The Circle That Takes Us In

September 29, 2009
 
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
 
Stan Mooneyham is a former director of World Vision, a charitable agency that combats global poverty and hunger. At a national gathering of religious leaders from a wide spectrum of faith traditions - Catholic and Protestant, conservative and liberal – conversations quickly devolved into sharp disagreements and fractious arguments.  At the end of the first day of meetings, a weary Mooneyham was ready to relinquish to someone else the role of facilitating these discussions.
 
But the next day, an inspired Mooneyham turned to a flip chart and drew a number of little dots, each with a circle around them.  He told the bickering leaders that this was how they perceived themselves and their relationships with others – as isolated individuals hedged by self-protection.
 
Then, Mooneyham drew a large, all-encompassing circle around all the dots, and read a portion of Edwin Markhams’s poem, “Outwitted:”
 
            He drew a circle that shut me out –
            Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout,
            But Love and I had the wit to win:
            We drew a circle that took him in.

Mooneyham concluded, “I may not be in your circle, but you are in mine, and there is nothing you can do to get out.  You can’t resign, walk out, or run away. If you try it, I will just draw a bigger circle.”  
 
Immediately, the bitterness and strain in the room evaporated, as each person recognized their own protective bubbles, and remembered that God’s wide circle included everyone in the whole world. Starting that day and for the rest of their time together, Mooneyham and the religious leaders had the most productive time building relationships that World Vision had ever experienced. [1]
 
I wonder sometimes if God looks at the global church and wearies of its divisions.  Disagreements over doctrine, polity, and liturgy seem to spawn more division and less dialogue, more cracks and less common understanding.  As my friend Jim Harnish likes to say, “We all tend to draw circles defining who’s in and who’s out.  And inevitably, we draw those circles around ourselves.”
 
It is in these moments that we can remember the words of the hymn, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy:”
 
           For the Love of God is broader / Than the measure of our mind;
            And the heart of the Eternal / Is most wonderfully kind.
            If our love were but more simple / We should rest upon God’s word;
            And our lives would be illumined / By the presence of our Lord.

If God’s mercy is so wide, and God’s love so all-encompassing, why do we try so hard to monopolize it for ourselves?  In the end, shouldn’t our efforts to define who’s right and who’s wrong defer to the realization that we are all in this kingdom building business together?
 
The need for this reminder is what makes observing World Communion Sunday every year so important.  It reminds us that our little patch of ground on Sixth and Main has not cornered the market on Christian expression, and that we are connected to a cosmic family that stretches as much across time as it does around the globe.  And regardless of the differences we have with other denominations (indeed, even with other United Methodists!), there is a wideness to God’s mercy. A wide, all-encompassing circle of love.
 
Read this quote by Cyprian, the third century bishop in North Africa.  It’s long, but well worth the effort.
 
The Church also is one, which is spread abroad far and wide into a multitude by an increase of fruitfulness.  As there are many rays of the sun, but one light; and many branches of a tree, but one strength based in its tenacious root; and since from one spring flow many streams, although the multiplicity seems diffused in the liberality of an overflowing abundance, yet the unity is still preserved in the sources.  Separate a ray of the sun from its body of light, its unity does not allow a division of light; break a branch from a tree, - when broken, it will not be able to bud; cut off the stream from its fountain, and that which is cut off dries up.  Thus also the Church, shone over with the light of the Lord, sheds forth her rays over the whole world, yet it is one light which is everywhere diffused, nor is the unity of the body separated.  Her fruitful abundance spreads her branches over the whole world.  She broadly expands her rivers, liberally flowing, yet her head is one, her source one; and she is one mother, plentiful in the results of fruitfulness; from her womb we are born, by her milk we are nourished, by her spirit we are animated. [2]
 
Join us this Sunday as we observe our global connection with the body of Christ around the world.  We are grateful once again to Judi Klee, who will be providing breads from around the world made in her restaurant The Spice Rack (www.homemadepizzelles.com).  Let’s be the rays of light, united for the world.
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Magrey    

The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA  51012
Ph:  712-225-3955
http://www.cherokeespumc.org

[1] Toycen, David.  The Power of Generosity:  How to Transform Yourself and Your World.  (Waynesboro, GA:  Authentic Media, 2004)
[2] Nicene and Post-Nice Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series, Vol. VIII (New York:  Wm. B. Eerdmans Pubishing Co.) pp. 15-16.
 



