not perfection. All or some of the
everything you are feeling in your workbook. After all, discipleship is a personal journey, even as it
is one that we take together. It may be one of the most important ones you ever take.
As you proceed, you may want to make notes about what these commitments mean to you person-
ally. At the end of this experience, you will be asked to make commitments in the practices of
prayers, presence, gifts, and service, and witness. You will be provided with a commitment card
that outlines our spiritual commitments and allows you to indicate your prayerful decisions.
7
PRAYERS: OUR CONNECTION WITH GOD’S POWER
Week 1
dead. We all know how it feels to lose our connection. And we know how it feels to get recon-
nected.
Have you ever felt that way about your relationship with God?
and the rotation of the planets. But sometimes we have a hard time feeling connected. We question
whether the same God who reigns over creation is present within our lives. The writer of the 62nd
Psalm must have felt that disconnect when he cried out,
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
For God alone my soul waits in silence,
For my hope is from him.
(Psalm 62:1, 5)
by which we experience our connection with God is through prayer.
I heard about a country church that was disturbed when a bar opened up across the street. The hot
-
Lo and behold, one night the bar was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The bartender
sued the church for the destruction of his property, claiming that his loss was the result of their
prayers. The church denied that they were responsible, though they did acknowledge that they had
prayed for its destruction. The judge said that one thing was obvious: The bartender believed in
Many people say they believe in prayer. It bears witness to our innate longing to be connected to
something or Someone larger than our own human resources. But do we believe it can
Week 1
8
curling up in the lap of a cosmic Santa Claus in the hope of getting what we want?
side and the confusion, anxiety and doubt that was on the inside, my guess is that their praying was
more than a polite pastime or a quaint religious tradition. It was the kind of soul-stretching, heart-
New Testament scholar Walter Wink described the creative power of prayer when he wrote:
piles of others. We are engaged rather in an act of co-creation, in which one little sector of the uni-
Engaging
the Powers, p. 304).
This week we explore the basic disciplines by which we experience our connection to God through
prayer. We will see the way Jesus teaches us to pray in the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus teaches us the purpose of prayer. A frightened soldier dove into a fox hole where he found the chaplain huddled in the corner. The
ent-child relationship. The primary purpose of prayer is to engage us in an intimate, growing rela-
tionship with God. Prayer is the discipline by which we share our life with God, and God shares life
with us.
If the purpose of prayer is to develop an intimate relationship with God, it means there are a lot of
things prayer is not.
Prayer is not magic, although there is mystery to it. Prayer is not ritual, although it is formed
Santa Claus to get what I want. Prayer is the way I allow my life to become what God wants.
come aligned with the reign and rule of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Jesus calls us to the practice of prayer.
disciplined practice in our lives.
Week 1
9
When Don Shelby was the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, California,
he wrote:
Prayer is not only quiet contemplation, it is also hard work ... Prayer is not always like a clois-
plane in an emergency, and amateur writer sometimes turns an unforgettable phrase. But to
win the British Open, to command a transcontinental jetliner or to garner the Nobel Prize in
literature takes more than an occasional experience and natural ability. It requires prac-
Jesus invites us to find a place for prayer. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus tells us to go into our room and shut the door. The Message paraphrases that
-play before God. Just
into that place, we know that we are focusing our attention on God. My place for prayer is an
Jesus describes a pattern for prayer When I began working out at the YMCA, my trainer assessed my condition and laid out a pattern
the same.
tern for prayer:
We name the One to whom we pray: Our Father in heaven.
earth as it is in heaven.
We name the essential needs of our lives: Give us this day our daily bread.
our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
We confront the reality of evil and temptation: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil.
and the glory forever.
Week 1
10
Jesus calls us to trust the promise of prayer.
given for being a star pupil. The reward of prayer is not a result of our performance, but the prod-
Week 1
11
Reflection Questions:
Day 1
Acts 2:1-21
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
One compelling aspect of Pentecost is the inclusive nature of God
followers present. No one was denied the connection to God.
be attained to commune with God and for God to work through each
of us. God can speak through us no need to be a spiritual giant.
Pentecost also demonstrates that God can reach everyone. People
demand that we all understand the same rhetoric. He is willing to
reach us where we are, in a way that speaks to us. The Spirit reaches
people on their own experiential level and God uses us as the conduit,
1. When the followers began speaking in tongues, some mocked
them. Do we fear being mocked for our faith?
2. Do we believe God can interact with us in this way? Why or why
not?
3.
Week 1
The interior must
become the main
power of the exte-
rior.
Mother Teresa
We work from the
outside in; God
works from the
inside out. We
try; God trans-
forms.
Richard Foster
12
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
with whom I can experience a new connection with you through
prayer. Amen.
Take the lead
your faith in a conversa-
tion with a loved one
today. See where the
Spirit takes you.
13
Reflection Questions:
Day 2
Acts 4:23-31
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
Speaking the Word of God with boldness can be a challenging task.
out our seemingly small voices. It would be easier to join the crowd,
to look after our own self-
our gifts, talents, and time for God to work wonders and signs. But
for these things to happen, we must establish a connection with God.
.
1.
and to allow them to perform signs and wonders in the name of
Jesus. When have you experienced power like that?
2. What would it mean for you to pray for that kind of boldness?
3.
Week 1
If I do not spend
a reasonable
amount of time in
meditation early
in the morning,
then I feel physi-
cal discomfort
it is worse than
having forgotten
to brush my teeth!
Desmond Tutu
14
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom
every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that,
according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be
strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being
rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to
comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-20)
Be Bold
your faith in a conversa-
tion with an acquaint-
ance today. See where
the Spirit takes you.
15
Reflection Questions:
Day 3
Mark 1:35; 6:46; Luke 5:15-16
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
Jesus spent a lot of time alone in prayer. Prayer was not something
reserved for his time in synagogue; it was an intimate part of his con-
nection with God.
When practiced frequently, prayer is both a discipline and a desire.
to establish a connection that is there whether life is treating us well
or battering us around. Prayer is a discipline, a focused time with
God. But prayer is also desire. The closer we draw to God, the more
we desire that closeness.
Why is prayer sometimes treated as a sort of bonus activity that we
.
1. What are some barriers to establishing a personal prayer connec-
tion between myself and God?
2. What kind of discipline can I establish that will help build that
connection?
3. What misconceptions might I have about prayer?
Week 1
Our prayers are
the proper test of
our desires; noth-
have a place in
our desires which
place in our
prayers: What
we may not pray
for, neither
should we desire.
John Wesley
16
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
seems good in your sight; only let me love you with all my mind,
soul and strength. Deliver me, O God, from too intense an applica-
tion to even necessary business... I know the narrowness of my
heart, and that an eager attention to earthly things leaves it no
room for the things of heaven.
Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, from all lukewarmness,
and all dejection of spirit. Give me a lively, zealous, active and
cheerful spirit, that I may vigorously perform whatever you com-
mand.
Above all, deliver me, O my God, from all idolatrous self-love. I
know, O God, that this is the root of all evil. I know you made me
not to do my own will but yours. Let your almighty arm so estab-
lish, strengthen, and settle me that you may ever be the ground and
pillar of all my love.
By this love to you, my God, may my soul desire what is pleasing in
serve you with all my might; and let it consume in my heart all
Amen.
John Wesley
X it out
Write down one barrier
which keeps you from
praying. Eliminate that
barrier.
17
Reflection Questions:
Day 4
Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
We want to do things the right way. We want to focus on God, in-
forgive and allow ourselves and those who have wronged us to heal.
the need to be private about our piety.
Although it is natural to want the respect and admiration of those
around us, it is hypocritical to use acts of charity to draw attention to
ourselves. Charity is an act of living prayer. Fasting can intensify con-
nection to God. Looking for outside rewards only weakens the inher-
ent rewards in each of these actions.
.
1. What makes us want to look to others for approval, even when
we know what we are doing is right?
2. What holds us back from being more charitable with our gifts or
our time?
3. Why is fasting not a regular part of our faith experience?
4. What will it mean for me to develop a personal pattern of
prayer?
Week 1
Christian spiri-
tuality has to do
with the forma-
tion of the self by
the Spirit of God
into the likeness
of Jesus
Christ...It is
countering and
transforming our
sinful selves into
the self we were
meant to be Co-
ram Deo, before
God.
Dietrich
18
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
unuttered or expressed,
that trembles in the breast.
