Please comment: have I gone over the top?

[RevCheesehead]

This is my article for the church newsletter. I feel strongly about these issues, but tried to temper my words, realizing that it's not always in the best interest to tick off the right-leaners.


Here's the article:

Is it the End of the World?

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone about the end of the world. I remember saying “Jesus said that even he did not know the time or the hour. On the other hand, he also said that we would know by the signs around us that the time is at hand.” It was a conversation that has stayed with me, contemplating the question.

There is a lot of anxiety in our world today. On the news, we learn that over 2,000 American soldiers have died in the war, but rarely hear about the 15,000 plus who were wounded, or the 25,000 plus Iraqi civilians who were killed. Support for the war is waning, and there are serious questions about how we got in there in the first place.

We are bracing ourselves for another winter, and are worried about soaring fuel prices. Thousands of displaced persons are still looking for shelter and employment. Jobs continue to be outsourced, and gasoline prices have caused the cost of nearly everything else to go up. We don’t know if we have enough money to pay our bills, and non-profit organizations are hurting for money.

Our New Year began with the devastation of the Tsunami. Tornadoes struck across the nation, tearing destructive paths in cities like Stoughton and Verona. Mudslides and floodwaters destroyed homes not just in the United States, but across the world. This year’s hurricane season has gone through a full cycle of names and started again with “Alpha.” Pakistan suffered a devastating earthquake, and El Salvador had a volcanic eruption. All this, and there is still two more months in the year to go. No wonder we are scared. If one were to look at the signs around us, it would be easy to presume that the signs are indeed there.

In the latter parables of Matthew, Jesus talks about the end-times. Over and over again, his message is clear: when the time is near, get busy! This is no time to wring our hands worrying about the future. Ultimately, we will be held accountable for how we live our lives. Do we love our neighbors and enemies? Will we feed the poor and welcome the stranger in our midst? When we fail to care for others, we are ignoring Jesus.

Our churches are looking for ways to address the needs of the world around us. This is the essence of the Great Commission. We do this, because Jesus has promised that we will never be abandoned in our time of need. Even if things seem bleak, we keep doing what we are called to do, because we know that God is with us, and God will provide.

What Jesus gives us is a community, where we work together. Called away from our isolation, we gather in worship and prayer, and find ways to serve the world around us. We find comfort for our problems, and we don’t feel quite as alone as we did before. Our community is one of love, where all are welcomed as members of one family.

Is it the end of the world as we know it? I don’t know. But really – does it matter?

[silverlib]

1. This is not over the top...

I love the contrast of the first line to the last.

This is really good.

Does your congregation support you on this? There are some Methodist ministers in Texas who fear they will end up in the rural "B" areas of Texas next time appointments come up. The Bishop in the Southwest Conference has a "no controversy" policy, mostly unspoken, but greatly recognized.

I hope you have a supportive bishop and a supportive congregation. Your article expresses the true essence ofJohn Wesley - Congratulations!

[RevCheesehead]

2. Most of them are Dems.

In the smaller church, ALL of them are dems - except for one woman. She ran for County Clerk, and had to switch parties to oust the incumbent.

Thanks for the supportive words.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

3. I really like it, It seems to beckon a conversation about

what is going on today and the end times theories. There are so many Christian myths, that we learn from movies, books etc., that your congregants are probably discussing this behind closed doors.

[RevCheesehead]

4. Time to open the doors and windows, right?

That's exactly what I'm hoping for. To get people to speak out, to express their fears and apprehensions, to dare to ask the question "where is God?"

I also think there's great power in numbers. By working together, we continue the work of Jesus in the world. We learn that we are not alone, and we support one another in troubled times.

Maybe I should look for a good Advent Study. Know of any?

[I_Make_Mistakes]

5. I pm'ed you about another site that maybe of great help to you.

To much Christian bashing to post it here, I don't blame the bashers, the RW has sure changed the perception of Christianity in so many non followers minds!

Added: That's what I got from your article, let's talk about these things. I would feel compelled to approach you on these issues!

Our church uses creative ways to get together to discuss things.

One ex. is during lent we have soup suppers on Sunday night. Just soup and bread with different and varied topics for discussions.

We also have a Christian discussion group were we talk about the issues today and how it relates to Christian teachings.

Yes, we also have Bible study too!

Another, really cool thing is during the Holy Week we, have a Passover Seder (once a Rabbi presided) and the whole enactment of the life of JC from Thurs. to Sunday (very busy week, but very important to me), plus an Ascension day celebration.

[RevCheesehead]

6. Nobody's allowed to bash in this group.

Any posts complaining about treatment on DU will be deleted. And those who cannot maintain a civil discussion will not be permitted to post in this group. It's supposed to be our "safe haven" on DU. We just need to make sure we follow the rules. :)

Got your PM, and replied. Thanks.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

7. Just updated my post, check it out

[KitchenWitch]

8. I know I am not a Christian, and I would not bash another's journey

I just wanted to add my input here.

I think your article is excellent, and I do not believe it would offend any right leaners in your church. I believe that most of us are seeking answers to the troubles of this world, even if we look in different places for the answers.

:hi:

[RevCheesehead]

10. Thanks, KW!

It's always nice to get fresh imput. Please know you are always welcome here! :hi:

[KitchenWitch]

17. Thank you for the welcome!

I saw you here, and knew it was a friendly place!

:hi:

[RevCheesehead]

18. Awww - ain't you sweet!

:hug: Blessed be, my friend.

[shrike]

9. I like it

And you're right -- Jesus was a man of action.

I am a Catholic myself and post in the CO group, but recently discovered this one. I like you guys -- pretty cool bunch

[RevCheesehead]

11. Thanks, shrike

And welcome to the Liberal Christians group! :hi:

[I_Make_Mistakes]

12. Rev okay that site I pm'ed you about, went to the Methodist board,

just a quick browse, but they do you proud. It might help to fill your cup!

[RevCheesehead]

13. Actually, this is the site I'm using weekly.

A compendium of sources for sermon preps!
http://www.textweek.com/

Some of the stuff is fascinating, if you're into lectionary study. It can really help illumine the texts, and add a whole new dynamic to worship.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

14. Get to work, Sun. is not far away. Do you UMC have any Sat.

after sundown services, I utilized that service more than once?

Edit : I just quickly browsed, thanks for your link and Sojo is a good fit, but nothing is perfect, except the Lord's love, right?

[RevCheesehead]

15. Hey, my bulletin's already done and on the desk at church.

What do you think I do during the day, post on DU? O8)

[I_Make_Mistakes]

16. Reply My Bill O'liely Shut up! Shut Up! Jk, I know you know that

you know I am am joking, should still check out that site, there are a lot of people maybe joining the UMC (2 last night in a 10 issue per page board , but if you don't go there) there are regular church members filling your shoes!

You should feel guilty, my vise, but my advise if you do go there, just be a normal person, I can't believe you actually disclosed your vocation. Take off your collar, and be one of the flock once in a while.

[AspenRose]

19. I like it.

I'm late in sharing, but I like it.