In case you didn't know, October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I knew that, but I wasn't "expecting" anything from my congregation because a) I didn't know if they usually observed it, b) I've only been there for four months, so we're still in the "getting to know you" stage, and c) I didn't enter this vocation expecting to receive any earthly rewards-only heavenly ones!
Anyway, on Sunday morning my PPR (Pastor-Parish Relations) chair stood up at the end of announcements and asked to come to the front. I was curious, but I naturally agreed. She then presented me with this GIGANTIC gift basket and card (which contained a gift certificate) on behalf of the congregation. I was very touched and wonderfully surprised.
The timing of this was perfect, because I've been slightly stressed over the past fews weeks due to the two words that strike panic in every Methodist pastor's heart: CHARGE CONFERENCE. It's this Sunday, and there is A LOT to do in preparation. Add to the fact that this is my first Charge Conference as a pastor and you can see why I've been hyperventilating a lot.
So whenever I get discouraged this week, I can go to the gift basket that sits in the living room (and is filled with all of my favorite delicacies-like Toblerone and Lindt truffles) and be reminded of how blessed I am to serve such a great congregation--especially since they've guessed the kind of foods I eat when I'm stressed!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Happy Birthday, James!
Today is my handsome, sweet, and brilliant husband's birthday. He was born 31 years ago today! I'm going to make his birthday cake this morning before heading to church. (Today is technically my day off, but I didn't have time to copy the bulletin yesterday, so I have to spend some time doing that today)
Happy Birthday to the best husband ever!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
300 Million Americans!
The Census Bureau announced that as of this morning (October 17), the U.S. population passed the 300 million mark. Of course, that's an estimate, but it's probably fairly accurate.
Woohoo! Go and do something to celebrate.
Woohoo! Go and do something to celebrate.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Picture from Annual Conference
James and I hadn't downloaded any of the pics from our digital camera since we moved to Danville. The reason? We couldn't find the little black cord that connects the camera to the computer. James found it last week. So here's a much-overdue picture from Annual Conference in June. It was taken right before the "Service for the Ordering of Ministry", where I was licensed as a local pastor. You'll recognize James, me, and my parents. The guy on the far left is Dave Wade, who is a retired UM pastor and family friend.
Church Size: Does it really matter?
I am the pastor of a "small church" (defined as having a worship attendance of 75 or less) and grew up in a small church. While in seminary, I wound up joining two larger churches; one with a worship attendance of 500, one with a worship attendance of 250. This wasn't intentional; it just happened. However, I knew that my first several appointments (if not all my appointments) would be to small churches. With that in mind, I took a course called "Evangelism in the Small Church." By the end of that course, God had given me a heart for small churches and a desire to be a small church pastor.
I believe that many lay people, pastors, denominational executives, and church growth theorists support the concept of "bigger is better" when it comes to churches. They assume that small church = dying church and large church = growing, vibrant church. I don't believe that's true. The size of a church does not matter how effective it is.
What's most important in assessing whether or not a church is effective is its health. Is the congregation growing spiritually? Is it actively serving the community? Is the membership representative of the community? Are most, if not all, of the members involved beyond Sunday morning worship? Are people coming to faith in Christ because of the witness of the congregation (individually and collectively)? Basically, is the church fulfilling the Great Commission?
I believe that my small church (average worship attendance: 40-45) in Danville, Virginia meets the above criteria. So does our former church (average worship attendance: 250) in Lexington, Kentucky. One is small, one is medium-to-large. Both are making a difference in the kingdom of God. Naturally, there is always room for improvement. We can always be more effective in our ministry. Complacency should never be an option. However, I think that small churches deserve more credit than they receive. They're doing the work of the kingdom, too!
I believe that many lay people, pastors, denominational executives, and church growth theorists support the concept of "bigger is better" when it comes to churches. They assume that small church = dying church and large church = growing, vibrant church. I don't believe that's true. The size of a church does not matter how effective it is.
What's most important in assessing whether or not a church is effective is its health. Is the congregation growing spiritually? Is it actively serving the community? Is the membership representative of the community? Are most, if not all, of the members involved beyond Sunday morning worship? Are people coming to faith in Christ because of the witness of the congregation (individually and collectively)? Basically, is the church fulfilling the Great Commission?
