Pastor’s Note – 11/23/09

There are at least two ways to say “What are you waiting for?” depending on how you emphasize the syllables.  The most common way to say it is to emphasize the syllable “wait” – the resulting expression is intended to impel someone to act, to stop standing around and do something.

            But if you emphasize the “are,” the expression has an entirely different meaning.  “What are you waiting for?”  Expressed this way, the expression is one of expectation.  It infers the waiting, and prompts us to think about for what, exactly, we wait. 

            This question is going to frame my Advent season.  What exactly are we expecting to happen?  If Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas, for what are we preparing, exactly?  What hopes do we have this season?

            Am I hoping that nobody sets the Advent wreath on fire this year?  Am I hoping that all of the strands of lights in the sanctuary actually light up?  Am I hoping that the remodeling project gets done on time and under budget?  Am I hoping that all of our Advent activities come off smoothly?

            Or am I hoping that a righteous Branch will spring up for David that will execute justice and righteousness in the land?  (Jeremiah 33:15)  Or am I hoping for a refiner’s fire to purify our offerings in righteousness?  (Malachi 3:3)  Or am I hoping for the boots of the tramping warriors and the garments rolled in blood to be burned by the coming Prince of Peace?  (Isaiah 9:5)

            What are we waiting for?  What does the birth of Christ truly mean?  The season of Advent is the gift God has given us to reflect on these questions. 

            The days are surely coming …

                        Don’t rush the miracle …

Pastor’s Note – 11/16/09

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Corinthians 9:7)

 And so, with the above verse to guide us, this is the week to make up our minds!  I urge you to be in prayer and conversation this week about your financial discipleship, as Erin and I have.  What proportion of your income will you give in the upcoming year?  Will you raise the proportion this year, or maintain it at the current level, or maybe you need to lower it this time around?

The phenomenal generosity of Campbell UMC has made it possible for a multitude of ministries to happen.  Just take a look at the Budget of Ministries included in this week’s newsletter!  Isn’t that incredible?  Think of the thousands of people impacted by the generous discipleship of this congregation … amazing!

At Campbell, we don’t budget by dollar amounts; we budget by people whose lives are being impacted by ministry.  We don’t create a dollar budget and then compel people to give to support it; we offer up our gifts to God and say, “Everything we have is yours, Lord!”  I don’t ask people to give because “the church needs the money;” I ask people to give because disciples of Jesus Christ need to give.

This week in worship, we will all be given a Promise Card on which we will all be asked to write the amount of giving we promise for 2010.  We will also be given an envelope in which to seal that card, keeping your promise in sacred trust between you and God.  We will then bring our Promise Cards forward with singing, placing them at the altar as an act of worship.

Yes, it is “that time of year again,” but making a promise of financial discipleship does not have to be drudgery, unless you choose to make it so.  With the proper frame of mind, giving can truly be a joy!

See you in church,

Andy B.

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Hey all of you wonderful volunteers! Don’t forget that this Saturday at 7:00 pm we’re celebrating you with an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza! The show will start at 7:00 with some Ritz-cracker inspired treats following. Don’t miss it!

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, this show is for you. We can’t wait to see you Saturday night!