CHILDREN’S SABBATH THANK-YOU FROM LINDA CHRISTENSEN
Thank you to everyone who helped to make our Children's Sabbath a fun and memorable service.  It would not have been possible without our Sunday School students and teachers, those who worked the sound booth, our organist, pianist, and bell choir director, the UMW for providing the materials, and of course all those who brought breakfast cereals.  45 boxes of cereal were donated and will be taken to Mid Sioux. We will also be able to count this as part of our Rainbow Covenant Missions program.
 
PORK FEED UPDATE
Thank you for all you did to support another successful pork feed.  Thanks to the Parker’s for the delicious tenderloins, and for the hard work of Jeff Blum, the Adult Class, and the Finance Committee.  We raised over $1,000 for the Next Generation Fund, and we congratulate the following persons for their award-winning recipes:
 
   “Pastor’s Winner”  (Healthiest and Most Flavorful):  Kay O’Connor; Runners Up:  Mary Chisman and Bu Fee.
    “Congeniality Award”  (Best Appearance, and Able to Accompany Everything):  Jenny Burroughs
    “People’s Choice”  (Most Indulgent and Best Tasting, when the Pastor’s Not Looking): Betty Forrest
    “Kid’s Choice”  (Children’s Favorite)  Patty Blum
 
NEW NURSERY INSTRUCTIONS
We are happy to provide child care for your child, ages 0 to 2nd Grade.  3rd Graders and older are encouraged to attend the worship service with their parents.  Busy bags to occupy them are available in the lobby of the sanctuary.  In accordance with our new Child Protection Policy, please sign your child in, listing your child’s name and check-in time.  You will need to be the one to sign-out your child, unless you give instruction to the staff that someone else will be picking your child up.  Also, so that you may be contacted immediately on campus in the event of an emergency, please pick up a pager and write down the number on the sign-in sheet.  Alternatively, you may leave your cell phone number. 

The Point of Saturation

September 22, 2009
 
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
 
In April 2007, Plymouth County hosted an event to raise awareness of child abuse throughout the state.  Among the exhibitors was the Child Advocacy Board (CAB), who displayed eight pairs of children’s shoes – each signifying a child in Iowa killed in the previous year as a result of abuse.  Visitors were visibly shaken by the display, and left with a profound sense of loss and a determined commitment to the cause.
 
Given the powerful response to that image, the CAB offered the same exhibit the following year.  In 2008, the number of abuse-related deaths jumped to sixteen, so they increased the corresponding number of shoes in the display. Naturally, they assumed an even greater reaction from attendees:  a doubling of shoes should evoke an exponential increase in anger and passion.  But they were wrong. This time, visitors casually walked by, virtually unaffected by the symbolism.
 
Planners were perplexed.  Why would eight shoes generate such a strong response, but sixteen result in apparent apathy?
 
Psychologists would suggest that somewhere between eight and sixteen was a point of saturation, that point in which the scale of the problem became too overwhelming for individuals to handle.  When the number was small, people could relate intimately with individual children, conceiving faces, names, families, and stories. But beyond that number, the problem became too overwhelming, prompting people to distance themselves from the issue out of sheer helplessness.
 
In preparing for this Sunday’s Children’s Sabbath, I read the following statistics, which seem pretty overwhelming, way past my own point of saturation.  According to the Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefense.org), every day in America:
 

• 78 babies die before their first birthdays.
• 404 children are arrested for a drug crime.
• 928 babies are born at low birthweight.
• 1,154 babies are born to teen mothers.
• 2,224 babies are born without health insurance.
• 2,479 children are confirmed as abused or neglected.
• 2,583 babies are born into poverty.
  

These numbers seem too huge for us to conceive, let alone associate with individual children.  Rather than use this data to prompt us to action, it is much easier for us to lump these statistics together and sigh with a collective feeling of powerlessness.  Or, worse still, a sense of apathy.
 
I think that is why the gospel writers share this poignant episode in the ministry of Jesus, who likely never heard the term point of saturation but surely knew the importance of putting a face on a problem:
 
He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.  (Matthew 18:2-5)
 
The next time you feel overwhelmed by the growing crisis of global poverty and disease, remember that Jesus could envision the Kingdom of God in the face of a little child.  While statistics can seem daunting, they essentially represent individual children, each created with their own unique God-given potential. And it is to such as these that the Kingdom belongs.
 
