Are You Really Part of Your Church?

Dear Friends, A couple of weeks ago, I was at a share group when one of the other women made, what she thought, was an innocent remark. She recalled a couple of former pastors (in a good way) and remarked how pastors just come and go in the life of the church. The important people were the laity, who where there through it all--good times and bad.

I can't tell you how this made me feel. Because she wasn't taking aim at either me or my spouse. She was just making an observation. Who could argue with that? But her comments underscored the fact that she also thought pastor's families just "come and go" as well. We are merely transients or place holders for the next clergy family. True, I might be reading more into this that she meant, even so, it hurt my feelings. It make me feel like an outsider.

How odd because so many church people think clergy families are the consummate insiders. If they only knew. While I am active in the church and have been a member longer than the couple of hundred folks who have joined since, some people will always think of clergy families as "different." When the church is a sick, unhealthy place, that is OK with me. But when the church prides itself on being a loving family, being on the outside feels like rejection.

I haven't decided if I'm going to say anything to her or not yet. Actually, I probably won't. But how do you feel? Do you feel like a part of your church? Do you want to? How do you see yourself related to your church?

Grace, Kathy

Face 2 Face, New Experience on the Walk to Emmaus

Friends, Just want you to know about an exciting new program from the same folks who bring us the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis. There is a new experience called Face 2 Face. It was created to provide an opportunity for seniors (defined as 6o+) to walk the Emmaus road without the stresses of the 3-day, 72 hour format. Face 2 Face is open to members of any Christian denomination who want to strengthen their spiritual lived, discover answers to their questions about faith, and are open to understanding the responsibility of live a Christian lifestyle.

Participants commit to 4 Fridays from 9-4 and will enjoy in-depth table group discussion, input in the form of talks (Priorities, Prevenient Grace, Priesthood of all Believers, Justifying Grace, Life of Piety, Means of Grace, Christian Action, Obstacles of Grace, Discipleship, Changing our World, Sanctifying Grace, Body of Christ, Coping in Tough Times, Perseverance, New Day), lots of fellowship, and great food.

Cost is $50 per person. The next Face 2 Face will be held at Hilldale United Methodist Church. For more information contact Rev. Skip Armistead by phone at 931-647-2249 (church office).

Peace, Kathy

People Dying for the Faith in Iran

Let's tell it like it is. The country of Iran is backward in thinking and barbaric in practice. And Christians who live there are at risk for their lives. Then add to the fact that these women are also leaders and one is also a pastor in her community, and you have an explosive situation.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/world/meast/eu-iran-executions/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2

Please pray for Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. And as Jesus tells us to pray for those who persecute Christians, please also pray for these misguided souls in Iran and other places in the world who are willing to destroy, maim, and kill in the name of their god.

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

"Be Still" is a ministry in the Indiana Conference for clergy spouses who need a listening ear or a word of encouragement. I am putting together an information booklet to use with the program. I wonder if there are other conferences which have a booklet or information pamphlet given to clergy spouses when his/her spouse begins ministry?

If you are interested in sharing with me and my committee I would be grateful. My email is jreed46038@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for helping.

God, we your children are mindful that we must care for each other in the way that you would. Guide the ministry that is beginning to reach out to those spouses who need your touch. Amen.

Jacquie Reed,
Fishers, Indiana

God Answers Prayers

Here is a great (and true) story. Yes, it involves my 5 year-old granddaughter, but this will bless you too.

My daughter, son-in-law, and their kids, Katie (5) and Zachary (2) arrived at the Philadelphia airport in plenty of time to catch their flight to see us. Except that it was Christmas day and there were no parking places--anywhere. Even the illegal places were full. No one was leaving and there were many more cars behind them also looking frantically.

Time ticked by. After an hour of searching, they began to feel a bit paniced. Just then Katie, piped up from her car seat in the back, "Why don't we pray for a parking spot?" So she did. She prayed a prayer of exceeding generosity. "Please," she prayed, "let us and all the other cars find a place--all together."

A foolish prayer you think?

In desperation, Eric decided that they would have to park inside and pay four times the economy price. As they headed that way, low and behold they came across another whole and very empty parking lot with lots of spaces so the cars behind them could park all together.

Coincidence? An answered prayer? Just a wonderful story?

You decide, but they made their flight and we had a great week celebrating the generous love of God. And now, I'm ready to being a new year with renewed confidence in God's steadfast loving kindness.

Grace, Kathy