Jim Nelson
Something very unusual happened on Sunday, January 21, 2008. Something I have never personally witnessed before. God took a snow day. Unbelievable! God took a Sunday off, and was not available for worship in many churches across North Georgia. I have never experienced showing up at church on Sunday morning only to encounter a “CLOSED” sign on the door.
Sure some will say it was a safety issue. The roads may have been treacherous, and we would not want our people on them. But that should be the individual’s decision. Many of us did not have the opportunity to exercise our freewill and decide for ourselves. Besides, as it turned out God made sure most roads were passable. Plus, what about those who did not get the word and showed up only to find the church closed, they then had to drive back home for nothing.When I was serving two churches in Northern Nevada, one Saturday night it snowed over a foot and was still snowing Sunday morning. After the first service at the church in the town where I lived, I drove the 12 miles to my other church. The wind was blowing snow across the highway making it difficult to see. When I arrived I literally had to leave my car two blocks away, and trudge through the snow to the church. I was late, but upon entering I found everyone else already there, waiting. It had never crossed anyone’s mind that I might not be there, or that God would take the day off.
I have, as I am sure many pastors have, held services in the cold of winter when the furnace quit, in the heat of summer with no air conditioning, by candle light because power lines were down, when it rained and flooded the streets in Savannah, and in various other conditions that would have caused secular businesses to close. But we are the church. We serve God. God doesn’t ask us to worship just when it is convenient. Many a pastor has given a sermon on the excuses people give for missing church. Either worship is mandated by God or it’s not. And what about all those dedicated people who say their week doesn’t work right if they miss church on Sunday? Were they all condemned to a terrible week? Do those who pride themselves with years of perfect attendance at Sunday School, now have to have the dreaded asterisk beside their name because they actually only attended 51 weeks this year?Did every church that closed, or canceled an early service call everyone who might show up and inform them? Not everyone watches television all the time. I should have, but didn’t think of it in time, gone to the church, gathered all the others who didn’t get the word on the church lawn, sang some hymns everyone would know, given a prayer, read scripture, given a brief homily, and dismissed everyone with a blessing. I have done colder Easter sunrise services.
I do not mean to imply that I am some kind of saint. But when a priest was ordained in Exodus a rosette of pure gold was attached to the turban of the priest engraved with the words, “Holy to the Lord” and placed on his head. We are called to serve the Lord our God, which often means coming out of our comfort zone of safety. The point of worship is to help people make the God connection. How can those who are lost and hurting in the world, who are moved by the Holy Spirit to finally attend church, helped to make the God connection when church is CLOSED? And those who made a New Year’s resolution to attend church every Sunday had their streak broken at two.A couple of issues ago I wrote about “Sitting on the other side of the altar rail.” But no matter how frustrated I get, I would never miss church. It is a commitment I made to God a long time ago. Either church is important, or it’s not. Either we live the Word, or we don’t. Either we truly believe or we don’t. Church is NOT optional. God does not take a snow day.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Guest Columnist: Let us all be diligent
Jamie Jenkins
Students were on their way home from Pinkneyville Middle School at the close of classes last Wednesday. Small clusters of adolescents were walking down the street, talking, laughing and engaging in normal horseplay for kids their age. In this ordinary scene were groups of two, three, or several boys and girls, black and white, Asian and Hispanic. All together. It was a “rainbow of ethnicity and races.”In his “I Have a Dream” speech of August 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of his desire for a future where all people would coexist harmoniously as equals. The words of Dr. King will ring in our ears and rest in our hearts forever.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”“With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”
Bishop Woodie White in his annual “Letter to Martin” says “as we approach the 40th year since his death on April 4, 1968 the racial landscape of America has changed radically… (At the same time) some communities, schools, and everyday routines are more segregated today than they were 40 years ago.”Bishop White goes on to say, “There has been a fundamental shift in the American ethos. That doesn’t mean racism and sexism are absent from American life, but now they are antithetical to the American ethos, not a reflection of it.”“Both state and church have it right.! The inalienable rights for all is a core value of the state, and the intrinsic worth of human beings is a core value of the church.”“Perhaps the greatest challenge before us in 21st century America is to prevent the creation of a permanent underclass that, while not exclusively comprising black Americans, is one in which they are found in too greater number.”
Thank God for the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. and for all others who have led the struggle for justice and equality. Thank God for the progress that has been made. Let us all be diligent in working for the day when all God’s children “will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
The Rev. Jamie Jenkins currently serves as the assistant to Bishop Lindsey Davis in the North Georgia Annual Conference. This article first appeared in “Monday Morning in North Georgia” on January 21, 2008.