This Sunday we observe the Children’s Sabbath, a program sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund and endorsed by the United Methodist Women. It is a worship service led by the children of this congregation and highlights the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of other kids around the world.  Come be inspired to do your part in fulfilling this year’s theme: “Create Change for Children Today: Bring Hope for a Better Tomorrow.” In conjunction with the service, you are invited to bring breakfast foods with you as a donation to the local food pantry at Mid-Sioux Opportunities, Inc.
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Magrey   

The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA  51012
Ph:  712-225-3955
http://www.cherokeespumc.org

September 27
“Create Change for Children Today: Bring Hope for a Better Tomorrow”
Why Should Christians Care about Children and Poverty?
(Children’s Sabbath)
 
October 4
“Hungry World, Hungry Souls”
Why Should Christians Care about Global Hunger?
(World Communion Sunday)
 
October 11
“Let’s Get Physical”
How Do We Get Healthy?
(A Forum with Health Care Professionals)
 
October 18
“Paging Dr. Wesley”
What Did John Wesley Say about Health?

October 25
“When All Else Fails….”
What Do We Really Believe about Healing and Miracles?

November 1
“Resurrection…of the Body?”
What Do We Really Believe about Life after Death?
(All Saints’ Sunday)

 
 
SPECIAL OFFERINGS THIS SUNDAY
We will be receiving a special offering toward missions this Sunday, which will be evenly distributed among Human Relations Sunday, Native American Sunday, and Peace with Justice Sunday, which all contribute to our Rainbow Covenant Missions Program.  In addition, we will be taking up a loose change, “Noisy Offering” to support children and youth ministries.

PORK FEED
Join us after the service this Sunday for our annual Pork Feed, from 11:30-12:30pm.  Please bring your most flavorful and most nutritious side item or salad, in keeping with our health-conscious sermon series. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges.  Donations to the free will offering will support the Next Generation Fund, which supports future opportunities for ministry.  In addition, we are looking for volunteers to help set up the Fellowship Hall this Saturday at 10am.  Contact the church office if you are able to help.
 
JOIN THE 25 MILLION STEP CHALLENGE
We had a positive response to the new sermon series on personal health introduced last week.  We gave away all of the free pedometers, in conjunction with the challenge to walk a congregational total of 25 million steps between now and November 1.  If you did not get a free pedometer, they are available in town at a nominal cost.  You can report your weekly step count on the Sunday morning registration forms or by contacting the church office.
 
YOUTH COOK-OUTS THIS SUNDAY
Mid-Highs are invited to the deVega’s and Senior Highs are invited to the Wilkies for a fun night of food around the fire. The event is from 5:30-7:00pm.

You've Got Some Body! (To Love)

September 15, 2009
 
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
 
Can religion make you fat?
 
That’s the question Ken Ferraro has studied for over 25 years.  As a professor of sociology at Purdue University, he has interviewed thousands of people to determine what influence, if any, one’s religious devotion has on their physical well-being.  His conclusions are pretty clear:  religious institutions have a significant impact on a person’s physical health, for better and for worse.  
 
He has determined that obesity rates for women increase with greater use of religious media, such as religious television, radio, or reading material.  He notes that many religious activities are rooted in food, and church fellowship meals are often heavy in calories.  (Admit it:  when given the choice between bringing a vegetable tray and your Aunt Mabel’s recipe for Triple-Chocolate Decadent Delight, you’ll bring the dessert for bragging rights every time.)
 
But there’s good news, too.  As much as religion can be a breeding ground for obesity, it can also be a catalyst for healthy living.  People with an active prayer life are more able to handle their emotions without turning to food and other substances for comfort. The same is true of people who read the Bible and attend religious services.  
 
Yet, Ferraro concludes, churches can do much more in encouraging healthy choices among its congregants.  Along with branding tobacco and alcohol as vices, they can do the same for  overeating and gluttony, which Ferraro calls the “accepted vice.”  
 
Ferraro concludes, “With more awareness and education, churches can be a positive force in fighting obesity.”[1]
 
As you know, this is a timely issue, as health care reform has been a critical - and divisive - topic of national conversation.  Politicians and pundits have weighed in (no pun intended) with intensity and passion, with both civility and insult.  Our airwaves have embedded new terms into our collective conscience:  public option, single payer, and tort reform, just to name a few.
 
