When you are sick, it seems like the days just drag on and on. The worse you feel, the slower time passes. In a way, America has been suffering from the election flu. The Election Flu season started about 100 years ago (or so it seems) and keeps getting worse and worse. But, hope is just around the corner.
Tuesday, November 4th is election day. That's right, it is time for us to get off of our "sick" beds and go to vote. The prediction I heard today was that 90% of the registered voters would vote. So expect long lines and be patient.
There have been two election related trends that have reared their ugly heads this year--both of which relate directly to the church. First, there was a national move to get pastor's to endores candidates from the pulpit. I don't believe that is appropriate. I believe that worship is a time we are to praise and glorify God. To talk partisan politics during worship shifts the focus from God to us--and that's just not right. Also, when a pastor speaks from the pulpit during a sermon, he or she is speaking on behalf of God. And personally, I don't think any pastor is knowledgible enough to say who God supports in any given election. The pastor is endorsing who he or she supports, but is then giving the supposed backing of God to that choice. Whether liberal or conservative, that isn't right.
Now, in response to that, some say that church and politics shouldn't mix. I disagree with that. I believe that the church has a role in educating the people about issues and encouraging them to vote. And when it comes to local, grass roots problems, we have an obligation to work with our neighbors to try and make our part of the city better--that means through politics. But it should always be issue oriented and never partisan.
The second trend I have noticed is forwarded e-mail that say to pray to God so that Candidate X will win (because we all know that all "good" Christians support Candidate X and God supports him/her too). The problem, of course, is that not all Christians support the same candidate and again, I can't pretend to know with certainty that God supports Candidate X. By praying for a specific candidate, I believe that we are potentially praying against the will of God! That's what happens if God just happens to support Candidate Y. And the idea that we are praying for something counter to the will of God bothers me.
Instead, I would encourage you to pray for wisdom, that you might fully know God's will. And then remember the words of the Lord's Prayer--"Thy Will Be Done". Pray that way. And then maybe you can pray that the Lord will use whomever we elect. That He will open their heart to his leading and that they (our elected leaders) might always focus on how we, as a nation, can be more Christ-like in how we govern our nation.
And the last thing to think about is the possibility that God doesn't support either candidate for office (or any of the 3rd party candidates, as well). God sees the big picture and is waiting for us to do the right thing--which is to seek his will and vote accordingly. And remember, no matter who wins on November 4th, God will still be God and we will be His children!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Rainy Days
www.ridgecrestumc.com
It is Friday and I am setting at my desk watching the rain drops run down my window. I normally take Friday off, but I was supposed to be working with the youth today--we were scheduled to finish painting the house of a neighborhood family. But when I went to my car at 7:30 this morning, the dark clouds were rolling in and I knew painting was out of the question. So, this morning I have worked in the office, getting the newsletter ready and reconnecting with my blog.
I haven't written much in the last few months. I have been too busy. I am involved with lots of groups outside the church (CUP, IAF, SOS, etc.) and I am working with the youth (something I think may have to change). Not only that, we have had three deaths in the last 6 weeks (4 if you include a member that lived in another state). I jokingly said last Sunday that "No one is allowed to die". I had a member suggest that I add the caveat that you can only die once you have gotten 2 new members to take your place! I think I like that idea!
But as I sit and watch the dark clouds roll by, I am reminded that life doesn't function on my schedule. Just because I wanted to get the painting done today, doesn't mean it has to happen. Just because I want to have a break from funerals, doesn't mean it is going to happen. I have to learn to be flexible. Sometimes life runs on our time table--and sometimes it doesn't. Maybe I am like everyone else...I need to let go and let God have control. Maybe I needed a rainy day to get caught up in the office and then to rest my weary body and soul.
When life doesn't work out the way we want, we are called to do one thing--
TO RESPOND "BLESSED BE YOUR NAME!"
Clink on this link to hear it for yourself: Blessed Be Your Name
I haven't written much in the last few months. I have been too busy. I am involved with lots of groups outside the church (CUP, IAF, SOS, etc.) and I am working with the youth (something I think may have to change). Not only that, we have had three deaths in the last 6 weeks (4 if you include a member that lived in another state). I jokingly said last Sunday that "No one is allowed to die". I had a member suggest that I add the caveat that you can only die once you have gotten 2 new members to take your place! I think I like that idea!
But as I sit and watch the dark clouds roll by, I am reminded that life doesn't function on my schedule. Just because I wanted to get the painting done today, doesn't mean it has to happen. Just because I want to have a break from funerals, doesn't mean it is going to happen. I have to learn to be flexible. Sometimes life runs on our time table--and sometimes it doesn't. Maybe I am like everyone else...I need to let go and let God have control. Maybe I needed a rainy day to get caught up in the office and then to rest my weary body and soul.
When life doesn't work out the way we want, we are called to do one thing--
TO RESPOND "BLESSED BE YOUR NAME!"
Clink on this link to hear it for yourself: Blessed Be Your Name
Working Together
Working Together
Who is that bald man who is the new Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish? Well, according to the story in the CONTACT, that would be me!
