The Cost of “Public Spirituality”By Pastor Manny
In the book Invitation to a Journey, Robert Mulholland writes, “Corporate spirituality is costly. It is much easier to let everybody ‘do their own thing.’ At least it seems much easier … [but] left to ourselves, we do not have the resources to maintain the disciplines that God uses as a means of grace to transform us to wholeness in the image of Christ.” In other words, raising the spiritual climate of a body of believers isn’t free or cheap. The very real truth is, it is hard work. Conflict, confusion, and complaints are natural steps of moving into God’s will, to being conformed into His likeness.
We all know, however, that there will always be problems, even if one chooses to keep the status quo. Conflicts and problems are not a result of any particular program or idea, but rather, they are a result of people interacting with one another. Not everyone will be on the same page, spiritually or otherwise. This is not an acceptable reason to retreat. It is not an excuse to not press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14). Even in the midst of conflict there will be more blessings than curses as long as God is the center and the focus. The reality is, a lack of willingness to do something different is choosing to die by default. Adapting is survival. Keeping the fundamental principles outlined in Scripture as the core and the foundation, but adapting the methods with which they are delivered to meet new generations, this is how the Church should function.
God created us in His image and He created the Church to spread the truth of His love, mercy, grace, and plan to redeem His creation from the state of eternal depravity that we found ourselves in shortly after our creation. Because we are flawed, and we are working with other flawed specimens, we will find that conflict is simply part of the journey. The enemy wants these conflicts to tear us apart. The enemy wants us to whisper quietly to one another about a third party, to put down others, to reject ideas that could potentially spread the message of hope like a wildfire for the sake of keeping a few people from feeling uncomfortable. Conflict does not have to be taboo. Conflict does not have to be a tool of the enemy. In his book Abba’s Child, Brennan Manning notes that sometimes; “breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs.” To make an omelet you have to break some eggs. And, to reach the spiritual peaks in the constant battle between good and evil, sometimes conflict is necessary.
Robert Mulholland’s quote from above ends like this, “Allowing God to use us in this way is costly, for it involves an investment of ourselves for others, a disclosure of ourselves to others. When we begin to understand what confessing our sins to one another means (Jas 5:16), we begin to realize the level of vulnerability and disclosure that is involved in genuine corporate spirituality.”
Vulnerability and disclosure are not new concepts. In fact Jesus tells us to use these very methods in Matthew 18, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” We are called to a public spirituality. Our lives are tied to one another just as they are tied to God. We are created for interaction, fellowship, and love. Parts of this journey will be flawed because we are flawed, but rather than avoid interaction, rather than run from vulnerability, we must choose to bear our burdens together, to let our focus be on God and God alone. When the Church moves closer to God, the very natural result is that we are also growing closer to one another.
Remember In Prayer ~Concert Under the Sky & Stars, Sept 8th ~September Mission emphasis - Quakerdale Wolfe Ranch ~Our Search Committee seeking a part time/bi-vocational Youth Pastor ~The Friends School in Belize, Sam & Becky Barber starting a new school year ~Our college students back on campus & starting a new semester ~Teachers, administrators, staff & students having begun a new school year ~Scott Biddle, Iowa Yearly Meeting’s new Young Adult/Youth Director
Many Thanks to…. -The Young Adult SS class for hosting the monthly potluck on August 11th. -To Breanne, Kris & Vi for organizing things for our float for the Tar Heels Parade & to all who built the float & participated in the parade -To Brent Rogers doing a super job on building the new garage at the parsonage. -Everyone who helped in any way with our very successful VBS in August. -Social Committee 2 & Christian Ed members for hosting the VBS Picnic. -All who have taught the children’s Sunday School class this summer.
LIBRARY LEDGE – School’s back in sessionSo the kids are back in school now! Many parents are sad to see their babies gone for the whole day. Others are thinking to themselves, “Finally!”. Whether you are dealing with frustration, discipline or guidance issues with your children, there lies encouragement on the Library Ledge at the back of the room behind the sanctuary. We have “Where Does a Mother Go to Resign?”, “Boundaries With Kids” & “Spiritual Grandparenting” among many others.
Watch for our book sale coming up in September.
If every member of your church were just like you, what kind of church would your church be? • If every member prayed like you pray, what kind of prayer life would your church know? • If every member served as you serve, what kind of ministry would your church have to hurting and broken people? • If every member worshiped as you worship, what would the dynamic of your church's worship look like and feel like? • If every member witnessed, invited, and encouraged others to come just like you witness, invite, and encourage others to come, what would the outreach of your church look like? • Lastly, if every church member gave as you give, would your church have buildings to worship and serve our God? -Contributed (Power Point with Pastor Jack Graham: jgraham@powerpoint.org)
IAYM Golf Retreat September 6-7 South Hardin Golf Course, Union, Iowa & Camp Quaker Heights, Eldora, Iowa. The Retreat begins at 4 pm on Friday with Golf Mini-Games and ends with breakfast, golf and lunch on Saturday. The cost is $60 for cabin lodging and $75 for Tall Oaks Lodging. Prices include all meals, lodging, 18 holes of golf & cart. Questions? Contact pastor.anthony@grinnellfriends.org
Run for the House The House of Compassion is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept 7th - a 5K & 10K beginning at 8:00 am around Marshalltown. The cost to enter is $25 before August 30th and $30 after. Completed registration forms are available at the church or online at www.facebook.com/RunForTheHouseMarshalltown. Questions can be emailed to andicwalker@gmail.com
Concert Under the Sky & StarsMark your calendar on September 8th for a time of music and fellowship in the great outdoors! We will be starting at 3:00 with a pre-concert featuring a number of praise bands from around the state. That concert will be ending around 5:00. This will allow time for supper, band networking and practice for those performing for the “traditional” evening concert. That 2nd concert will start at 6:00 and end with an ice cream social. Come and go as you please to enjoy the afternoon/evening. Bring your own beverages and food or purchase concessions for a free will donation. Bring lawn chairs and outdoor toys for the kids or let them enjoy the playground beside the stage. The show will go on even if it rains. Lots of options, lots of fun! Hope to see you there for a great time of outdoor worship!
*Fall Sunday School & DEEPER Kickoff Hot Dog Roast & Hayrack Ride Wednesday, September 11, 6:15 pm Invite family and friends to join the fun!
IAYM Family Camp Registration forms are available at the church for Iowa Yearly Meeting’s annual Family Camp at Quaker Heights. This year’s camp will be held September 13-15. You’re invited to….retreat from everyday life and retreat into God’s Word. Enjoy meals prepared for you. Laugh with friends and family. Pray quietly at Vespers. Walk along the tree-lined lake. Refresh your soul. Registration begins at 5:00-6:00 pm on Friday, September 13th followed by supper and chapel. Cost for the entire weekend is $50, please register by Sept. 4th. Questions contact Chip, Camp Director, at 319-939-6611. BLFC families may contact Scott Davis with registration information and for using family camp funds to attend Family Camp.
Mission Trip 2013Ten youth and three adult sponsors went on a “Week of Hope” service mission trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin on July 21-27, 2013. The group included: Ashlen Young, Olivia Macy, Aden Butler, Mollee Patten, Jennifer Davis, Jade Hammers, Macy Landt, Briana Teckenburg, Syler Garcia, Leah Higgins, Charlene Martin, Mike Martin and Scott Davis. They participated in a Jesus-centered event which focused on introducing students to the power of serving others. The students and adults were divided up among 15 different crews that were sent out into the community daily to assist with day camps in a YMCA and a women and children shelter, worked with handicapped adults, worked in a used clothing and surplus food distribution center, etc. The students were given responsibilities in each “crew” such as devotion leader, organizer, progress reporter, quartermaster, work director and break maker. Students quickly learned that it took many talented individuals to make a work crew perform efficiently. Each evening we returned for large group activities and worship which centered on the theme of “What Do You Stand For?” There were opportunities for students to participate in group activities such as song leader, dramatic skits, and meal preparation. The Bangor Liberty youth were recognized for their ability to work well together and for the creativity with meal preparation which included themed decorations and costumes. There were four other church groups attending this event so our group mixed with youth from Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. On the way home we had fun staying overnight in the Wisconsin Dells and spending two days in the Mt. Olympus Water theme park. The adult sponsors were pleased with the maturity demonstrated by our youth and look forward to future opportunities.
Mesquakie Friends Center Work Day Friday, September 27 Indoor and outdoor projects – Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Let Manny know very soon if you are able to help with the work on the 27th.
September Missions Emphasis: The Quakerdale Wolfe Ranch is located 3 miles east of Marshalltown on Highway 30. Youth, individuals and families that come to the Ranch for Equine Therapy partner with a licensed Equine Specialist and counselor to build a greater understanding of self and each other. It also serves as a retreat center. Many fun events year-round are available for families, individuals and groups. The Ranch is a cozy, rustic retreat and conference center with a full-service kitchen, game room and fireplace. Overnight accommodations are available for an affordable price. Our 3rd Sunday Mission offering in September will support the ministry of the Quakerdale Ranch. Your generosity will be appreciated.
Kingdom Rock VBS Report: We had a busy week as 63 kids came through our doors for at least 1 night and heard how much God loved them. Average attendance was 47. We gave out 10 Bibles or Bible storybooks to kids who needed one. Many school supplies were collected for the HOC give-away and the kids and staff donated funds for snacks for the American Indian Centers. Thanks to those who prayed, gave funds, food or loaned items and all who volunteered their time! Ask the kids about their favorite activity, song or Bible Adventure when they learned to “Stand Strong”. They will be excited to share with you! Update: The final tally kids gave for snacks to Native American centers was $102.58. With $196.00 collected at the program that brings a total of $296.58 for missions along with a 'bus' load of school supplies! Thanks to all! Of our 63 kids, 27 were from the community and 13 were related to church members - great job inviting! Let's keep it up as the fall Sunday School year begins!
Challenge to “Live Love” Sticky Notes: Write messages of encouragement on sticky notes and post in public spaces. Examples: On a restroom mirror, “Smile! You are God’s creation and you look amazing!” On a co-worker’s desk, “There is nothing that will happen today that you and God can’t do together.” In a child’s lunch bag, “I was praying and God told me He has great plans for you!” In a library book, “Is what you are living for worth Christ’s dying for?” At a doctor’s office, “When we cannot understand what is going on around us -- let us be calmed by the thought that what is hidden from us is not hidden from God.”
Meet to Pray for Others in Public Places: Pray for those in the hospital, or to ask God to show mercy to those with a court date today, or a job interview…really any form of interceding for another person’s needs. God wants to see the sick healed and sinners forgiven.
Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower. ~ S. H. Simmons |