But here’s a term we haven’t heard enough of: preventative health.
 
If health care reform is first and foremost a moral issue before it is a political one (which is what I believe), then why not start with the most basic moral agent in our society:  individual people, and individual bodies?  What would happen if more people decided to take better care of their bodies, watching what they eat, exercising more, and visiting their doctor more regularly?
 
One estimate suggests that  losing just 10% of your body weight could reduce as much as $5,300 of medical costs in your lifetime. [2]  Complications related to obesity account for $147 billion a year in medical costs, as well as 9 percent of this nation’s total health care tab. [3]
 
Now regardless of your political stripes, and wherever you might stake your claims in the health care debate, I would hope that everyone could agree on this:  there is no quicker and more effective way of lowering health care costs than having more people take care of their bodies.
 
That, in its essence, is not a political statement.  It’s a theological one.  We remember that one of the first controversies the early church had to negotiate dealt with the philosophical notion of Gnosticism.  The Gnostics believed that human life was solely constituted as spirit, not flesh, and that the body was nothing more than its earthly encasement.  They believed that in the long run, it mattered little what happened to one’s body, since a person’s essence was captured in the immaterial.
 
The early church labeled that a heresy, and rightfully so.  The Bible makes it very clear that our bodies are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and that God formed our “innermost being.”  And besides, when God created the first human, out of earthly (not heavenly) stuff like clay and dust, God said, “That’s good.”  
 
Make no mistake.  Your body, as accident prone and disease inclined as it may be, is God-inspired, and God-created.  
 
And it’s good.
 
This recognition should encourage us to take care of our bodies and see those efforts as a spiritual task with clear societal and financial benefits.  And, I believe that churches like St. Paul’s can be a catalyst for that kind of renewal.
 
For the next seven weeks, we’ll be taking a closer look at biblical principles for the stewardship of your body with a series titled, “To Your Health:  God’s Prescription for a Healthy Life.”  This Sunday we’ll study the biblical and theological bases for physical health, and during ensuing weeks we’ll examine some of more common questions I’ve heard over the years:
 
·     What do we really believe about healing and miracles?
·     What do we mean when we say, “we believe in the resurrection of the body?”
·     Did John Wesley have anything to say about health?
·     What are practical ways for us to take care of our bodies?

It’s that last question that will inspire an exciting congregational project for us throughout this series.  This Sunday, we will be giving out free pedometers for people to use over the next several weeks.  From this Sunday to November 1, we are challenging the congregation to walk a total of 25 million steps, in the spirit of good health and shared commitment.  You’ll come to find that taking care of your body can be fun and easy – especially when it’s done with others!
 
To Your Health!
 
Magrey    

To Your Health:

God's Prescription for a Healthy Life

September 20
“You’ve Got Some Body!  (to Love)
Why Should Christians Care About Health?

September 27
“Create Change for Children Today: Bring Hope for a Better Tomorrow”
Why Should Christians Care about Health Care for Children?
(Children’s Sabbath)
 
October 4
“Hungry World, Hungry Souls”
Why Should Christians Care about Global Hunger?
(World Communion Sunday)
 
October 11
“Let’s Get Physical”
How Do We Get Healthy?
(A Forum with Health Care Professionals)
 
October 18
“Paging Dr. Wesley”
What Did John Wesley Say about Health?

October 25
“When All Else Fails….”
What Do We Really Believe about Healing and Miracles?

November 1
“Resurrection…of the Body?”
What Do We Really Believe about Life after Death?
(All Saints’ Sunday)

MOVING AND PACKING
The Helping Hands team will be coordinating big moving days for two of our church members.  Individuals are needed to help pack up Keith Willis’ belongings at 1:00pm on Friday, and to help transport his things on 8:00 Saturday morning.  Hattie Mackowski and her family are packing and moving on Saturday as well, and need at least four strong individuals to help with their move.  To offer your help, contact Sheree Hausmann or Marlene Kelly.
 
RAISE FUNDS AGAINST PANCREATIC CANCER
Keith’s sons Josh and Jeremy are participating in a fundraiser to help raise awareness against pancreatic cancer.  Individuals are encouraged to give in honor of Keith, and you can visit http://pancan.kintera.org/psiowawestdesmoines/jeremywillis for more information or to make a contribution.  

