THE AGILITY OF MOVING SLOWLY

Excerpts from Gil Rendle’s:

Questions about the Development of Clergy Leaders:

Is there only one path to get us there?

 

The temptation of an adaptive movement, in which it is clear that we must change, rather than improve, our denominational leadership development system, is to move toward action and results too quickly.  A favorite story comes from a friend whose son was studying to become a brain surgeon.  When performing his first solo surgery, the young surgeon’s mentor, who was standing by his side in the operating room, cautioned the young surgeon at the beginning saying, “Remember, from the time you open the skull you only have three minutes to complete the surgery before the patient begins to develop physical stress.  So, whatever you do, move slowly.” The Call to Action in our denomination comes at a time when the church feels that it is facing crises that call for immediate action.  However, the Call to Action also provides a pivotal moment in which the church is asked to face into its unsustainable reality, to be clear that vital congregations are a prerequisite to making disciples, and to risk challenging normative assumptions, structures, and programs that have supported our established forms of ministry in the past.  The opportunity presented by this moment is great and leaders need to move slowly, so as not to lose the gain that can come from this time.

 

Gil has reminded us that we must not and cannot do things as we have always done them (…it is clear that we must change…”) but he has reminded us that the change must not be simply reactionary.  This is one of the most difficult things which we, the church, must face in today’s world.  We are keenly aware that we can’t continue to do things the way we’ve always done them in the church.  All one has to do is look at the decline in the church to know that is a true statement.  But, we also must realize that there are things that we’ve done that, like some of the things the surgeon encounters, are vital for life and cannot be cut, destroyed or removed.

 

Having the urgency to know we must change and having the willingness to open ourselves up to change, while taking our time to insure that we don’t cut/change/remove the wrong thing, is the difficult task.

 

As we in the church should always remember, “God be with us” as we go about this task.  For if “God is with us,” and we’re willing to really listen, we’ll find the “quick agility to move slowly” and just maybe “the Kingdom will come upon the earth.”   

                                                                           Richard Edwards

 

PRAYER CONCERNS

Sympathy

·        Sympathy is extended to Cynthia Kinsey & family on the death of her father, J.D. Kinsey.  Cynthia is the wife of Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor of Quanah & Chillicothe UMCs.

·        Sympathy is extended to Bishop Earl Bledsoe on the accidental death of his granddaughter Hannah Moran.  Hannah was the great-granddaughter of Daphinie Bledsoe, surviving spouse of Wilbart Bledsoe.

      Health

·         Al Martin, director of the Texas Tech Wesley Foundation, is home recovering following an episode of irregular heartbeats, brought on by a virus.

·         Please lift up prayers for Francisca Galvan, mother-in-law of Leonard Gonzales, Lay Supply Pastor of Plainview San Juan UMC.  She recently had amputations and is recovering in Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

·         Ross Dunn, Pastor of Lubbock Forrest Heights UMC, will be undergoing rotator cuff surgery on February 6.   

 

Part-Time Youth Director Needed

A part-time Youth Director is needed for First UMC Hereford.  The right candidate will be committed to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith as expressed through the United Methodist Church; self motivated; highly relational with youth in 6^th-12^th grades; committed to mission and camping programs.  Approximately 13-15 hours a week will be required on Wednesdays and Sundays.  The opportunity for advancement exists as the program grows.  Submit a letter of interest and/or resume' to: Pastor Kevin Bushart

     501 N. Main Street

     Hereford, TX 79045

     806-364-0770

     revkev@wtrt.net

 

Spirit Wind Auditions Set

Spirit Wind, the Conference youth choir, will hold auditions for the 2012 season:

 

→February 4, 2012, St. Paul UMC, 4317 I-40 West, Amarillo 9:00 AM-11 AM

→February 4, 2012, St. John’s UMC, 1501 University, Lubbock 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

 

The tour dates are June 3-12, 2012.  The tour administrator is Jay Sedberry.  If you need additional information, contact him at:

spiritwindnwtx@yahoo.com or

jsedberry@esc17.net

 

 

ATTENTION→AREA YOUTH

ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW

Lubbock 2*18*2012

6PM United Spirit Arena

Featuring:  Mercy Me, Tenth Avenue North,

Le Crae, Hawk Nelson, Disciple & Sidewalk Prophets

Special Speaker: Bart Millard

$10 at the door, no tickets required

 

Mark Your Calendar

The next Relevant Practical Fruitful Seminars will be held the week of March 19-23, 2012 in four locations in the Conference. 

Monday March 19-Midland Area

Tuesday March 20-Abilene Area

Wednesday March 21 Amarillo Area

Thursday March 22 Lubbock Area

Registration will be $10 per person or $50 maximum for group registrations, and includes lunch.

 

The presenter will be Dr. Doug Anderson, Executive Director of the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development at Dakota Wesleyan University

 

AROUND THE DISTRICT:

Earth UMC is seeking a part-time pianist and/or organist.  The primary responsibilities include playing congregational hymns for the Sunday 11:00 AM service.  The salary range is $2600 to $3900 annually depending on experience.  Please contact the Church Office at 8063-257-2061or Pastor Charlie Johnson at 806-240-0319.

 

Lubbock Agapé UMC presents Second Friday Music Jam. Family friendly fun, music and snacks are offered in a coffee house atmosphere.  Come and share your talent with others and sing some favorites.  Please bring your own musical instrument.  The address is 1215 Slide Road and the time is 7:00 PM!

 

  Wake Up Ministries will be holding a Missions Conference on February 18 at First UMC, Hereford.  The conference will feature workshops on how to reach your community, country and the world.  There will be fellowship, games, free lunch & dinner, guest speakers and music provided by Stolen Season from Denton.  For complete information, please contact Hannah Bushart at:

Hannah.wakeup@gmail.com or call 432-559-4277

 

First UMC of Littlefield is proud to offer an intriguing evening February 29^th, with Anna Jackson, who will present 40 Developmental Assets to Helping Kids Succeed.  The presentation will guide participants to understand how to help young people.  The session is for teachers, youth leaders, parents and those who interact with our children.

 

There will be a meal, beginning at 5:00 PM and the speaker will be presenting from 6-8 PM.  Childcare will be provided with pre-registration.  Please call the church office at 806-385-4466 or register online at www.lfdmc.com 

 

Lubbock Aldersgate will be co-sponsoring GUNGOR live in concert with special guests THE BRILLIANCE Monday March 5, 7:00 PM at City Bank Auditorium.  Tickets are $15-$25 and can be purchased at

http://gungortickets.com/events/82621

 

 

Ceta Canyon Camp Schedule

The 2010 Camping Schedule has been set for Ceta Canyon.  There is a discount for early registration.  Fees are $225 is postmarked by April 2^nd, $240 if postmarked by May 15, and after that $255.  For a complete list of camps go to: www.cetacanyon.org