The Neighbors

What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbors?

Then think about what kind of relationship you have with the neighbors of your church or work.

I got to thinking about it a little more today. We had outside worship, at a strange hour, with lots of animals, dogs, cats, a bunny and a horned toad. You see today was World Communion Sunday, and for the life of St. Andrew UMC, we also celebrated the Feast of St. Francis with a Campout last night at the church, followed by a Blessing of the Animals during worship today.

We don't really know the names of our neighbors. We prayed for them all last year about this time as we walked the neighborhood. But we didn't meet them at the door to say hi. (There were a few chance encounters of folks out to check things). We have since hosted a wedding reception for our most immediate next door neighbor, but don't have much we have done to engage all of our over-the-fence neighbors, or even those within two blocks of the church.

Part of the communication plan for this coming year probably ought to involve something to engage those neighbors, so we can communicate with them, about special events, and how to manage those things (including perhaps the HS and College Football games held at the HS across the Street), as well as concerns and issues as some have noted in the past - like sprinkler (or lack thereof) issues, and trees that may be fall hazards.

Have you engaged your neighbors at work or church? Do you have a plan of action for this? What has worked, and been most effective in talking with these the most immediate of you neighbors?

Peace,

Changes?

The Past is the New Future

Introductory Notes by Doug Pagitt

DougPagitt.com

Change, it's our norm

It's only a slight exaggeration to say that everything in our lives, everything we depend on for our basic survival, was created in the last 200 years.Think about your typical day. You wake up in a bed made of materials-internal springs, polymers, anti-microbial fabrics, that didn't exist 200 years ago. You are awakened by an alarm clock that was invented in 1876 (or maybe to an iPod that was invented in 2001). You take a shower (indoor plumbing arrived in the mid-19th century), eat eggs shipped by trucks from a different part of the country, purchased at a grocery store with a credit card, and cooked over an electric stove. You drive a car to work and maybe make a few calls on your cell phone on the way.

You might live in a state that was open frontier in 1860 or in a town that was nothing but grassland in 1922. You might send your kids to a school where they read digitally printed books and use computers and watch DVDs. You might go to church on Sunday morning at 11:00 where you speak into a micro-phone and sing along with words projected on a screen.

For most of human history, changes in broad social structures came occasionally and were limited in geographic scope. But in the last two centuries, cultural change has become far-reaching, constant, and increasingly rapid.

Doug Pagitt

DougPagitt.com

To the Church at St. Andrew UMC, Santa Maria, CA

I noticed the other day just how often we come full circle in the church.

I was amazed to find several living will documents in the church files, along with an Advance Directive for Health Care. I wondered how these people 30 years ago knew that getting information out about Living Will, Trusts, Lifetime Giving, and Advanced Directives for Health Care are all on the agenda for several of our committees, including worship, finance, trustees, and church council. We have talked about how we haven’t done much with the Giving Tree (which is a Trustees item), about how helpful it was to have a file on a member with the particular wishes for how a funeral was to be carried out (Worship team), and with the many hospital visits to congregation members, and my own surgery this past year, I was reminded that everyone ought to have an Advance Directive for Health Care. We revisit many of the same themes in cycles in the church.

Another conversation led to the discussion about how we might grow the church, and what that means. This too has seen the history of the church take turns in each of several different modes - wandering people, temporary meeting places, permanent meeting places, transitional people (neither tied to a home, nor without one) and back through the cycle. I was asked how we might get people “out of the church” and “into the world”, which sounds an awful lot like the transitional phase, recognizing very clearly that St. Andrew UMC has been very permanent for nearly 45 years, as we come upon our 50 year celebration, and that for almost 100 years the motto has been “if you build it, they will come”, after simply setting up a tent where the people were prior to that. The movement of the church takes us around again.

