A FAITH FILLED CHRISTMAS SEASON

Well as you can imagine, this has been a busy time in my life and in the life of Rockport UMC. We may ask the question ..."When will things slow down? When will life get back to normal?"


I find it interesting that when my life is filled with so many distractions, it becomes more difficult to focus on my faith. Do you find the same to be true in your life? We are all clear that faith is crucial to our well being. We are also aware that without faith it is impossible to please God or to hang on when life is tough. Doubt can creep in so easily, and the only answer is to remember that Jesus is worth it all.


A few years ago Kathryn and I visited a small cathedral outside Bethlehem that marks the birthplace of Jesus. Behind a high alter in the church is a cave, a little cavern lit by silver lamps.

You can enter the main edifice and admire the ancient church. You can also enter the quiet cave where a star embedded in the floor recognizes the birth of the King. There is only one stipulation ... you have to stoop to enter the Holy place. The door is so low you can't go in standing up.

What a great reminder for us this time of the year. When we are stooped over because of the hectic pace we keep this time of the year, we can be reminded that the God of the universe sent God's only Son to remind us of the Love we can experience if we would only have faith.May God bless you during this faith filled Christmas season.



Peace,



Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

Expectations

This time of the year often brings high expectations, and expectations have the potential to make us blind to what God is doing in our midst. I know from experience that high or wrong expectations can rob us of many wonderful experiences and insights.
I became aware of this many years ago as I was leading a congregation in evaluating their worship style. I found myself along with others entering the sanctuary on Sunday mornings with certain expectations, and when they were not met, I left with a feeling of disappointment. Over a period of time, I began to hear the disappointment grow into criticism. It was important to teach those I was leading to ask a critical question that is directly tied to our spiritual maturity and growth:

"Does the fact that our expectations were not met mean that God didn't show up?"

The answer is certainly "Of course not!" It simply meant that we couldn't see the wonderful ways God was at work because we were so focused on our expectation and my frustrations because they were not being met.

It was decided by the group I was leading that they would consciously enter the sanctuary every Sunday with expectancy instead of expectations. What was learned was by this group of individuals was that not everything happens during worship is according to my preferences, by when we come with a spirit of expectancy it opens us to experience God's presence in incredible ways.

So during this Advent season, let us enter into God's sanctuary at Rockport standing on our spiritual tiptoes with expectancy - eagerly waiting - creating space for God's blessing, blessings that are just looking for a place to unexpectedly land in our presence. Expectancy creates that kind of space!

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

Proportionate Giving

We are now entering into our season of stewardship at Rockport United Methodist Church.

Stewardship almost always brings anxiety to people. I ran across a short article that I am sure many of you have read before. The article stated that there are three kinds of giving and givers:

1. Grudge Giving - which says, "I guess I have to give to God."
2. Duty Giving - which says, "I guess I ought to give to God."
3. Thanksgiving - which says, "I want to give to God."

Do you know what is so important about your giving to support God's work at Rockport UMC? When our giving comes from a thankful heart, it opens the gate that moves us into the love of God.

As we consider our giving level for 2010, I pray that we would practice Proportionate Giving. Some might ask, "What is proportionate giving?" It is the type of giving that makes provision for Christ's work first, regardless of other claims that may be made upon our personal budget during the year.

On the other hand, when we wait until the need at church presents itself and then we decide if we are going to reach into our pockets to see if we support the program or whether we can spare the extra money from our resources, we put the work of Christ at Rockport second on our list.

Remember what Matthew 6:33 says to us: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and God's righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."

As we enter this season of stewardship reflection, let us put God first in our lives and first in our giving.

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO … ?

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO … ?

Have you ever thought the Bible must be only for adults because you couldn’t understand what it is saying when you read it? I would invite you to take a closer look … you would discover that God’s mentions kids a lot in the Bible!

· The word child is found 121 times in the Bible.
· Children is found 448 times.
· Childhood is found 4 times.
· Son is found more than 2700 times (not including that Jesus is called the Son of God).
· Baby and words referring to very small children occur 24 times.
· Father is used more than 1,200 times (not including references to God as father).
· Mother is used almost 400 times.
· Brother or sister is used more than 2300 times.
· The Bible uses family –related words more than 8,000 times.

It seems that the Bible must be for both adults AND kids!

Have you not noticed that the Bible also tells of many leaders who were called by God as kids? Samuel, for instance, first heard the voice of God as a child. King David said, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me.” Joshua was only seven years old when he became king of Judah. And he was one of only eight good kings in that nation’s history. Josiah was only eight years old when he became king and he is also among the eight good kings of Judah. Jesus praised His heavenly Father for revealing truths to little children (Matthew 11:25). One of Paul’s best helpers what Timothy, who knew the Scriptures from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). Jesus was greatly upset at the disciples for not letting children come to Him (Mark 10:10-14).

A famous evangelist named Gypsy Smith once said, “Save a man and you save a unit; save a boy and you save a multiplication table.” Many great men of God also came to Christ as children. Count Zinzendorg, who started a 100 years prayer meeting and founded a great missions movement came to Christ when he was four years old. Jonathan Edwards, a great preacher , came to faith to faith in Christ when he was seven years old. Charles Spurgeon, a famous British preacher, trusted Christ when he was 12 years old.

How old do you have to be to hear the voice of God or serve God? You can hear the voice of God through the Bible at an early age, come to faith in Jesus Christ as an early age, and attempt great things for God at an early age.

The Scriptures are full of examples that show us this. History tells us the same thing.

So don’t wait to serve God until you are a teenager or an adult. Come to Christ NOW, Love God NOW, serve God NOW! … you are in for the best adventure of your life!