O Thou, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way:
the path of prayer thyself hast trod;
-James Montgomery (1771-1854) The United Methodist Hymnal
Give Yourself Away
Give an anonymous gift
of yourself today. Thank
God for the opportunity
take pleasure in not tell-
ing a soul about your act.
19
Reflection Questions:
Day 5
Matthew 6:5-15
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
Ever wonder about the admonition to avoid praying like the Gentiles?
knew which God to address and had been raised in a life that ideally
centered on serving God.
approached God in prayers. We have a connection with God. There
is no need to grandstand and act pious. God hears us wherever we
are. God accepts our petitions and asks us to call out our needs to
God. Then we must step back and allow God to address them.
.
1.
not enough to just pray for the kingdom; we must help create the
you take to bring action to your prayers? What small step can
you make this week to begin bringing about the kingdom?
2. Why do you need to pray for forgiveness? Is there anyone that
you need to forgive in order to reestablish your connection with
God?
Week 1
It would be well
for us to consider
that our Lord has
taught this prayer
to each one of us,
individually, and
that He still
teaches it to us at
this very moment.
The Master is
never so distant
that His disciple
need raise his
voice to be heard.
On the contrary,
He is very near.
Teresa of Avila
20
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
that bear me evil will, and would me harm, and their faults and
can devise, vouchsafe to amend and redress, and make us saved
souls in heaven together where we may ever live and love together
-St. Thomas More (1478-1535)
to your children or
friends. If they can work
the TV remote, they can
learn this prayer.
21
Reflection Questions:
Day 6
Luke 24:36-53
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
Ask, search, knock. These words focus on the active nature of
much of a pursuit at all, if it only happens on Sunday morning. God is
directing us toward a meaningful prayer relationship in which we
approach him consistently and with purpose.
one thing (healing for a loved one, lifting of our own depression, the
reconciling of a relationship) and the outcome with be the opposite of
what we asked for. Does that mean that something got lost in trans-
lation?
We ask God to intercede with the recognition that God may choose
like a horrible outcome from our viewpoint, may be more merciful,
more blessed, more right in the long run.
trust that He knows how to do so.
.
1. How often should we pray?
2. How do we make that prayer time meaningful?
3.
4. How honest can we be with God? Can we ask for the wrong
thing?
Week 1
Therefore pray or
be a prey a prey
to your impulses,
to the last hap-
pening, to your
surroundings.
The man who
prays overcomes
everything, for he
is overcome by the
most redemptive
fact of the uni-
verse, the will of
God.
E. Stanley
Jones
22
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
-An unknown Confederate soldier
Be Bold
your faith in a conversa-
tion with an acquaint-
ance today. See where
the Spirit takes you.
23
Connecting to God through Daily Prayer Amelia Lubrano Farrell
How does prayer connect you to God?
that so literally that I worried as a child that God would see
me naked. I believed and still do that God goes everywhere
with me and is always listening. So I talk to God like he is
better. I can also be mad at God. I know God has a sense of humor. When I fell down and skinned both
When I found a wallet with a hundred dollar bill in it, I would never have kept it, because God would
You mentioned you like talking to people but God really listens to you.
you soothing stories or facts about their lives, but it is hard to know the meaning behind those words.
mother in Darfur or a soldier in Iraq. I do feel that God should be asked for strength to face adversity,
courage to go on living, and peace for war-torn countries. God should be thanked for what he provides,
ers. I want him to soothe and comfort me when I feel like I cannot cope, to give me the courage to go on
Was there a time when you felt disconnected from God? How did you handle it?
-year-old brother committed suicide without any warning, I felt disconnected - like God
had dealt me a raw deal - no warning, no preparation, no time to help him. I felt God let me down. I felt
Week 1
24
like God was not who I thought he was. I felt like a pawn. I was angry at God. My brother was my best
How do you hear God answer your prayers?
spiritually,
psychologically, emotionally and physically that pain was. Every cell of my body felt his death and loss.
My mind was asleep in that twilight time right before waking up, when I had the most glorious,
peaceful, wondrous experience of my life. I immediately knew that it was the feeling of being with God. I
knew God gave me that feeling so I would know two things: My brother had that feeling instead of the
pain of his life and that eventually I would be there with him to share it with those who were with God. I
lost my fear of death at that moment and was then able to be the caretaker to my youngest brother, who
until she took her last breath. The peaceful look on her face again reassured me that she was experienc-
ber 2007 at the age of 34, I had the strength to be his caretaker and help him die peacefully because of
my past experiences with God. We talked often about his dying, and he was not afraid. I told him about
same way I pray to God. I ask them to help me understand loss, why I have been spared, what my pur-
pose here is. I ask them to look out for my parents and my younger brother who are also now with them.
My entire family was wiped out except me and one son and of course four lovely granddaughters. I tell
need help with. Tell God what you are grateful for, share your fears and successes, and ask him to re-
a way to approach God. But if he is going to be in your life every day and you will be praying everyday,
talking is what you have to think of, since not everyone can quote the Bible or can sound like a pastor.
Week 1
25
Reflection Questions:
Day 7
Matthew 26:36-46
Week 1
Prayer: Our Connection with God’s
Power
Settling In—Psalm 25:4-7
Even in his anguish, even though God was still not granting his re-
prayer. Amazing. A much more natural response would have been
-or-
stinct must have been excruciatingly strong. Yet, Jesus pushed down
whatever anger he may have felt, quelled his need to spare his own
For many of us, prayer gets pushed to the back of our minds and
God before all else?
.
1.
for help?
2.
3.
Week 1
The real problem of
the Christian life
ment you wake up
each morning. All
your wishes and
hopes for the day
rush at you like wild
animals. And the
ing consists simply
in shoving them all
back; in listening to
that other voice, tak-
ing that other point
of view, letting that
other larger,
stronger, quieter life
C.S. Lewis
26
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O God, give me strength to follow your way, even when that way is
hard. Give me the strength that comes in praying for your will to be
done in me. Amen.
Give Yourself Away
Give an anonymous gift
of yourself today. Thank
God for the opportunity
take pleasure in not tell-
ing a soul about your act.
28
PRESENCE: OUR CONNECTION WITH GOD’S PEOPLE
Week 2
The African concept of ubuntu
the biblical foundation for his struggle against Apartheid.
In African traditions, ubuntu captures the essence of being human. It means that we are people
-
oxymoron. I am who I am because you are who you are.
We see the spirit of ubuntu he consistently uses plural pronouns to refer to the followers of Jesus, culminating in the beautiful
description of their life together in Acts 2:43-
scription of the church as the body of Christ. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews challenges us
-25).
The Christian Century, June 12, 2007, p. 23).
Two disciplines maintain our connection in the body of Christ. Corporate worship in the gathered
congregation and Christian community in small groups have been the essential elements in every
major movement of the Spirit of God in Christian history. They establish the non-negotiable pat-
terns of spiritual discipline that connect us with each other and with the Spirit of God.
Woody Allen said that 80% of success is showing up. But in the body of Christ, being present in
worship and in community is more than just showing up. It means showing up in the spirit of
ubuntu with the full expectation that our presence really matters!
We are connected by our presence in worship.
If I returned to my hometown, folks would say the same thing about me. Worship on Sunday
Week 2
29
morning was the ordinary pattern of our family. Realizing how unusual that pattern is for most
families today only makes me more grateful for it.
John Ed Mathison described a Sunday when there was an ice storm in Montgomery, Alabama. He
was amazed when he saw an elderly woman making her way across the icy street toward the
church. When he told her that he was surprised she had decided to come to worship that morning,
Treasures of the Transformed Life,
p.111).
At the conclusion of this experience, each of us will be invited to make a commitment for the num-
think together about why our presence is so important.
Worship connects us with the rhythm of the sabbath. -speed,
hyper-active, high-achieving, high-stress, high-anxiety world, the break we most deeply need is
done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work
-3).
If Jesus deserved a holy break from the work of ministry to renew his relationship with God, why
do we think we can get along without it?
we are able to notice, to attend, to listen, to assimilate this comprehensive and majestic work of
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places, p.
110).
good thing to do, too! Worship is essential to the sabbath because it is the way we enter into the
sacred interruption in the chaotic pace of our lives during which we reconnect with our Creator.
We are connected by our presence in community.
Week 2
30
For most of us, holding fast to hope can be a tall order. Being present in worship and being in com-
faith of others can hold me.
John Wesley gathered thousands of people together to hear the gospel. But he said that the key to
the Methodist revival that swept across England in the 18th century was the way he organized his
Whatever name we use to describe them, these small communities of faith always include intensive
Bible study, mutual sharing, personal accountability and communal prayer. Friendships are devel-
oped, faith commitments are sustained, and ordinary people are formed as disciples of Jesus Christ
as we are connected in Christian community.
-12).
Your smile may bring joy to a person who is in pain.
Your singing may lift someone whose heart is too heavy to sing.
The consistency of your presence could result in new commitment for a person who is strug-
gling.
Your presence may be the presence of Christ to someone else.
meeting in Aldersgate Street in London. He went unwillingly, but he showed up. He was present.
-warming experience ignited a spiritual awakening that swept across England
and became the Methodist movement around the world.
Can you imagine what might not have happened if Wesley had not been present that night?
there!
Week 2
31
Reflection Questions:
Day 1
Acts 2:41-47
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
their faith. Those baptized became part of a community focused on
serving God and following Christ. Baptized followers devoted them-
selves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Each of
these activities steeped them further into a sense of oneness with God
and unity with each other.
In our busy lives, sometimes church becomes another once-a-week
obligation. Pay your respect to God, shake hands with the preacher
and go about your day. But what would it mean for church to be for
ism or the insular-nuclear family model that most of us have experi-
world, we should model our church (and our lives) after the spirit of
1. Baptism is an important ritual, welcoming new believers into the
when you were a child or do you have with your family now and
that help you feel connected?
2. Why do you believe baptism is important?
3.
the way Acts describes? Does the joy described in Acts 2 perme-
ate our lives?
Week 2
The church is not
primarily a place
where we go, but
a people we
promise to be.
The church is the
community where
people through
baptism are initi-
ated into a way of
tism begins must
be constantly re-
hearsed in wor-
ship.
Paul J. Wadell
32
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
God of grace, who in the water of baptism has washed away our
sins and drawn us into the new community of your love, unite us in
the Spirit of Christ, that we may be his body in this place.
Amen.
Plan Ahead
What is it really going to
take to get yourself and
your family to worship
this week?
33
Reflection Questions:
Day 2
Acts 5:12-16
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
I saw two children playing a game recently. They called it Evangelist.
or if God really does heal people through those who are in fellowship
with him.
The community of believers in Acts is strong and attracts attention.
People are in awe of the works that the apostles are doing. That awe
physically, but emotionally and spiritually), invite other people to
experience the presence of God?
1.
than the way the church is perceived today?
2. The church reached out to people beyond itself. Is the role of the
up the hope of salvation to those outside the church?
3. How have you seen or experienced some kind of healing through
the church?
Week 2
The Jesus way wed-
ded to the Jesus truth
brings about the Je-
sus life...A Chris-
tian congregation,
the church in your
neighborhood, has
always been the pri-
mary location for
getting this way and
truth and life of Je-
sus believed and em-
company of praying
men and women
who gather, usually
on Sundays, for wor-
ship, who then go
into the world as salt
and light.
Eugene Peterson
34
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Lord, there are times when I would like to go it alone times
your Word and feel your Spirit and know that by myself I can do
nothing, but that in community with others, I can participate in
your healing work in the lives of others. So, Lord, bind me together
with your disciples in your body, that I may share in your transfor-
mation of this world into the kingdom of God. Amen.
Reach Out
When you come to wor-
ship this week, introduce
yourself to someone you
35
Reflection Questions:
Day 3
Romans 15:1-7
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
people. Each person brings his or her own thoughts, feelings and cir-
cumstances with them. Every person brings joy and pain, disappoint-
ment and rejoicing. Each person deserves attention and acceptance.
Sometimes we encounter people who appear to be weaker in their
faith than we are. They need encouragement, not judgment. There
will be people who we do not believe are making the wisest decisions.
They need prayer, not criticism.
God calls us to strive for acceptance and unity with each other. Cre-
ating harmony in a diverse community requires being humble enough
where we wish they could be.
1. How do we accept those who are not like us?
2.
change and when is it none of our business?
3.
4. What do I do when I sense that someone in the church is going
to disagree with me?
Week 2
Sunday feels odd
without church in
time in the week
when we take our
bearings, and if we
following our noses.
Garrison Keillor
36
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Jesus, united by Thy grace,
And each to each endeared,
And know our prayer is heard.
Help us to help each other, Lord,
Invite
Ask someone to come to
worship with you. Show
them where to park, sit,
connect. Make it easy for
them to feel at home at
your church.
Touched by the lodestone
of Thy love,
Let all our hearts agree,
And ever toward each other move,
And ever move toward Thee.
-Charles Wesley, The United Methodist Hymnal,
37
Cold and Clinical Dulcinea Cuellar
A runner in the Gasparilla Road Race led Dulcinea
ning pace placed her right behind a man wearing a neon
Dulcinea was 29 at the time of that race. She was going through a divorce, working a new job that
Park United Methodist one Sunday morning, she was searching for a connection.
bers when the call came to stand and greet one another, no one said hello to her.
After the service the pastors reached out to Dulcinea asking her about her life and putting her in
But she did go back the next Sunday and says slowly it got easier. She involved herself with the
This past year her new Tampa family helped Dulcinea take care of her own family. Her father had
a cancerous tumor removed, and Dulcinea needed to be in Texas to take care of her parents. While
Week 2
38
she was out of state, her strength came from her Hyde Park Disciple Bible Study class.
Today Dulcinea believes her presence at Hyde Park United Methodist reconnects her to God.
-absorbed and get in my own little world during the week. Going to church
helps me evaluate my past work week and helps me re-
connection that only the church, the building, the people, the chapel, and the community can give
Week 2
39
Reflection Questions:
Day 4
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
Although there are basic tenets that we, as Christians, hold, there are
Some spend time sifting out what works for us, what seems true and
real. Others leave the whole theological conversation alone, sticking
with the tried and true beliefs.
Some questions have little bearing on the way we live our lives or the
way we experience God.
a Christian community. But, for the community to have fellowship in
Christ, there are truths that we hold in common and a vision for liv-
encounter.
1. Is it a realistic goal to ask that we all agree with one another so
that there are no divisions?
2. What are the core beliefs that bind us together?
3. How can we be united in the love of Christ and allow for diver-
sity of personal conviction?
4. What holds us together as a church?
Week 2
Though we cannot
think alike, may we
not love alike? May
we not be of one
heart, though we are
not of one opinion?
Without all doubt,
we may.
John Wesley
40
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Lord, help us accept each other as you have accepted us in Christ.
Teach us to embrace one another in forgiveness and grace. By your
Spirit be among us that we might experience your acceptance and
discover the way you intend for your children to live. Amen.
Common Ground
We all know a family
member, neighbor,
beliefs from our personal
ones. Commit today to
41
Reflection Questions:
Day 5
1 Corinthians 3:5-17
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
Paul warns of the danger of becoming too devoted to a particular
pastor, teacher, writer, or theologian. The job of a pastor is to make
the Word of God accessible and real to the congregation. Pastors and
teachers are simply conduits for the message of Christ. Our leaders
serve to unite the community, but they are simply part of the com-
munity like everyone else.
Christians are committed to Christ above all else. To create a vibrant
fellowship, we must each play a part. We all have insights and gifts to
herd us, but all of our faith needs to remain in Christ alone.
1. Is it sometimes easier for me to put my faith in people instead of
in God?
2.
servant?
3.
Week 2
The greatest spiri-
tual danger for our
times is the separa-
tion of Jesus from the
church. The church
is the body of the
Lord. Without Jesus
there can be no
church; and without
the church we can-
not stay united with
Jesus.
Henri Nouwen
42
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Almighty God, who by your Spirit has built the church with Jesus
Christ as the chief cornerstone, grant that by your Spirit we may be
built together into a community of love in which your Spirit can
dwell. Amen.
+1
Plan for one other way to
be at church this month.
Fellowship dinner, new
small group, mission
project, choir. Your
presence makes a
43
Reflection Questions:
Day 6
1 Corinthians 11:17-26
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
Communion always takes me by surprise. I am pleased with this ele-
tense, but with awe and thanksgiving.
within the fellowship of believers. Jesus called us to experience com-
Communion be if we looked at those in our own community and ac-
-
name.
1. With what attitude do I approach Communion?
2. Why is Communion a communal event?
3.
to stay connected to other disciples in the church? How?