I was talking with a friend the other day about all the stuff the pastor wears. You know the items, robe, collar, stole. We got to talking some about how those things have come and gone, depending on the times, and the denominations. These days robes are meant to signify something or someone different. They are a throwback to the role of the priest in the Old Testament. Only it wasn’t so much the robes then, but the colors, and the different armor the priests put on, from that of a common warrior. The breastplate had semi-precious stones embedded, and the 12 tribes of Israel inscribed on onyx shoulder pads, and a giant helmet. This was a very strong departure from Moses and his predecessor priests who led by example, rather than ornamentation. Since that time the church has seen the ebb and flow of each of these types of ornamentation, that which meets the people as they are, and that which shows the display to draw attention. The cycle is ever-changing, and the rationale always fluctuating between the need to be seen as “human, like them” and “a special one from God”.

And so it is with life cycles. Some lives run longer than others, like that of the church (institutions seem to have lifespans of about 200-250 years), versus that of a human being (current average age in the US is about 76), or the fruit fly (in optimal conditions about 30 days). As we consider where in the stages of the lifecycle we find ourselves, we have the opportunity to remember why we decided to act as we did in gathering for this activity or that one, and for the mission of the church at the outset. In doing so we have a great opportunity to re-envision how we can help the next generation meet those same questions of “why” in their lives, knowing full well, that the what will change, as well as the rationale that will get them to the why.

You see, for all the cycles and rhythms of life, the why of the church never changes, to worship God, and show God’s love into the world today. In a world with growing diversity, and increasing differences between people, economically, educationally, spiritually, ethnically, and beyond, the lines are also becoming more blurred, and open to question. Ours then, as the church, and its people, continues to be a deep need to share the Amazing God we know with the world, in such a way that God is made clear.

Peace,

Witnessing

Have you ever been convicted?

You know that deep turning of your soul that reminds you of a particular action you did or should have done.

I had that experience just now. The doorbell rang, and it wasn't the very wonderful and gracious lady who has provided meals for my sick wife, child and myself for the past few days with another kind offering of great food. My daughter ran to the door and pulled back the curtain, and it was young men dressed in shirt and tie, holding pamphlets and Scripture books.

I opened the door wary and yet with enthusiastic greeting. I was immediately set-upon to shill the church these young men attend. I asked if they would then be coming to my church, as I am a pastor, too. This of course caught them offguard, shoved a few pamphlets and treated to silence and quick looks at one another as they formed the next step in their strategy.

Out came those most carefully applied words of traditional evangelism in the last 40 years, "If you were to die tonight, would be assured that you were going to Heaven."

It was at that moment that I lost my sense of decorum, laughed quite boisterously and said, "Really, that's your opening? You really need to work on that."

I did conclude with, "Yes, I am a pastor. Yes, I am assured I am going to Heaven. Thank you." Then I shut the door.

My wife, being the ever-faithful ecumenist, offered her apologetics and tried to remind me of what these young men were really trying to do. And I applaud her greatly for this, knowing full well, that if it had been her, I would have been attempting to redeem them at that moment as well.

She then offered this great line, "How scared of God do you have to be to go door to door trying to get others to be so scared of God that they would come to your church?"

And then it hit me. The moment of conviction fell upon my poor little head, and I think I know what I need to do in the next few weeks.

I had prayed for our neighborhood over the past year, and I have mentioned that I need to go visit with our neighbors. I haven't done it yet, and the time has come. God has whomped me over the head with this kind of reminder, that I have something else to offer, with an outstanding church.

I expect to spend time in the next few weeks going to our immediate back fence neighbors and saying hi, introducing myself, and asking what we can be doing to be better neighbors. I might get laughed at. I expect to get yelled at, because we have not done what some of our neighbors have "demanded" that we do. There are old wounds from the church, both ours and others.

At the end of it all, I want to remind folks that I am not there to convert them. The truth is God does that job. Mine is to help them find fellowship, and a place of sanctuary with our common space, the fence and community we share. This means we are present in those moments to help birth transforming love.

As for what I might do about the church that came visiting, my mind is still spinning.