I have been involved in the parish almost since the first week I arrived at Ridgecrest. Myrtle Clingenpeel took me to an evening meeting at a Methodist church in south OKC and I was hooked. Having just arrived in the urban setting, it was important for me to have a relationship with other pastors and laypersons who had experience. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel—I wanted to learn from the experience of others. Also, I needed their support and encouragement.
Now, 10 years later, I am the one with experience and encouragement. Outside of a few pastor (both Senior Pastors and Associates) in large churches, I have more urban experience than almost any other pastor in OKC or Tulsa (in the UMC). When CUP was floundering and looking for leadership, I believed that God was calling me to share my experience with others. That is why I stepped up to take over as Executive Director of CUP.
I am committed not just to the organization, but to the ideal that it represents. I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ works better when we work together than when we work separately. That principal has lead to our involvement with Streets of Shalom (the interdenominational group of churches that minister in our neighborhood) and with the new community organizing project lead by IAF. The strength of togetherness is what motivates me to work to establish a relationship with St. Andrew’s UMC in south OKC (a relationship that hasn’t been fully established just yet, but that is still on the burner). It is also why I am currently working with other UM churches in our area to develop joint ministries. While one of us alone might not be able to have a strong program (take youth, for example), four churches working together can afford and support a strong program.
The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized the value of togetherness when he wrote in the 4th chapter:
9Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
May the Lord, working through us and other churches, create cords that cannot be broken!
FYI
www.ridgecrestumc.com
The following is an article that was published in the CONTACT--the newsletter of the Oklahoma Conference of the UMC
The following is an article that was published in the CONTACT--the newsletter of the Oklahoma Conference of the UMC
OKC Church Co-Op Gets Volunteer Leader
Written: 6/13/2008
By AMELIA BALLEW
The Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish (CUP) has named Jim Hill to serve as its volunteer executive director.
He is the fifth leader of CUP. Twenty-six churches and five agencies comprise the ecumenical organization.
Rev. Hill’s role was announced at a CUP Executive Committee meeting on April 23. Dale Tremper had been leading the Parish on a volunteer, interim basis since June 2007. Rev. Tremper is the full-time executive director of Skyline Urban Ministry.
One of Hill’s duties will be to conduct a fall fund-raising campaign, focused in October, as the Parish seeks to re-establish its financial base. The executive committee hopes to raise enough funds for a paid part-time directorship.
Planned activities include: a Parish worship service in September, a Parish mission event in October, and the funding drive.
The Parish members also continue efforts to develop an urban internship program, in cooperation with leaders of the Wimberly School of Religion, Oklahoma City University, and Saint Paul School of Theology.
Hill will work for CUP from his current office at OKC-Ridgecrest UMC.
"It is an honor to be named the executive," Hill said about his role with CUP. "I am merely the latest in a line of directors who have sought to do God’s will in this urban area of Oklahoma City. I pray that I might live up to the tradition and spirit of those leaders."
He explained, "The cooperative ministries are intended to renew congregations, build community in the Parish area, and change and improve the lives of people in the area."
He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Before being called into ministry, he taught history and coached debate at Mustang High School for seven years.
Hill was called to the ordained ministry in 1991 and attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo.
While in Denver, he served as associate pastor at Emmanuel UMC, an urban church. He earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1994. In 2007, he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Brite Divinity School, at Texas Christian University.
In Oklahoma, he was appointed to Warner UMC and the Wesley Foundation at Connor State College.
Hill began serving at Ridgecrest in 1998, and he became active in the Parish organization within a few months of his appointment. He has been a longtime member of the Executive Committee, served on the Finance Committee, and participated in numerous outreach efforts by the Parish.
From 2002 to 2004, Hill was part-time executive director of CUP Mobile Meals, which coordinated the food-delivery ministries throughout Oklahoma City and the county.
Jim and Lu Ann Hill married in 1984 and have three children. She is a teacher at Edgemere Elementary in Oklahoma City.
For information, contact Hill at 405-943-9536 or ridgecrestumc@sbcglobal.net.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Life is Precious
www.ridgecrestumc.com
I went from the Mission Trip to sickness is less than 60 seconds. Well, OK, it wasn't quite that fast, but it was awfully quick. It seemed like as soon as I returned home, I started hacking and coughing, my nose running and my throat hurting. Then I started wheezing when I coughed. For me, that means asthmatic bronchitis and it isn't fun. My biggest problem was that I didn't sleep well and I got run down. I thought my life was over! Almost!
During this time of illness, I did two funerals. Both were women in the congregation who were more advanced in years. One was 96 and the other was almost 90. Both were active and vibrant right up to the end. Both were diagnosed with advanced cancer and declined to have treatment. Both died after a very short "illness". While I know it might seem a strange thing to say, but I think both of them were blessed. Both lived their life to the fullest on their own terms. They both lived long, full lives right up to the end. Both had the potential to suffer a great deal of pain during a protracted illness. But both died rather quickly and peacefully. I would say that is a blessing.