Week 2
If the Lord is to be
Lord, worship must
have priority in our
lives...Our lives are
to be punctuated
with praise, thanks-
giving, and adora-
we long to go where
God is going and do
what God is doing,
we will move into
deeper, more au-
thentic worship.
Richard Foster
44
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
and all my weariness upon thee lean.
Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The United Methodist Hymnal
Reach Out
When you come to
church this week, intro-
duce yourself to someone
45
Reflection Questions:
Day 7
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Week 2
Presence: Connected to God’s
People
Settling In—Psalm 84
made for us. We are also reconciled with each other. Communion
fosters a sense of gratitude and unity. Everyone eats from the same
socioeconomic standing. As we come together before Christ, we are
presence, and we are all loved in Christ.
1. How have I experienced reconciliation in the body of Christ?
2.
worship? In a small group?
3. What commitment do I need to make regarding my presence in
worship and in community?
Week 2
We shall not have
access to God by
prayer, unless we
are joined together.
together, and be
bound in a bond of
peace, before we can
come nigh, and pre-
sent ourselves to
God.
John Calvin
46
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
and all my weariness upon thee lean.
Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The United Methodist Hymnal
+1
Plan for one other way to
be at church this month.
Fellowship dinner, new
small group, mission
project, choir. Your
presence makes a
48
GIFTS: OUR CONNECTION TO GOD’S GENEROSITY
Week 3
Luke tucked an ugly story between two beautiful descriptions of life in the early church.
In Acts 4:32-
In Acts 5:12-16, Luke reported that the Christian community was held in high regard by folks out-
side of it. As a result, everyone found healing and wholeness.
-11).
Ananias and Sapphira never got connected. They pretended to be part of the community, but when
while secretly hoarding the rest. When Peter uncovered the deception, Ananias fell dead at his feet,
and some of the younger men carried him out to bury him.
lied about the gift. She, too, fell over dead, and the same young men carried her out to bury her
with her husband.
A crafty preacher might be tempted to use the story of Ananias and Sapphira to scare church peo-
sages together to demonstrate the contrast between the goodness of generosity and the foolishness
of greed.
The goodness of generosity -
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you
Christ-
Week 3
49
grace in Jesus Christ. We get connected with the generosity of God at the foot of the cross.
Christian people are not generous because of what they have, but because of who they are as fol-
-followers measure generosity not by what
they give, but by what they have been given -
joy, not in what they hold, but in what they share. Christian generosity is modeled after nothing
The foolishness of greed By contrast, greed is foolish because it consumes the consumer in an insatiable desire for more. It is
sinful because it turns our hearts away from the self-giving love of an extravagantly generous God
greed is deadly because it turns life in on itself and breaks our connection with the life-giving gener-
osity of God.
According to the Bible, the only antidote for greed is generosity. The only way to reconnect with
the generosity of God is to practice generosity ourselves.
The practice of generosity
the poor Christians in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8). Using the generosity of poor folks to motivate
- -
age of its impact on the life of the giver.
Everyone noticed the way the rich folks brought their gifts to the Temple. They could hear the loud
two small copper coins. But Jesus said that the poor widow gave more than the rest because they
gave a small percentage out of their abundance, but she gave a gigantic percentage out of the little
she had (Luke 21:1-4).
Jesus was not as concerned about how much the giver gave as he was about how much the giver
gift made to the giver.
The discipline of the tithe
The tithe is the spiritual discipline by which Christian disciples practice generosity. The Old Testa-
(Malachi 3:8)
But for those who have experienced the generosity of God at the cross, the law is only the begin-
ning. The tithe is the bare minimum below which we do not allow our generosity to fall. One per-
Week 3
50
son in our congregation says that the tithe is a good place for generosity to begin, but a bad place
for generosity to end. We are called to go beyond the law and to give in extravagant generosity in
response to the extravagant generosity of God.
The amazing thing is that when we practice generosity, we experience more of the generosity of
God. During our stewardship emphasis a couple years ago, I received an e-mail message from a
percent tithe. Then I subtract percent for savings. That leaves me percent, right? By the time I
subtract those expenses I have no control over: taxes, insurance...the 10-10-80 formula be-
comes 10-10-40-
Then I cut my personal expenses down to match what is left. Each year this gets harder and
amazing. In fact, it is a miracle! Each year God shows me that indeed he is faithful to me when
I honor his tithe. I used to dread this time of year, but now I look forward to it knowing that
God will once again teach me something new. Well, I guess I better get busy on my budget for
The promise of a generous God
Paul concludes his letter to Corinth with a bold promise.
God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough
way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the ren-
thanksgivings to God. (9:8,11-12)
tude which we express through our generosity, which results in gratitude which expresses itself in
ment for the year ahead. May the Spirit guide us in our response to the generosity of God.
John Wesley (A Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, p. 32)
Week 3
51
Reflection Questions:
Day 1
Acts 4:32-37
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
During the initial growth of the church, the believers willingly share
all that they own. They take their possessions obtained through sweat
and striving, hardship and perseverance and they sell them. Their
material goods no longer have a hold on their hearts or minds; they
What freedom that detachment from earthly riches, from the con-
stant nagging desire to amass more, to hoard more, must have
Even more powerful is the fruit of their detachment: There is no
There is no clawing to get to the top. Instead, the followers share the
tenses and the material goods that so often we hide behind and look
each other in the eye equally, the way God sees us.
1. What is hardest for me to share? My money? My time? My ex-
pertise?
2. What is my gut reaction when I hear about tithing?
3. Would people outside the church realize I am a Christian on the
basis of my generosity?
Week 3
The way of the king-
dom of God calls
people to a higher
concern than self -
or national interest:
namely, concern for
the common good.
And for Jesus,
achieving the bottom
without concern for
the common good
uniquely not for
the heaven of the
Fortune 500 but
for hell.
Brian McLaren
52
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O God, give me a generous heart; a heart that enables me to see
the way my own good is bound together in the common good for
all of your children. Amen.
used it, opened it in the
last year, give it to some-
one who can.
53
Reflection Questions:
Day 2
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
The act of giving brings us closer to the grace of God. Perhaps that is
because, in giving, we trust God to take our gifts and use them in
places us in a position of vulnerability and reliance and reminds us
how much we truly need God.
God calls on us to be willing to give. This willingness, it seems, is as
ing that we have nothing apart from God. In that light, it makes us
seem a bit foolish when we question whether we have enough to give.
tribute some of those blessings in the way that God has instructed us?
tlement as the Son of God; he redistributed the blessings of his wis-
dom and his vision of a kingdom of God here on earth. If we truly
have been given? Jesus set the ultimate example in giving freely. Now
it is up to us to exercise our faith and learn how to give without reser-
vation.
1. If our command is to follow Jesus, how do we become poor?
Does that mean volunteering until we are burnt out and end up
2. Is there a practical way to approach this self-
What makes us willing to give?
3. Can you imagine what an equitable world would look like?
Week 3
Gratitude becomes
contemplation, ex-
pressing rebellion
against the thou-
sands of advertise-
ments a year that tell
you to want what
not appreciate what
you already have.
Instead, gratitude
celebrates what you
ing, it bonds the
heart to the ultimate
source of the gifts
God.
Brian McLaren
54
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O generous and gracious God, when I test the genuineness of my
love by the standard of the One who, though he was rich, became
poor for our sake, I realize how far short I fall of a fair balance be-
tween my present abundance and the need of others. Show me the
way to a measure of generosity that is in balance with your gener-
osity to me. Amen.
Give Willingly
Make good on your
pledge to the church.
55
Reflection Questions:
Day 3
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
Our generosity should be willing and enthusiastic. We are instructed
to give what we have decided to give, not under compulsion but will-
ingly. But, if the outcome of our giving is the same, does the spirit of
our giving really matter? If, as I write my check for tithe on Sunday, I
am really longing for the new iPod I could have bought with that
The problem with that line of reasoning is that, by giving gifts grudg-
us for our generosity. These blessings may not be tangible. They may
be a shift in the way we see the world or the way we experience God.
God may choose to bless our generosity simply by making material
goods less important to us, thereby reducing their hold on us. But if
we are focused on what we gave away (be it time, money or skills),
how are we going to notice the blessings coming our way?
can result in thanksgiving to God. What better blessing than for
someone to see a glimpse of God because we gave something of our-
selves?
1. Can you tell when someone really wants to help and when they
are just going through the motions?
2. Do you believe the motivation behind our generosity really mat-
ters to God?