CHILDREN’S SABBATH SEPTEMBER 27
Join us on the 27th as our children lead us in worship and inspire us with ways to address global poverty among the world’s children.  The Children’s Sabbath theme is “Create Change for Children Today:  Bring Hope for a Better Tomorrow.”  Also, you are invited to bring with you to church a box of breakfast cereal as a donation to Mid-Sioux Opportunities, Inc.
 
ANNUAL PORK FEED
Mark your calendars!  Once again it’s time to enjoy some delicious pork tenderloins from the Parker family, as well as some delicious corn and other sides. The event takes place on September 27, from 11:30-12:30pm, and you are invited to bring your favorite side dish or salad to share (desserts will be provided.)  Proceeds from the free-will offering will support the Next Generation Fund.

1“Religion Linked to Obesity?” John Neuart.  Psychcentral.  http://psychcentral.com/news/2006/08/25/religion-linked-to-obesity/216.html
2“The Financial Impact of Improved Health Behaviors,” Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.  http://njaes.rutgers.edu/healthfinance/health-behaviors.asp
3“Study:  Health Care Costs Grow with Waists,” July 28, 2009.  The News & Observer.  http://www.newsobserver.com/news/health_science/story/1624027.html 

Phantom Power

September 8, 2009
 
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
 
Every time I visit my family in Florida, I learn something new about their eccentricities.  My sister-in-law Amanda has made it a point of unplugging virtually every piece of electronic equipment prior to exiting their home. Gadgets of all sorts give way to her scorched earth ritual, as she pulls power cords of televisions, computers, kitchen appliances, and even alarm clocks.  
 
When asked about her peculiar practice, she told me about “phantom power.”  She informed me that many electronic devices continue to draw power from their outlets even after they have been switched off.  Appliances that display the time, computers that move to “sleep” mode, and even phone chargers that don’t have phones plugged into them continue to sip electricity in amounts that really add up over time.  In fact, simply unplugging these items can save a household upwards of $150 per year.  And if everyone in the country did the same? A savings of $4 billion dollars, not to mention the conservation benefits to the environment.
 
While I’m not sure if I’ll be mimicking my sister-in-law’s routine, I admire her for it.  It is a vivid reminder of an important life principle:  If you want to make a drastic change in your life, then you have to do the little things right.  
 
Nowhere is that truer than in one’s Christian commitment.  What are the “phantom powers” that are impediments to your discipleship?  What are the subtle yet considerable obstacles that demand your constant consideration and regular removal?
 
John Wesley knew nothing of electrical power, of course.  But he certainly knew that success in one’s spiritual growth depended on minding the details. He wrote in his journal:  
 
“Blessed are the pure in heart” who, whether they eat or drink, or whatever they do, have no end therein but to please God! To them all things are pure. Every creature is good to them, and nothing to be rejected.  But let them who know and feel that they are not thus pure use every help, and remove every hindrance; always remembering, “He that despiseth little things shall fall by little and little.”  (March 30, 1738)
 
So what are the “little things” that need to be unplugged lest your faith fall, “little by little?”  Perhaps it is a nagging temptation that you have trouble overcoming.  Or it’s those moments in your day that could be better spent in prayer or study.  Maybe it’s those words in your vocabulary that need to be phased out.  The list is as endless as the number of gadgets in your house.  
 
Jim Harnish, the senior pastor at my previous appointment, is fond of quoting a poem called “Those Stubborn Ounces,” by Bonaro Overstreet:
 
            You say the little effort that I make
            will do no good; they will never prevail
            to tip the hovering scale
            where Justice hangs in balance.
 
            I don't think I ever thought they would.
            But I am prejudiced beyond debate
            In favor of my right to choose which side
            shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.

Join us this Sunday as we conclude our “reFresh” sermon series with a focus on those stubborn ounces.  We’ll look for ways to overcome those sneaky, yet significant, detriments to our faith and experience the full and abundant life God has for each of us.  
 
Let’s unplug together!  
 
Magrey  

Does This Mean We Have to Eat Lutefisk?