Book Signing 1 week later

Book signing redux
Thanks to all of our authors who showed up for the local author book signing November 18th, in our fellowship hall.
-Whitney Hankinson
-Katie Cushman
-Daniel Wilcox
-Evelyn and David Dabritz
-BJ Scott
-Jennifer Best
-Rudy Federman
-John McReynolds

These authors were greeted by some nice finger foods, and wonderful people to listen to their brief personal story and introduction of their book(s). All of the authors were willing to sign their books, and tell a little more in one-on-one conversations at the author tables.
We have interest in doing another one, and are in conversations with some big name authors to help headline our next event.
We have copies of the books from the authors who were present in our church library, and contact information if you would like a copy for yourself.

Thanks for supporting your local authors and the joy of reading.

Letter to the authors who attended, listed above.

Dear _______,

Thank you for celebrating the written works of several of our local authors in the Santa Maria Valley and surrounding areas. St. Andrew United Methodist Church was pleased to have gathered such a wonderful array of authors, and story materials.

In the days that followed, I heard from many who attended who wondered how we could manage to do this again, and be sure to get more people involved. As you heard I hope that we can do this again, and I had a few ideas about how to get more folks to come out and hear from our authors in the area.

I hope that you will be able to join us at that time. I was excited to see that several of the authors with us had new works coming out within the next few months, and I hope we can profile some of the new works on hand, as well as some more authors.

In order to help us grow this event, I hope you will share with your friends, the next time we gather. Additionally, in an effort to attract more authors, I would welcome any new names of people in the area. I have heard of two authors from as far away as Santa Barbara, including Thom Steinbeck, and Sue Grafton.

May you enjoy your writing, and thank you so much for coming to share with all of us. I had a great time, and I know those who attended did as well.

Sincerely,
David Camphouse

Benchmarks

After spending some time reviewing my draft of a stewardship letter to the church, I discovered helpful thoughts in my musing.

Here are the learnings and benchmarks of St. Andrew for 2009-2010.

We want to tell a story of success, so we are looking at the theme developed this year: “One More”. My hope is that we will carry the momentum of “One More” into 2012 and beyond, with our commitment to giving for 2011.

What we have done to demonstrate “One More” in the ministry of the church this year is:
-One More Girl Scout Troop and One More Boy Scout Program have been offered sponsorship by the church

-One More Eagle Scout has come through the ranks, and contributed to the aesthetic life along the side of the church property with a Horseshoe Pit, and enhanced Cross Space.

-One More area of the church is being used on a regular basis as the Orcutt Youth Football League Cheerleaders and the Orcutt Youth Soccer League are each using the front lawn as practice area.

-One More Youth Group has developed and graduated leaders into the world, and the church as Zach Thomas, Micaela Stewart and Peter Limich all celebrated with us this year.

-One More cost saving program was put into place as we changed the lights throughout the buildings with energy saving bulbs (and Oh! What a difference in the Sanctuary!)

-One More year shared together in ministry has begun as Pastor David Camphouse was reappointed for 2010-2011 and has requested to stay for another year.

-One More successful and life changing year of Camp and Sierra Service Project have been completed and celebrated with Camp Sunday, led by our amazing and dynamic youth.

-One More class of 4 year-olds has graduated from Happy Hollow Preschool (24 students in all) as we have continued to enhance our reputation of outstanding preschool care in Orcutt.

-One More community outreach program has led to an amazing set of authors from Santa Maria Valley sharing their talents in an Author Book Signing in November.

-One More class of new members have joined the church, as we reaffirmed our vows to uphold the church with our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness.

-One More saint has celebrated the life triumphant as we remember several members, friends and former members who have passed away this year.

-One More person is helped with groceries per month through the food bags you all provide the first Sunday of the month.

-One More person (actually more than 6 people) shared the testimony of faith inspired by the relationship with Jesus Christ fostered by St. Andrew UMC and the people of this place.

-One More play area for our preschoolers has been expanded and enhanced with grass, and play space.

-One More person decided to pledge this year than last year (we had 5 more pledges this year than last)

-One More Choir Director has taken leadership as the choir transitioned from Meredith Worsham Brough to Bill Woods

-One More plant was planted (by no fewer than 12 people each) beautifying our church property.