3. What blessings have resulted from your willingness to give?
Week 3
, n. -
A painful, conta-
gious, socially trans-
mitted condition of
overload, debt, anxi-
ety, and waste re-
sulting from the
dogged pursuit of
more.
, n.
1. The bloated, slug-
feeling that results
up with the Joneses.
2. An unsustainable
addiction to eco-
nomic growth.
Wikipedia
56
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O Generous God, the Cheerful Giver who scatters abroad good
gifts and provides every blessing in abundance in my life, teach me
to sow bountifully that I may also reap bountifully. Make me a
cheerful giver that I may become like you in my giving. Amen.
Give Cheerfully
Pray about the amount
you can cheerfully give
this year.
57
PSSSSSST ... WANT IN ON A MONEY SECRET? Linda Grable
Hyde Park member Linda Grable wants to share her
many of us are worried about making ends meet Linda
tank, put milk in her fridge, and to repair her home. But
Linda admits it has nothing to do with her job as Assistant State Prosecutor. The State of Florida
Linda connects to God not only by signing her name on a check. Tithing, she says, leads to some
real conversations with him about money. While the concept of tithing for Linda is simple you
give 10 percent of your income to the church tithing does not mean she is free of complex
Tithing also connects Linda to her late mother, Emmalou Grable. Her mother tithed and encour-
Week 3
58
I got the bill from our accountant no kidding
what I usually receive for my tax refund and the refund I should receive this year! My needs were
Week 3
59
Reflection Questions:
Day 4
2 Chronicles 31:5-10
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
For the Israelites, their giving meant that everyone had enough to eat.
For giving back to God, for establishing unity regarding what was to
you imagine if we all chose to do the same with the fruits of our la-
bor? What would the world say about us? What would our internal
and spiritual lives look like if we placed that much trust in God?
ble acknowledgement that all that we have is a gift from God. If we
approach tithing with that level of thankfulness, seeing our own pos-
sessions as gifts, our desire to cling to material goods wanes. If, as a
tion, what impact could we have on our community? What impact
could God have on us?
1. What are the practical priorities in my life?
2. How are they demonstrated by the I use my money?
3. What prevents me from tithing?
4.
my life and the ministry of the church?
Week 3
job not to tell people
what to do, but
rather to remind
them who they are,
in this instance,
agents, or stewards,
bounty...The goal of
Christianity is not
detachment from
material wealth, but
the loving use of it.
William Sloane
60
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Teach us, O God, to give not out of guilt, or fear, or mere obliga-
tion, but out of a spirit of joy and freedom, knowing that as we
learn to give of our means to you, we can give our whole lives to
you. Amen.
Give Accordingly
Have a discussion with
someone about tithing.
your tithe should be.
61
Reflection Questions:
Day 5
Malachi 3:8-12
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
Malachi does not mince words: If we do not tithe, we are robbing
is nothing that we can do. When we cling to material possessions, we
rob God of what is rightfully his. We rob ourselves of the experience
of placing our hope and trust in God.
God promises that tithing results in great blessings. We are promised
abundance and happiness for the small price of giving back to God
what he has bestowed on us. Why, if the blessings seem so desirable,
1. Why do we acknowledge that certain cultural restrictions have
changed since Biblical times, but we still hold fast to the idea of
tithing?
2. -4, 19-
21)
3. Are you willing to give the tithe and trust God to guide you in the
wise use of the other 90 perecent of your income?
Week 3
Terry Parsons, stew-
Episcopal Church,
describes three kinds
dinary stewardship,
the day-in, day-out
giving of a portion of
your time, talent and
money. The second is
extraordinary stew-
ardship: the opportu-
nity to make a mean-
ingful one-time gift
because of a sudden
increase in your net
a spiritual adventure,
whereas ordinary
stewardship is a spiri-
last category is legacy
stewardship, leaving
10 percent or some
other portion of your
estate to the church.
-
62
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O Lord, who has taught us that to gain the whole world and to lose
our souls is great folly, grant us the grace so to lose ourselves that
get ourselves that we may be remembered in your kingdom.
-Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
Give Graciously
What can you do with-
out?
63
Reflection Questions:
Day 6
Mark 12:41-44
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
response? Is it relief that God is pleased with any amount, no matter
how small? Does the story give us license to skimp on our next
church? Or do we take solace in the understanding that God knows
stances may appear to others?
Unfortunately, giving can quickly become a forum to upstage those
around us. However, God knows what we have available versus what
allow God to teach us to depend on him instead of relying on our-
selves alone. We are promised great rewards for placing God before
ourselves. But in such a materialistic world, how do we learn to give
1.
2. What other characteristics stood out in that person?
3. What was my response to their giving?
4. What prevents me from giving a portion of my income to God?
Week 3
The only safe rule is
to give more than we
can spare. If our
expenditure on com-
forts, luxuries,
amusements, etc. is
up to the standard
common among
those with the same
income as our own,
we are probably giv-
ing away too little. If
our charities do not
at all pinch or ham-
per us, I should say
they are too small.
There ought to be
things we should like
to do and cannot do
because our charita-
ble expenditure ex-
cludes them.
C.S. Lewis
64
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
may we be making the subtle shift from our way to your way, from
apply this not only to our money, but also to our brothers and sis-
ters in Christ. Only through him can we try. In his name we pray.
-Peter L. Haynes
Give Cheerfully
Pray about the amount
you can cheerfully give
this year
65
Reflection Questions:
Day 7
Proverbs 3:9-10
Week 3
Gifts: Our Connection to God’s
Generosity
Settling In—Psalm 103
erous with the time we give to God each day. If he ends up with the
may begin to see other opportunities to give of ourselves. We need to
the time to take care of our daily tasks (and that may mean repriori-
tizing what is really important in daily life).
1.
check my banking account before church so that I can make
2. How can I learn to give willingly, gladly, the way that Christ
did
left over after chasing after my worldly pursuits?
Week 3
give because they
have received mate-
rial blessings.
Christians give even
when they have not
received material
give generously be-
cause they pattern
their life after the
example of Christ.
Mark Trotter
66
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Bless thou the gifts our hands have brought;
Bless thou the work our hearts have planned.
Ours is the faith, the will, the thought;
The rest, O God, is in thy hand.
-Samuel Longfellow (1819-1892), The United Methodist Hymnal
Give Graciously
What can you do with-
out?
67
SERVICE: OUR CONNECTION TO GOD’S TRANSFORMATION
Week 4
Jesus promised his followers that they would be his witnesses throughout the world, but no one was
more surprised than they were when it happened! The Book of Acts is the dramatic story of the
way their connection with the power of the Holy Spirit energized them to become the agents of
I suspect that many of us are just as surprised as they were to discover that through our prayers,
presence, gifts and service, we are connected to the same power that energized those apostles and
Our connection with the Spirit means that we are not here to sit on the sidelines, but to get into the
of the world. God has chosen to redeem this world through the church. Transformation happens
when individual disciples discover the unique gifts the Spirit has given them and release those gifts
Who? Me? A Minister?
you are! According to the New Tes-
tament, every baptized follower of Jesus Christ is called, gifted, and empowered to serve in the
for the year ahead. Every person is critically important to this ministry. Every gift of service makes
Week 4
68
Ministry happens through the church.
(Ephesians 4:1-16). At the center of ministry is the New Testament promise that every baptized
follower of Jesus is given a unique spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit. We believe that spiritual gifts are:
Special abilities that are energized by the Holy Spirit, discovered in community and
Given for the common good of the body of Christ and the transformation of the world;
To be used in alignment with the mission of the church and the passion God has placed in
our hearts;
Encouraged and supported by the equipping ministries of the church;
How ministry happens Within days of each other, I received two e-
in our parking lot ministry.
Every week he comes home pumped up about something. He can see that people really appre-
ciate what the team is doing. He can see the importance of creating a more welcoming envi-
The other message came from one of the leaders of our equipping ministry team.
gift of encouragement. When I am walking alongside someone in their faith walk and they are
deepening their relationship with Christ (or developing a new one), or when I am working with
feel great JOY.
Ministry reaches out from the church into the world. When Kirbyjon Caldwell was appointed as pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in
Houston in 1982, there were 25 members. Today, it is one of the largest United Methodist Church
growth is not to collect new people and cage them with church programs. The goal of church
health is not to fatten up church members for show...The church exists to equip people in order to
release them back into the world, grounded in truth and community, dangerous for the gos-
The Equipping Church, p. 9).