I believe that my small church (average worship attendance: 40-45) in Danville, Virginia meets the above criteria. So does our former church (average worship attendance: 250) in Lexington, Kentucky. One is small, one is medium-to-large. Both are making a difference in the kingdom of God. Naturally, there is always room for improvement. We can always be more effective in our ministry. Complacency should never be an option. However, I think that small churches deserve more credit than they receive. They're doing the work of the kingdom, too!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Apple Butter
James and I love apple butter. It's very yummy on biscuits or cinnamon raisin bagels. I've had a hard time finding apple butter here in Danville, though. The stores only have two varieties and it only comes in GIGANTIC jars. So I discovered a solution...
I can make my own apple butter!
I got some apples (fresh from the tree!) from a couple in my church, along with a recipe for homemade apple butter. I peeled, cored, and chopped about 12 apples. Then I put them in the crock pot, along with some sugar and a good measure of cinnamon and cloves. I also put in a smidgen of allspice and nutmeg, just for variety. I mixed it all up, put the crock pot on "low", and walked away. About twelve hours later I had a lovely concoction that is definitely apple butter. It's not the best apple butter I've ever tasted, but it's edible and fairly yummy. Maybe later this week I'll try to make a larger batch with the rest of the apples.
In other domestic news, I'm determined to have a garden next spring. We have an acre of land, so I might as well use some of it for a garden! I've started a compost pile in a far corner of the backyard. I'll keep adding to it, and hopefully we'll have some good fertilizer in six months or so!
I can make my own apple butter!
I got some apples (fresh from the tree!) from a couple in my church, along with a recipe for homemade apple butter. I peeled, cored, and chopped about 12 apples. Then I put them in the crock pot, along with some sugar and a good measure of cinnamon and cloves. I also put in a smidgen of allspice and nutmeg, just for variety. I mixed it all up, put the crock pot on "low", and walked away. About twelve hours later I had a lovely concoction that is definitely apple butter. It's not the best apple butter I've ever tasted, but it's edible and fairly yummy. Maybe later this week I'll try to make a larger batch with the rest of the apples.
In other domestic news, I'm determined to have a garden next spring. We have an acre of land, so I might as well use some of it for a garden! I've started a compost pile in a far corner of the backyard. I'll keep adding to it, and hopefully we'll have some good fertilizer in six months or so!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Attention ATS Alumni!
If you're an alumnus, faculty or staff member, or otherwise connected to Asbury Theological Seminary, check out the following site:
Asbury Theological Seminary Petition
This is a petition in support of Jeff Greenway, our current President who is currently on involuntary leave by action of the Board of Trustees. Jeff has been on leave since September 1, and there has been very little communication from the Board of Trustees in regards to the situation. If you have access to First Class, go to "Alumni Coffeehouse" under the "LifeShare Community" icon. You will find more information there. If you do not have access to First Class, then e-mail me at patti.money@gmail.com and I will provide you with the information that I have received.
For everyone: please keep the ATS community, especially Jeff, his family, and the Board of Trustees, in your prayers. There is a special meeting of the Board on October 17 in Atlanta. Above all, we want this situation to be fully resolved in a way that pleases and gives honor to God. It's also important that whatever healing and reconciliation needs to occur, does occur.
Thank you!
Asbury Theological Seminary Petition
This is a petition in support of Jeff Greenway, our current President who is currently on involuntary leave by action of the Board of Trustees. Jeff has been on leave since September 1, and there has been very little communication from the Board of Trustees in regards to the situation. If you have access to First Class, go to "Alumni Coffeehouse" under the "LifeShare Community" icon. You will find more information there. If you do not have access to First Class, then e-mail me at patti.money@gmail.com and I will provide you with the information that I have received.
For everyone: please keep the ATS community, especially Jeff, his family, and the Board of Trustees, in your prayers. There is a special meeting of the Board on October 17 in Atlanta. Above all, we want this situation to be fully resolved in a way that pleases and gives honor to God. It's also important that whatever healing and reconciliation needs to occur, does occur.
Thank you!
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