-One More sign has been added to tell of our service times along Bradley Rd.

-One More leaf has been added to the Giving Tree, honoring the gifts of those who have given to the long-term financial health of the church.

-One More small group was added with the beginning of the Covenant Disciple Program.

-One More study was conducted as we have added a prayer study between services.

-One More fellowship time has been strengthened as we created the “Breakfast with the Bells” on the second Sunday of the month between services.

-One More person added to the devotional life of St. Andrew UMC as more than a dozen of you have created Advent Devotionals for 2010.

-One More infant baptism celebrated in the congregational life of St. Andrew UMC

-One More aid ministry created with the Disability Closet

We have succeeded in providing One More opportunity for so many. We enter 2011 seeking to offer One More person comfort in a trying world; One More transformation of life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ; One More ministry of fellowship to strengthen and encourage the saints; One More person committed to reading the Bible and praying faithfully; One More profession of faith and baptism; One More person helping in service as an usher, sound tech, greeter or acolyte.

Prayer Request

One of the initial barricades I met upon entering ministry at Santa Maria St. Andrew UMC was a deep sense of fear and anxiety. I took time to pray it out, and to ask for prayer cover from members of the congregation, and from some of the prayer institutions of Santa Maria.

I asked and received anointing for the ministry I had ahead at St. Andrew. I sought out counsel and ideas for how to effectively pray against those forces of evil and dread in the world I encountered, both in the church, and in the community at large.

I had begun to feel a sense of ease and relief. I had continued in prayers of protection for my child, my home and my wife, as well as for myself. However, I had let it go with the church. I had not continued to ask for prayers of shelter and protection.

I discovered this week how insidious the infiltration has been into the consciousness of the body of Christ at Santa Maria St. Andrew UMC. There is a Spirit of Fear at work. I need your help in asking God to bind that Spirit and to place a hedge of protection around this community of faith.

I ask that you would pray protection around each of the members of the church, and the staff of the church. I ask that you would pray God's healing and love to come in behind the exiting fear, that the church might have a chance to heal and grow in love. That indeed, we may come to be made perfect in love in this life. Thanks for praying with me.

The scripture guiding me at this time is

1 John 4:18 (New International Version)

¹⁸There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Emerging Trends In Christian Education

I was asked the other day what I thought some of the emerging trends in Christian Education are.

I thought about it some, and I realized that what we are getting up to in 2010 at St. Andrew UMC is one of the emerging trends. I shared a brief bit about why I think it is an emerging trend. And I add to this the way in which we will be addressing Christian Education in the context of training new leaders at St. Andrew UMC.

During 2010 we will be focusing on Job Descriptions, fed primarily by the Guidelines, and Job Descriptions and Leadership Training in the United Methodist Church 2009-2012: A Leader Development Guide by Betsey Heavner. Additionally, we will look to the basic Job Descriptions for United Methodist Christians. From the United Methodist Discipline, our Mission statement: "Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Scripture also instructs us in Matthew 28:

The Great Commission

¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^{a]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

And now to my original response:

I think there are a couple of emerging trends coming from some of the same problem. We have a shortage of leaders in the church. As such, there is an increasing trend to train pastors for the years to come. Some of the places where this is coming out is Church of the Resurrection, and in the increased sense of urgency in many local congregations to train up pastors. The second is training leaders. We are beginning to watch the passing of many of the local church leaders who have been stalwarts and managed our churches for many years. As we see them die, or become incapable of continuing we are found lacking for people to come into leadership to fill those voids. We are having to train people to do those jobs, and then we are already beginning to look down the road and ask those leaders to then train the next generation behind them, beginning now.
Some places are obviously ahead of the curve, but most of our local churches are just now entering the curve.
To that end, we are realizing that Christian Education is more than just Sunday School and Bible Studies. It is teaching people to lead with the Spiritual Gifts God has granted them to lead the people of God in this time.