Week 4
69
through ordinary men and women who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, become the extension of
Wayne Cordero leads the New Hope Community Church in Honolulu. I remember hearing him
yers or teenagers. He acknowledged that God could send a preacher or a professional minister, but
-time, baptized servant minis-
When God wants to make his love real to teachers, he takes a full-time, baptized servant minister,
love to other teachers and students and to serve them in the Spirit of Christ.
When God wants to make his love real to business people, God takes some full-time, baptized ser-
vant ministers, dresses them up like business people, and sends them into the business world where
the witness of their lives and character becomes an unmistakable expression of the Body of Christ.
When God wants to let teenagers know that he loves them, he takes some full-time, baptized ser-
vant ministers, dresses them up like high school students and sends them onto their school campus
to demonstrate his love with other teenagers.
Our daughter, Carrie, majored in journalism and rose to the position of Executive Producer at the
in St. Petersburg which specializes in ethics in the media.
service agency near Charleston. She also spent two years as a short-term missionary with the
-time servant ministry.
Week 4
70
The people of God, who are the church made visible in the world, must convince the world of the
reality of the gospel or leave it unconvinced. There can be no evasion or delegation of this responsi-
bility; the church is either faithful as a witnessing and serving community, or it loses its vitality and
its impact on an unbelieving world.
The United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶128
Week 4
71
Reflection Questions:
Day 1
Acts 6:1-7
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
How often have you watched the pastor on Sunday morning and
obligated to try your hand at preaching from the pulpit, regardless of
whether or not you had any skills or desire to do so? We might be in
for a lot of rocky Sunday mornings.
When each member of the church plays the role for which he or she
hierarchy of tasks that need to be accomplished in the church. Every
role is important. If church leadership took on every task, the minis-
try would become constricted.
In order to give our talents and our time, we must understand our-
selves well enough to know our gifts. God will nudge us in the direc-
tion we should go, but we have to be open to unique ways God might
choose to use our talents and gifts.
1.
lenge those assumptions?
2.
had originally seemed unattainable?
3. What else went into that process besides simply possessing a
talent or gift?
Week 4
The laity had come
to see, with a shock,
that they were the
front line soldiers of
the Church. They,
not the clergy, were
the representatives of
Christ who were ac-
tually present in the
factories, shops,
homes of the coun-
passion was to get
into those situations,
then they, the laity,
must be the channels
through which it
would come. If
be spoken, then they
must speak it.
-Stephen Verney
72
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the
eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that
you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Start Small
Serve someone a surprise
ter, or a lemonade.
Watch their reaction.
73
Reflection Questions:
Day 2
Acts 3:1-16; 4:13
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
Self-doubt cripples the spirit. When we question whether we are
good enough to complete a task we feel called by God to accomplish,
we not only second guess ourselves, we second guess God.
tions to become an expression of his power that healed the crippled
beggar. Peter and John boldly proclaimed their faith in Jesus in re-
sponse to the awe that the healing produced in the crowd. Their faith
in Jesus made them conduits of the power of God.
God can use anyone to minister to and to serve those in need. God
to the possibilities and rely on our faith in Jesus as our guide.
1. Where has God been calling me to serve?
2. Have I been ignoring the call? Why? Does fear hold me back
3.
I believe I am not worthy?
Week 4
The Company of
Jesus is not people
streaming to a
shrine; and it is not
people making up
an audience for a
speaker; it is labor-
ers engaged in the
harvesting task of
reaching their per-
plexed and seeking
[brothers and sis-
ters] with something
so vital that, if it is
received, it will
change their lives.
-Elton Trueblood
74
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
We have voices, O Lord. They are yours. Empower us not only to
speak as Christians should, but to reveal the Christ behind the
Christian.
We have hands, O Lord. They are yours. Guide us to use them for
your Glory, in prayer and in compassion.
We have hearts, O Lord. They are yours. Help us to love you be-
yond our natural ability, and to do likewise for those who need you
in us.
All that we have, and all that we are, all is yours. May we become
was faithful to us. In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
-Peter L. Haynes
Grow in Service
Surprise a neighbor,
teacher, co-worker with
an act of service. Watch
their reaction.
75
Reflection Questions:
Day 3
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
person is baptized by the Holy Spirit, he/she becomes ordained for
ministry. All followers of Christ are ministers and all have been given
cover our gifts and respond to the call that God has put on our hearts,
Gifts are given not to be left idle, but to be used in community, to
serve God and others. The spiritual gifts of followers of Christ are
ALL important. Every gift is needed to build the church and to create
other disciples. The body of Christ has many parts and many minis-
pose: to grow in relationship to God and others, to serve others and
to invite others into faith in Christ.
1. Have you discovered your spiritual gifts? If not, go to
www.hydeparkumc.org and take the spiritual gifts assessment.
2.
church?
3.
in the body of Christ?
Week 4
Service is not a list of
but a way of living.
Just as there is more
to the game of bas-
ketball than the rule
book, there is more
to service than
ing. It is one thing to
act like a servant; it
is quite another to be
a servant.
Richard Foster
76
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
God of community,
who calls us to be in relationship
with one another
and who has promised to dwell
By your Spirit you have graced each of us
Open my eyes, O God, to perceive the gifts
you have placed within me
Bless our hands, our hearts, our vision
to work together for the bringing in of your Kingdom,
in our embracing, love;
and in our risking, transformation.
-Jan Richardson
Find your gift
Talk to your small-
group leader about tak-
ing a Spiritual Gift As-
sessment.
.
77
Reflection Questions:
Day 4
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
By contrast, it is comforting to know that within the body of Christ
we are all celebrated for our unique contributions and talents. Paul
calls for equality in the body of Christ. No gift is to be valued above
another; all are blessings from God to be used for the common goal.
This common mission allows us to share not only our gifts, but also
Unity of mission fosters community. In order to thrive, the commu-
nity must remain connected to each other and to God.
1.
2. Do I expect to be recognized for my gifts in the church? How
much of that expectation is pride driven?
3. Are there certain gifts I value above others? If so, why?
Week 4
One of the principal
rules of religion is to
lose no occasion of
serving God. And
since he is invisible
to our eyes, we are to
serve him in our
neighbor, which he
receives as if done to
himself in person,
standing visibly be-
fore us. God is so
great that he com-
municates greatness
to the least thing that
is done for his ser-
vice.
John Wesley
78
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.
-St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
Appreciate Service
Thank someone who
serves you at church.
.
79
Reflection Questions:
Day 5
Ephesians 4:1-16
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
Christians are called to be humble, gentle and patient, to treat each
other with love. These traits can seem eons away when we are stuck
in a church committee meeting where everyone has a distinct (and
seemingly incompatible) viewpoint, emotions are running high,
nerves are frazzled and the exchange of ideas is terse at best. Should
we simply chalk up our reaction to each other as inevitable and stum-
ble forth the best we can? Or, as Christians, are we called to a more
sensitive, more intimate interaction with each other?
countable, and striving to work together in unity. What God does
ask is that we look at each other with compassion and understanding,
humility and love. The dominant paradigms that the world has estab-
lished simply do not have a place in the kingdom of God. Unity, un-
derstanding, patience and peace are the goals that Christ has estab-
1. How can we, as the body of Christ, reach out to a world that is
broken?
2. What will people see in us that will make them want to connect
with Christ?
3. How do we foster unity, a willingness to see problems and try to
solve them?
Week 4
alize that equipping
is really the Biblical
understanding of the
begin to see that the
church is a volunteer
body and every
member is gifted to
function in a certain
way, then that in my
mind makes it man-
datory
have an option to
be an equipping
way God has de-
signed the church,
-Vernon Armitage
80
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O God, who by your Spirit has given to each of us unique gifts for
the building up of the body of Christ, give us wisdom to know our
gifts, courage to claim them, and power to use them for your glory.
Amen.
Jump In
Decide where you will
serve. Make the phone
call to begin.
81
Reflection Questions:
Day 6
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
God constantly works in us and around us, whether we choose to
notice or not. God has an advantage in cultivating our gifts and tal-
ents: God knows us completely. God knows exactly where our fears
and trepidations lie. God knows about our prideful moments and our
bruised egos. God sees the untapped potential that we all hold. If we
trust God, God will be faithful in nurturing us, drawing out our spiri-
tual gifts so that we can use them to contribute to the community we
skills, talents and gifts that we need; we must remain faithful in our
festation of our connection to God. When people look at your life,
can they see your connection to God?
1. What keeps me from being consistent in my service?
2. What skill do I have that I could ask God to nurture?
3. What immediate ways can I begin working on cultivating that
skill?
4.
Week 4
Be faithful in little
which will build in
you the life of holi-
ness, make you
Christ-
look for big things,
just do small things
smaller the thing,
the greater must be
our love.
-Mother Teresa
82
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
the things, good Lord, that I pray for, give me the grace to labor
for. Amen.
-Thomas More (1478-1535)
Start Small
Serve someone a surprise
ter, or a lemonade.
Watch their reaction.
83
Reflection Questions:
Day 7
Romans 12:3-8
Week 4
Service: Our Connection to God’s
Transformation
Settling In—Psalm 86
Over and over this week, it has become apparent how important
unity is in the body of Christ. We are reminded to celebrate our
Christians, on the emerging kingdom of God. God leaves no room for
pride. There is no one gift, no one person, that is greater than an-
other. Instead we are challenged to live lives of humility, compassion,
love, unity, peace and service to others. If we could really meet that
1. When do I feel myself becoming prideful?
2. Where is the line between self-assuredness and arrogance?
3. Am I focusing on being thankful for the gifts that each person
Week 4
your destiny will be
but one thing I
know, the only ones
among you who will
be really happy are
those who have
sought and found
how to serve.
-Albert Schweitzer
84
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
May the love of the Lord Jesus
draw us to himself;
May the power of the Lord Jesus
strengthen us in his service;
May the joy of the Lord Jesus
-Archbishop William Temple (1881-1944)
Grow in Service
Surprise a neighbor,
teacher, co-worker with
an act of service. Watch
their reaction.
85
Here I Am, Lord. Randy Adkins
When Randy Adkins talks about the church he grew up
Pulaski, Virginia, a tiny white building about 50 families
called their spiritual home. Randy remembers being 6
years old, old enough to help his grandfather usher, then
settling in a pew to watch his grandparents sing in the
hears those hymns, Randy is connected.
-doubt. It was not because he is a stranger to service. Randy
politan Ministries. When his career moved him to the private sector he took with him his belief
he wrote this e-mail to choir director Penny Walsh:
Randy simply worried he could not keep up with the voices he heard on Sundays. In February of
2008 Randy answered the call. Today he sings and serves Hyde Park with his voice.
their praises to God ... I not only connect to fellow members of the church, but feel a connection to
As he blesses others sharing the hymns he discovered, this service is a blessing to him. As he de-
Week 4
86
WITNESS: THE WORLD’S CONNECTION TO THE GOSPEL
Week 5
It has been said that the church is the only organization in the world that exists primarily for those
who are not yet a part of it. God has a church because God wants to continue the ministry of Je-
sus: to be a sign, foretaste, instrument and witness of the reign of God. This reign, or kingdom, is
take upon his lips (Mt 4:17). The advent of this reign is the gospel; it is the good news!
The idea of the kingdom of God can lead us to imagine a palace with a king sitting on a throne.
But, when the New Testament speaks of the kingdom of God, it simply means the force and effect
will is brought to fruition in out midst. When people are healed of their hurts, when their sorrows
are comforted, when injustices are set right, and when peace and love replace enmity and hatred,
the gospel is that
all creation is invited to share in this reign right now through Jesus.
not a big vote of confidence for the other religious leaders in Capernaum! While in Capernaum,
-in-law, and cured many others who
were sick with various diseases (4:33-
kingdom! As Jesus tries to leave Capernaum, however, the crowds follow after him. Luke says,
They wanted him to stay right there with them and heal their wounds, calm their spirits, and bless
their home. They wanted to continue to revel in the reign God, perhaps not even realizing that
others would be left without. Jesus knows that God has a broader purpose than this. He tells the
In many ways, we are not unlike those in Capernaum who were among the first to receive the good
Week 5
87
Christ, to come to church, share in our brotherly love, sing of our happiness and our salvation, and
then go back to our homes, our places of business, and our neighborhoods forgetting that there are
others who yearn for that good news, as well. We can forget that, like Jesus, we have a purpose
beyond just experiencing the divine reign; we are called to share it and proclaim it. Indeed, the
church is the primary means by which the world receives that good news. The church is the
our witness (i.e., my witness and your
witness). For, like prayers, presence, gifts, and service, witness is a personal commitment even as it
marily on the level of corporate-
lect few (e.g., preachers and evangelists), but it also (and primarily!) is the responsibility of each
one of us. Just before Jesus is about to ascend into heaven, Jesus looks his disciples square in the
have learned to hope; so, you are the ones who must tell others.
Witnessing Implies that You’ve Seen Something Being witnesses assumes two realities: (1) that we have experienced something, encountered some-
thing, seen something, or heard something ourselves and (2) that we are ready to give an account
of what we have experienced, encountered, seen, or heard.
Imagine being a juror in a court of law. What type of witnesses are you likely to find more credible:
those who were present at the scene of a crime and saw what happened or those who read about
actually present! In order to bear witness to the good news of the reign of God, it is important for
us not just to have heard about it, but actually to have experienced it.
not have a first-hand experience of the reign of God. We who have experienced the joy of salva-
tion, the freedom of life in the Holy Spirit, and the peace of a relationship with Christ know per-
sonally what good news the reign of God really is. Sharing this good news with others is the es-
sence of our ministry of witness.
Witness is More than Words, but Never Less than Words There is a statement attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that is popularly quoted in Christian circles:
these words. This statement was probably concocted by someone who was deathly afraid of ar-
ticulating his or her experience of Christ (or who, perhaps, had never had an experience at all!) As
it stands, this apocryphal statement implies that the gospel can be communicated effectively simply
by living a holy life, obeying the golden rule, or something like that.
Make no mistake: holy living is very important. This amounts to a kind of unspoken testimony
without which our verbal testimony to Christ is meaningless. Imagine if an obese friend said to
Week 5
88
whether that gym membership is worth the money! Similarly, the verbal testimony of those who
too) is a huge clue that a complete witness matches holy living with naming the One whose life,
death, and resurrection makes the joy-filled, Spirit-filled, hope-filled, holy life possible: Jesus.
Imagine meeting someone in the desert who is clearly thirsty. You have just come from the oasis
that is just out of sight beyond the sand dunes, where your own thirst was quenched and where you
over, by the way your lips are full and not shriveled and parched, and by the way you seem to be
moving quickly and full of life, the thirsty person can tell that something is different about you.
The thirsty person will be able to discern from these tell-tale signs that you are not thirsty. But,
that does not mean that the thirsty person knows how to get to the oasis to drink from that life-
giving spring.
Being a witness is about helping people find the refreshing, thirst-
not about recruiting people to your oasis, berating people for not knowing where the oasis is, or
get to it. Being a witness means that you even go so far as to go to the oasis yourself and bring
them water to drink.
You cannot expect people to connect the dots between your life of holiness, righteousness, and joy
(the kingdom life) and the true source of that life. Some might. But, those will be the exceptions.
Meanwhile many more will crawl about on the parched landscape dying of thirst. Therefore, wit-
ness is never only your words, but it is never less than your words.
Week 5
89
Reflection Questions:
Day 1
Mark 5:1-20
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
ever led off with an Excel spreadsheet with facts and figures about
Jesus! Our faith consists of stories about what God has done through
Christ in our lives. So, sharing our faith involves telling about how
God has shaped us.
thorough understanding of the atonement, or to be well-versed in
riology means!) All you need is to have a story to tell about how
Christ has made a difference in your life.
Often, when we encounter the unchurched, we tend to want to pro-
vide answers. But, a story-formed witness works best within the con-
stories.
1. What difference has Christ made in your life? How have you
faithfulness been evident?
2. Who in your life can you share your story with, who might not
yet understand how Christ has made a difference in your life?
3. What, if anything, makes you reluctant to share your story from
Week 5
There are so many
stories more beauti-
ful than answers.
Mary Oliver
90
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O eternal God...let me, in spite of me, be of so much use to your
glory, that by your mercy to my sin, other sinners may see how
much sin you can pardon. Amen.
John Donne (1572-1631)
Know your story
Write down the ways
that Christ has made a
difference in your life.
91
Reflection Questions:
Day 2
John 1:1-5, 9-14
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
That is, God does not often snap the divine fingers to magically ac-
Human beings are inherently representative of God, enlivened by the
divine breath (Gen 2:7) and imprinted with the image of God himself
(Gen 1:26-27). Representing God is the primordial human vocation.
