Some thoughts on small groups. . . .

Small groups are nothing new.  In fact they are very Biblical and very Methodist.  However, for many, if not for most in United Methodist circles the notion of a small group in which we do life, mission and ministry together is new if not totally foreign.  Sure we have heard about small groups more and more in the last 10 years, but really what is it all about?  I confess it has been since graduation from seminary that I have become more and more aware of the small group movement in the church.  With every passing day I see how important they are.  

 

As you pray about becoming a part of a small group here at THUMC consider the following:

1.)  The church was first and foremost a gathering of small groups.  Acts 2:42-47  It was in Acts where the people gathered in homes, met in the temple courts, they ate together, worshipped, were committed to the Apostle's teachings and to prayer.  It is when we gather together, study together, eat together and pray that true life change happens. 

2.)  Small groups are more than book learning.  We have been good at Sunday School and Bible Studies where we come and consume data.  Small groups are where we learn more importantly the great commandments of Jesus.  It is where we truly begin to love God and neighbor more deeply.

3.)  Small groups are mission outposts.  Small groups are places where people with a common heartbeat, work together to be salt and light in a hurting world.  Think about the possibilities here.  If every group in the church were to work together for mission.  WE would increase our work exponentially.  Missions is not a committee it is something we all do.  

These are just some ramblings. . . if you want to talk more about small groups you can reach me at    doug@thumc.com    

You are God's masterpiece!!!

Recently my 10 year old came to me and asked me about her name. Her name is Kallie, short for Kalenda.

She was learning about names and wondered about her own name, what it meant and what were the implications. She came to concerned because somewhere on the internet she looked up her name and found that it meant "Art." Actually I found that it means beautiful or lovely. I have to confess I didn't know what it meant when we named her, but she has grown into her name quite well.

Her concern came as she processed what her name implied for her. She had been learning about naming and that in Jewish culture your name is reflective of your character. The last thing she wanted to be was a piece of art, a statue, or a motionless thing hanging on a wall. I held back my laughter! It makes me chuckle still, but really she was pretty upset.

I paused and told her, but you are Art. That was the last thing she wanted to hear. But you are I insisted. "Do you know what art is?" I asked her. It is an expression of the creators heart! We have art in our home from people in our church and as I look at it I see the hearts of those fine people. As I look at my daughter, I see a piece of the heart of our creator.

I have to wonder, are not each of us, God's masterpiece? A work of art! Beautiful, lovely, an expression of the creator's heart?

Control what's in you . . .

Yesterday as I was doing some of my daily reading I was caused to stop and reflect more than usual.  Here is what I read from John Maxwell's, Daily Reader.  

 ". . . one of the greatest coaches who ever lived said, Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. . . .

As you move forward on the success journey, you need to remember what happens in you is more important than what happens to you.  You can control your attitudes as you travel on the journey, but you have no control over the actions of others.  You can control what you put on your calendar, but you cannot control today's circumstances.   Unfortunately the majority of the fear and stress that people experience in life is from things that they can do nothing about.  Don't let that happen to you"  

John Maxwell

I suppose this so clearly spoke to me because I am guilty.  I am guilty of letting the world get the best of me.  I too often allow events, circumstances, other people's actions, the list goes on. . . cause me to be angry, stressed or unhappy.  

I believe we have a choice how we respond.  We have a choice to respond in a way that is of God, or a way that is not.  We can choose to be victims or we can be over-comers.  We can be build up with words or tear down those around us with words.  What will it be?   If Christ is alive in you, let his light shine, no matter what might come your way today.  Be a blessing and let the one who is alive in you be what the world sees today.    

Peace-