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

Stephen Ministers: The After People

There is an exciting ministry that is happening at Rockport United Methodist Church. There are a group of dedicated individuals who are committed to being Christ to those in need. They are: “THE AFTER PEOPLE.”

Why do I call them the “After People?” It is because Stephen Ministers are there:

… After your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk.
… After the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
… After the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away – and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
… After you arrive home from the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held a bay come crashing in on you.
… After the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”
… After the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
… After the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
… After you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.

Stephen Ministers are “THE AFTER PEOPLE.” They are ready to come alongside you – your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives –and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as they are needed.

If you or someone you know could use the support and care of a Stephen Minister please call Rockport’s Visitation Minister, Diana Shook at 440-930-5983.

Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

Issue 3 - Anti-Gambling

CHURCH AND SOCIETY - has been active in helping members of the church become aware of the harmful effect to our communities if issue 3 passes.

The following is an article from the East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church providing some thinking and praying points to ponder about gambling in the state of Ohio.

Anti-Gambling

Together We Can Keep Predatory Gambling out of the State of Ohio! Vote No on Issue 3!

Your efforts count. We can keep slot machines and casinos out of Ohio. Here’s what you can do:

1. Pray for our efforts;
2. Volunteer to help distribute yard signs during the month of October. We need help in every part of our conference to make sure 5000 yard signs are displayed in church yards and in prominent places (email paulw@eocumc.com to volunteer).

Facts About Gambling:

1. Gambling preys on people who are poor, luring them with the promise of a life free from financial worries and burdens;
2. If gambling is within 50 miles, the chances of people in your community becoming addicted increase by 50% (75% if your community is poor);
3. 60% of casino revenues come from gamblers making less than $25,000 per year;
4. Bankruptcy rates are 100% higher in counties with casinos than in counties without casinos;
5. 4.2 million Americans are addicted gamblers;
6. Divorce is closely associated with gambling – in one survey, 53.5% of pathological gamblers were divorced, versus 18.2% for non-gamblers;
7. Significant child neglect has been reported, with 10-17% of children of compulsive gamblers being abused;
8. An estimated 40% of white collar crime has its roots in gambling;
9. In counties with neighboring casinos, 8.6% of property crime and 12.6% of violent crimes are caused by casinos – in counties with casinos, the rates are much higher;
10. Suicides in cities with casinos are 4 times higher than in comparable cities without gambling.

The truth of the matter is that gambling hurts families!

Protect Ohio Families – Vote NO on Issue 3.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are not to create stumbling blocks for our neighbors. Thank you for your commitment to keep predatory gambling out of Ohio

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

A Prayer for Pumpkin People

A PRAYER FOR PUMPKIN PEOPLE

The month of October has rolled around and I am beginning to see pumpkins all over the place. In fact, pumpkins will be delivered to Rockport later this month. I was thinking about how we could make October a special month for those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ?



I suggest that while we are busy helping our children work with the pumpkins they will be carving into jack-o-lanterns we teach and pray this prayer:

• While cutting off the top of the pumpkin, pray, "Lord open my mind so I can learn new things about you." (proverbs 1:7)
  

• While removing the seeds and pulp, pray, "Remove the things in my life that don't please you. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others." (Matthew 6:14-15)

• While making eyes, pray, "Open my eyes to see the beauty you've made in the world around me." (Psalm 104:24)

• While making the nose, pray, "I'm sorry for the times I've turned up my nose at your many gifts." (James 1:17)

• While making the mouth, pray, "Let everything I say please you." (Psalm 19:14)

• While lighting the candle, pray, "Lord, help me to show your light to others through the things I do." (Matthew 5:16)
  

After carving your pumpkins with the ones you love, display them as examples of how God's love transforms us into new creations for the transformation of the world. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers

GOD IS HERE AND IT SHOWS

What is happening here at Rockport United Methodist Church?

There isn’t a week go by, I mean it has been happening every week … for weeks and months.

First it was a smile; then it was a few people calling the office; then it was a few people stopping by the office; then it was a few committees meeting to begin the work of the church in a new way; then it was ... You see at first it was a distant smile, then a known face and name; now it's a conversation about life, and love, and the trials of living a spiritual life from deep within.

It is happening every week.

Something in the church at Rockport has caught our eye, or warmed our heart, or stirred our mind. And we want to be involved. We bring our money; we bring our friends; we bring our broken selves to this place we call “sanctuary.”
We bring ourselves and we give. We give in order to be involved, even when the involvement isn't directly our own. We want to be a part of this place where the spirit of the Living Lord is active and alive. We give because we have seen the radiant smile on the face of a child racing to meet her mother after Sunday School saying "I love it here; I wish I could come every day!" We give because we have been nurtured in our spiritual life more than we ever thought possible. We give because of a sermon that set our life on a new course. We give because the church is willing to take the broken life of a dear friend and helped make that life whole again. We give because blind people in Africa are given sight, hungry people in Haiti are fed, and neighbors around the corner rely on the mission committee and we are a part of making a difference.
We give to be involved. We give in order to unleash energies for good in the world. You see … something is happening here at Rockport.




God is happening here!!!



Think on these things during this fall season. Our giving is important because it makes a statement about who we are. This year in particular, I encourage us to step up our Stewardship giving because God is happening here, and we want to be a part of the action!

I invite you to make a statement about who you are, about what is important, and about how being involved in the awesome activities of God is such a joy. A great teacher once said, "The world uses people to make money, while the church uses money to make people." Let's give generously to make people abundantly alive in Jesus Christ!

Because of God’s grace,

Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers