If you're not connected, you're dead!

Recently, the network was down at the church. Computers couldn't connect to the printer, they couldn't connect to the internet, they couldn't connect to eachother. If you have never experienced this sort of thing, I will tell you it is not only frustrating, but debilitating. The irony of all this was early that day I had heard an editorial piece on NPR about how dependent on technology our culture had become. Little did I know how real the commentators words would become to me that day.

If for a moment you think that this is no big deal, consider this. Can't print, can't email, can't access the church financial or personal contact records. There were moments where we actually were standing, looking at one another wondering, "What do we do?"

I began to reflect on the importance of being connected. Being connected is everything, isn't it? When we are not connected we are dead! It is not only of central importance to who we are in our culture, but we are as people, as Christians.

We are hyper connected! Through our cell phones we can call around the world. No wires, a piece of plastic this size of a deck of cards allows us to call Africa (did that yesterday)! Disconnected yet connected!

On the same NPR station, I heard this AM that in our financial crisis people are having to make choices about their money. Of course, we all are. They are choosing to stay connected. They are choosing HDTV and cell phones over other discretionary items. People want and need to be connected. Communications satellites are being launched to increase and improve our connectivity. The cost for this is in the Billions of dollars. Why to pay so much for connectivity? Because being connected is everything.

How is it the same for us as Christians? Being connected in community, is everything. Created to love and be loved, created differently and distinctive to be radically interdependent upon one another, that is what Paul would say as he calls us a body. Every part needs every other part. Connectivity, it's not an option. If you are not connected, GET ON IT! Without, you're dead.

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