As a human, Jesus perfectly fulfills our representative vocation. And,
in calling the church and filling it with the power of his Holy Spirit,
Jesus calls and enables us to serve as a present living representation of
God to the world.
Christ. This means that our witness cannot be disembodied. We
must enact our witness through works of love, mercy, and peace,
even as much as we pronounce these realities.
When in the power of the Holy Spirit we share the gospel and wit-
ence.
1.
love?
2. How do others encounter the living, breathing love of God in
you?
3. What in your life is inconsistent with your vocation to represent
God? How can you remedy that inconsistency?
Week 5
Churches have
turned their towers
into resorts and
amusement parks to
attract the wayward
back. They re-
painted, redesigned,
churches. They re-
crafted their mission
statements, replaced
their choirs, and
rewired their sanc-
tuaries. They have
redone this and that,
believing more in the
reincarnation of the
old than in the in-
carnation of Christ.
Randall Groves
92
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
O eternal God, you commit to us the swift and solemn trust of life;
since we do not know what a day may bring forth, but only that the
hour for serving you is ever present, may we wake to the instant
claims of your holy will, not waiting for tomorrow, but yielding
today. Lay to rest, by the persuasion of your Spirit, the resistance
of our passion, our indolence, or our fear. Consecrate with your
presence the way in which our feet may go; and the humblest work
will shine, and the roughest places be made plain. Lift us above
unrighteous anger and mistrust into faith and hope and charity by a
simple and steadfast reliance on your sure will. In all things draw
us to the mind of Christ, that your lost image may be traced again
and that you may own us as at one with him and you. Amen.
James Martineau (1805-1900)
Share your story
Talk with a fellow
church member or other
Christian about what
God has done in your
life.
93
Reflection Questions:
Day 3
John 1:6-9; Matthew 25:30-46
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
the church it puts us
purposes include far more than the church. The right question is,
If we want to know what God is up to in the world, we need only to
God is present and working wherever hungry and thirsty people are
satisfied with bread and water, whenever the vulnerable are shel-
tered, and whenever the sick and the imprisoned are comforted. Lest
we believe that we are the light that brings hope and justice to those
dark places, it is important for us to remember that we only point to
the true light which enlightens every vestige of darkness.
1. Where is the darkness in the lives of your friends and neighbors?
Is it sickness, hunger, loneliness, depression, or joblessness?
light?
2. What about your ministry tends to point to yourself or your
church rather than the good news of Jesus?
3.
sending you to bear witness to the light?
Week 5
The church of Jesus
Christ is not the
purpose or goal of
the gospel, but
rather its instrument
and witness.
Darrel Guder
94
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
God, of your goodness, give me yourself; for you are sufficient for
me. I cannot properly ask anything less, to be worthy of you. If I
were to ask less, I should always be in want. In you alone do I have
all. Amen.
Julian of Norwich (1342-c. 1416)
Engage
Seek out a friend or ac-
quaintance who is hurt-
ing and seek to under-
stand their struggle.
95
Reflection Questions:
Day 4
Isaiah 52:7-15
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
When ancient armies would go out to battle, sentinels would keep
watch at home, either from a mountain lookout or from a tall watch-
tower, for messengers returning from the battlefield with news. One
can easily imagine the sense of anticipation a sentinel would have
upon seeing the messenger quickly hurrying toward him. What could
the news be? Was it victory? Was it defeat? Who has fallen? Who
has survived?
It has often been noted that people today are desperate for good
news. In the midst of the battles of life, there is a profound need to
hear that the bills have not defeated us, that the cancer has not won,
there in the world are like the sentinels, looking to all the messengers
running their way, hoping for some bit of good news!
As one of the many voices that speak in the world, the church brings
tidings it brings news. But, are those tidings good? When people
we fail as witnesses.
1.
victory in some struggle in your life?
2. What would be good news for people in your life neighbors,
friends, co-
news for them? How can you share it?
3.
one who needs to hear good news?
Week 5
Psychologists tell us
that most people in
America are
Something deep
within us is still cry-
ing out for the real
deal. . . . Nothing
will feel right until
we get it
John Ed Mathison
96
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
You who are unchangeable, whom nothing changes! You who are
unchangeable in love, precisely for our welfare not submitting to
any change: may we too will our welfare, submitting ourselves to
the discipline of your unchangeableness, so that we may in uncon-
ditional obedience find our rest and remain at rest in unchangeable-
ness.
Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
Bear witness
triumph in your life with
a friend or acquaintance
who may be experienc-
ing a similar struggle.
97
Reflection Questions:
Day 5
Luke 10:1-11
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
Jesus never waited around for people to come to him (even though
people did come to him). He went out from place to place seeking
when Jesus commissions his disciples for ministry, he sends them out.
but ourselves and what Christ has done and is doing in our lives. In
fact, all the things we try to take with us can get in the way. Nothing
can really substitute for a personal connection with another person
around a table in which lives are open toward each other. This can
make us feel incredibly vulnerable.
1. Where is Jesus sending you? What is the field in which you are
called to labor?
2. What makes you feel vulnerable in proclaiming the gospel?
3.
that might be getting in the way?
4. What advice does Jesus offer if people reject your authentic wit-
ness? What would that look like today?
Week 5
To be sent out on
behalf of the reign of
God is also to gather
people into the reign
of God and, through
the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, to help
form each other into
citizens of the reign
of God, who can
preach, teach, and
heal in the name of
Jesus and can share
his suffering and
resurrection life.
Darrel Guder
98
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day in the person of
your sick, and, whilst nursing them, minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the
irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you,
Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be mo-
notonous. I will ever find joy in humouring the fancies and gratify-
ing the wishes of all poor sufferers.
O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me, when you person-
ify Christ; and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high
vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to dis-
grace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience.
And O God, while you are Jesus my patient, deign also to be to me
a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults, looking only to my inten-
tion, which is to love and serve you in the person of each one of
your sick.
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and for
evermore. Amen.
The Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
Go out
Go to someone you en-
counter often (e.g., at the
grocery store) and intro-
duce yourself; get to
know them.
99
Reflection Questions:
Day 6
John 9:1-41
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
How often do we excuse our reluctance to share our faith by saying
much matter how educated or experienced we are, the only thing we
really need to back up our witness is the true experience of our salva-
tion.
Sometimes we may think our story needs to be fantastic, but it does-
power of salvation; we are going to want to tell people about it.
I once heard a story about a nonbeliever who had gotten to know a
Christian co-
Wanting a better understanding of his experience, he contacted his
co-
the man come to her office, where the man told the pastor that he
have to tell people about it. He wanted to keep his faith to himself
because he was afraid of what his friends, most of whom were athe-
ists, might think. So, the pastor told the man that she would make an
exception: in this one instance, he could give his life to Christ and
not have to tell anyone.
way home. As he waited at the bus stop, he began a conversation
day was ended, the man had told half a dozen others the same tale.
1. What excuses do you make for not sharing your faith?
2.
3.
tell others?
Week 5
The greatest discov-
ery I ever made was
the day I discovered
Jesus Christ.
James Simpson,
pioneer of anesthetics
100
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of
light; open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and
entertain you with all our powers of adoration and love.
Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
Listen
Ask someone else to
share about where they
have seen God at work in
their life.
101
Reflection Questions:
Day 7
Mark 13:5-13; 1 Peter 3:10-20
Week 5
Witness: The World’s Connection
to the Gospel
Settling In—Psalm 71:17-24
describes someone who dies in testimony to faith, is a derivative of
ers for the eventuality that a faithful witness to the truth may mean
great suffering, even death, at the hands of those who are held cap-
Thankfully, not everyone will be called to make such a radical wit-
ness. But whether our witness is easy or difficult, safe or risky, it is
God himself who enables our witness by the power of his Holy Spirit.
And whether the situation is benign or threatening, witness always
involve nothing less than our complete selves
Even if we are not called to the ultimate witness, our witness will at
to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is
full, and bold our witness can be.
1.
hope? How can we get ready?
2. How do you react to the idea that your witness involves nothing
less than your whole self, and that it might require your very life?
3. How is suffering a witness to Christ?
Week 5
witnesses to the fact
that the only source
hope is God Him-
self.
William C. Weinrich
102
Your Space
Daily Prayer
Daily Connection
It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.
Oscar Romero (1917-1980)
Remember
Look up the story of a
martyr like Oscar Ro-
mero. Give thanks to
God for their ultimate
sacrifice of faith.
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