September 1, 2009
 
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
 
On separate occasions last week, a few church members asked me what I thought about the “merger between the Lutherans and the Methodists.”  Each time, my response was both corrective and instructive, as there is much to celebrate and clarify about the landmark development between these two denominations.  So, here is a quick primer:
 
Q.  What has taken place?
A.   It’s not a “merger.” The official term is “full communion.” The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have agreed to recognize a long list of shared attributes, including:
·     a common confession of the Christian faith, as attested in both the Lutheran Confessions and the Doctrinal Standards of the United Methodist Church.  
·     a mutual recognition of Baptism and a sharing of the Lord’s Supper, allowing for joint worship;
·     an interchangeability of ordained ministers between the two denominations, subject to the disciplinary regulations of the host church.  This means, for example, that in underserved communities, a Lutheran or United Methodist pastor could serve a church of the other denomination;
·     a shared commitment to evangelism, witness, service, public unity, and common decisions on issues of faith and life.

Put more simply, both denominations now agree that they have more in common than their differences, and are unified in accomplishing the same goals.  Any disparity in our beliefs and practices is not incompatible, but enriching, and contributes to a fuller understanding of the Christian faith.  The bottom line remains, however, that this is not a merger.  There will be no changes to the names, structure, or doctrine of either church, from the denominational level down to individual congregations.  

Q.  I still don’t get it.  How about an analogy?
A.  Here’s one that might be helpful.  Consider two pharmaceutical research companies.  For decades, they have established their own identities as leading, and competing, manufactures of prescription drugs.  Imagine that one day, they hold a joint press conference announcing that they have agreed to work together to eradicate Parkinson’s Disease.  They clarify that they are not talking about a merger of the two businesses.  They will remain separate companies, with their own branding and organizational structure.  But because they believe that the cause of defeating the disease transcends their nominal differences, they have decided fully to share their research with each other, allow open access of their scientists to each other’s laboratories, and present before the public a unified front in their common mission.  At one point during the announcement, one of the spokespersons says, “We will still be separate companies.  But in the things that really matter, we’re on the same team.”

Imagine the headline-grabbing attention this kind of announcement would create.  In a time when separate companies are expected to be cut-throat and competitive, this development would put cause before competition, and mission before distinction.

Q.  Was this a sudden decision?
A.  No.  The two denominations have been studying this through prayerful dialogue for 32 years. Joint commissions have examined our common understandings of baptism (1977-1979), the authority and function of bishops (1985-1987), and many other issues including communion (2001-2007). In 2005, a joint committee began drafting a document called “Confessing Our Faith Together” which constituted our statement of full communion.  The General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted it in April 2008, and the General Assembly of the ELCA adopted it a few weeks ago.  
 
Q.  How unique is this agreement?
A.  For United Methodists, this is a historic development.  This is the first such agreement ever between the UMC and a denomination outside the Methodist family.  The ELCA has made similar agreements with five other denominations, including the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Reformed churches.
 
Q.  How will this affect the relationship between St. Paul’s UMC and Bethlehem Lutheran, here in town?  
A.  This is cause for celebration, and my friend Rev. Jim Steen and I have spoken to express our mutual appreciation for this development.  In coming weeks we will have further conversations with lay leadership and consider ways to observe this new relationship between the two congregations.  As the denominations’ joint commission produces resources and guidelines for shared worship and other programming, we will explore opportunities for partnered ministry.  Frankly, this announcement formally affirms the ecumenical spirit our congregations have enjoyed over the years.  Our church members have many close friends at Bethlehem, and we have shared in numerous projects for the Cherokee community, including the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race and the Lenten series “Sermons a la Carte.”
 
Q.  Is it weird to think about Luther and Wesley on the same team?
A.  Not at all!  I like to remember that even though John Wesley and Martin Luther were born over two hundred years apart, they shared a moment of significant spiritual convergence in 1738.  Then, a young, disillusioned Wesley walked “very unwillingly” into a church service on Aldersgate Street in London.  Deeply discouraged by a miserable missions trip to America, his faith was plagued by doubt and disbelief. That night, as the preacher read aloud a commentary on the book of Romans, Wesley would later recount:  
 
About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

This significant conversion experience in John Wesley would not have happened were it not for Martin Luther, the author of that commentary.  As a result, a re-energized Wesley sparked a renewal movement throughout Great Britain and America, and ultimately birthed the tradition we claim as our own. This agreement of full communion acknowledges, among many other things, that our spiritual heritage is shared with, and even indebted to, our Lutheran forebears.   For Wesley and Luther, we join in grateful thanks.  

So, this is great reason for celebration.  Next time you see a friend from Bethlehem Lutheran, greet them as you would a member of a new family.  As for me?  I like to think that now I am one less degree of separation from Garrison Keillor.
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Magrey