And for those of us left behind, it is a reminder. The life we live is precious. Even when we are sick with the flu or some other illness, we need to remember that every day we have is a gift from God. When our heads hurt from congestion and our chests hurt from coughing, we should remember that our bodies are wonderful temples that have been designed and built by God. And when we are grumpy and don't feel like being social--even with our families--we need to remember that the relationships we have and the love that we share is a gift from God. We love because He first loved us! Don't take it for granted. Don't take any of it for granted! Life is too precious! Live every day to the fullest--until you are 90 or 96 and it is time to return to the Father. Until then, carpe diem--sieze the day!
During this time of illness, I did two funerals. Both were women in the congregation who were more advanced in years. One was 96 and the other was almost 90. Both were active and vibrant right up to the end. Both were diagnosed with advanced cancer and declined to have treatment. Both died after a very short "illness". While I know it might seem a strange thing to say, but I think both of them were blessed. Both lived their life to the fullest on their own terms. They both lived long, full lives right up to the end. Both had the potential to suffer a great deal of pain during a protracted illness. But both died rather quickly and peacefully. I would say that is a blessing.
And for those of us left behind, it is a reminder. The life we live is precious. Even when we are sick with the flu or some other illness, we need to remember that every day we have is a gift from God. When our heads hurt from congestion and our chests hurt from coughing, we should remember that our bodies are wonderful temples that have been designed and built by God. And when we are grumpy and don't feel like being social--even with our families--we need to remember that the relationships we have and the love that we share is a gift from God. We love because He first loved us! Don't take it for granted. Don't take any of it for granted! Life is too precious! Live every day to the fullest--until you are 90 or 96 and it is time to return to the Father. Until then, carpe diem--sieze the day!
Monday, January 28, 2008
More Notes from Swamp Land
www.ridgecrestumc.com
It has been a looooooonnnnnggggg day. The home had a three panel sliding glass door in the front (a garage that had been enclosed). One of the panels had broken. We pulled the door out, framed up the wall, put in a new standard size door and put new plywood on the outside. We didn't get the exterior siding up, but it was a good days work for us.
The owner of the home--her name is Lena--came and helped us a little bit today. She certainly knows how to swing a hammer. She is a very cheerful, positive person that appreciates all that we do. She won't be with us tomorrow. She works all day and then has "stuff" at her church all evening. Man, does that sound familiar. Even in the midst of disaster response, church life continues.
A funny story. Lynn and I rode back with Harry today. I was sitting in the front passenger seat. My butt kept feeling warm and actually began to sweat. I started thinking that I had a fever and it was showing up in my posterier. I finally asked Harry if they had heated seats. They did!!! And Carol loves to use it and leaves it on. Boy, was I glad to hear that.
I am so tired, I will be in bed early and I am quite certain I will sleep like a log. Pray for us, that tomorrow might be as good a day as today.
Jim of the Warm Butt
It has been a looooooonnnnnggggg day. The home had a three panel sliding glass door in the front (a garage that had been enclosed). One of the panels had broken. We pulled the door out, framed up the wall, put in a new standard size door and put new plywood on the outside. We didn't get the exterior siding up, but it was a good days work for us.
The owner of the home--her name is Lena--came and helped us a little bit today. She certainly knows how to swing a hammer. She is a very cheerful, positive person that appreciates all that we do. She won't be with us tomorrow. She works all day and then has "stuff" at her church all evening. Man, does that sound familiar. Even in the midst of disaster response, church life continues.
A funny story. Lynn and I rode back with Harry today. I was sitting in the front passenger seat. My butt kept feeling warm and actually began to sweat. I started thinking that I had a fever and it was showing up in my posterier. I finally asked Harry if they had heated seats. They did!!! And Carol loves to use it and leaves it on. Boy, was I glad to hear that.
I am so tired, I will be in bed early and I am quite certain I will sleep like a log. Pray for us, that tomorrow might be as good a day as today.
Jim of the Warm Butt
Notes from Swamp Country
We have arrived at Lake Charles. We actually are staying at Moss Bluff, which is just across the river (more like a swamp), from LC. We live in an old Middle School. The dorms are OK, but the showers/bathrooms are pretty primitive. Oh, well, we all have our cross to bare.
We went to church yesterday (a lesson in Ridgecrest appreciation), ate some good seafood and did some shopping (for food). Then we got to visit our work site. We are working on a house in Fenton, about 20 miles from where we stay. The home belongs to a single mother whose son is in college. She had serious roof damage during the hurricane. FEMA came in and tarped the roof, but the tarping material was super thin. It melted in the heat and then the rain messed up all of the inside. We are taking out a sliding glass door and framing up a new standard door. Also gutting and redoing a bath. Then lots of painting and a little drywalling. The foreman said he thought we would be there 2 or 3 days and then move to another site. I think that we will be lucky if we get this project finished. I hope that we can git'r done. The owner has been living in a FEMA trailer (about 8'x20') for almost 3 years. If God blesses us with success, she will be able to move back in by the end of the week.
More later.
Jim (it is bad when you haven't written in so long that you can't remember how to log in to your own blog page!!!!!)
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