Students were on their way home from Pinkneyville Middle School at the close of classes last Wednesday. Small clusters of adolescents were walking down the street, talking, laughing and engaging in normal horseplay for kids their age. In this ordinary scene were groups of two, three, or several boys and girls, black and white, Asian and Hispanic. All together. It was a “rainbow of ethnicity and races.”In his “I Have a Dream” speech of August 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of his desire for a future where all people would coexist harmoniously as equals. The words of Dr. King will ring in our ears and rest in our hearts forever.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”“With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”
Bishop Woodie White in his annual “Letter to Martin” says “as we approach the 40th year since his death on April 4, 1968 the racial landscape of America has changed radically… (At the same time) some communities, schools, and everyday routines are more segregated today than they were 40 years ago.”Bishop White goes on to say, “There has been a fundamental shift in the American ethos. That doesn’t mean racism and sexism are absent from American life, but now they are antithetical to the American ethos, not a reflection of it.”“Both state and church have it right.! The inalienable rights for all is a core value of the state, and the intrinsic worth of human beings is a core value of the church.”“Perhaps the greatest challenge before us in 21st century America is to prevent the creation of a permanent underclass that, while not exclusively comprising black Americans, is one in which they are found in too greater number.”
Thank God for the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. and for all others who have led the struggle for justice and equality. Thank God for the progress that has been made. Let us all be diligent in working for the day when all God’s children “will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
The Rev. Jamie Jenkins currently serves as the assistant to Bishop Lindsey Davis in the North Georgia Annual Conference. This article first appeared in “Monday Morning in North Georgia” on January 21, 2008.
Guest Columnist: Is the Body of Christ Too Fat?
Joe McKechnie
It was one of those statements for which I was completely ill-prepared. I was back home at my parents’ church for a Christmas cantata, and an elderly gentleman, a retired physician whom I have known for almost two decades, approached me, pointed to my mid-section, and tenderly (and seriously) said, “Joe, I say this in love. You have gained quite the pastor’s belly. You need to lose 20 pounds or you’re headed for a heart attack.” I was not expecting such a statement, and was a bit embarrassed. But, mere moments later I was able to appreciate the truth of his remark. The truth is, my diet and exercise is not what it needs to be. As a pastor I pay close attention to the discipline of prayer, Bible study, sermon preparation, relationship-building, and leading our congregation. And yet the condition of this temple of God has been gradually falling apart.
While I like to think of myself as a scholar (and follower) of Scripture, there are a few verses that I often fail to obey. There are numerous passages about the sin of gluttony (Proverbs 23:2, for example, declares that it would be better to cut your throat than to engage in gluttony!) In Galatians 5, Paul writes about the fruit of the Spirit when he mentioned self-control. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul was writing about how we treat our bodies when he writes, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” How can I justify an unhealthy lifestyle? There are many clergy who would be appalled at the thought of getting a tattoo or having parts of their body pierced, all the while asking for a second helping of mashed potatoes. As a pastor who deeply cares for his congregation, I worry about the devastating effects of drugs, underage drinking, abortion, and sex outside of marriage, all the while failing to acknowledge my own lack of self-control at the dinner table (or, preferably, the dessert cart!) What does my physical condition say about my discipline and self-control?
A recent national survey conducted by Duke Divinity School, indicated that 76% of clergy were either overweight or obese, compared to 61% of the general population. But it wasn’t always this way. Research from 50 years ago showed that clergy lived longer and had healthier lives than workers in almost every other vocation. Like many conferences, the Western North Carolina Conference had to tackle the issue of rising health-care costs for its clergy and had to struggle just to reach acceptable contract terms with its insurance provider. The Conference has seen its medical costs rise by 33% over the past five years, adding to the amount that each clergy spends on insurance.While the weight issues of many individuals are the result of genetics, most of us are getting bigger because of a lack of discipline and self-control. Leslie Sansone, author of the best-selling book “Walking Away the Pounds,” says that, as Christians, we must make our physical health a priority. She stresses exercise, because “no drug, no pill, nothing takes the place of what our natural body produces when we are in motion, because God’s design for muscle and bone is for them to be active.”
There’s a great story of legendary preachers D.L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon, who were great admirers of the other and looked forward to meeting one another. When they finally did meet, Spurgeon answered the door while smoking a cigar. Moody was shocked and asked, How could you, a man of God, smoke that?” Spurgeon smiled and pointed to Moody’s stomach and replied, “The same way you, a man of God, could be that fat.”Being in vocational ministry is demanding and stressful. At Arbor Pointe United Methodist Church, we are serious about the way we treat our bodies, and we pay our staff members for an additional five hours a week if they use that time to exercise. While a lifetime of good health and honoring the temple of God takes more than five hours a week, we hope to acknowledge the importance of our physical health. After all, when Jabez cried out to God to “enlarge my territory,” I don’t think he was talking about his waist size!
The Rev. Joe McKechnie is the at Arbor Pointe UMC in Jefferson, Ga.
It was one of those statements for which I was completely ill-prepared. I was back home at my parents’ church for a Christmas cantata, and an elderly gentleman, a retired physician whom I have known for almost two decades, approached me, pointed to my mid-section, and tenderly (and seriously) said, “Joe, I say this in love. You have gained quite the pastor’s belly. You need to lose 20 pounds or you’re headed for a heart attack.” I was not expecting such a statement, and was a bit embarrassed. But, mere moments later I was able to appreciate the truth of his remark. The truth is, my diet and exercise is not what it needs to be. As a pastor I pay close attention to the discipline of prayer, Bible study, sermon preparation, relationship-building, and leading our congregation. And yet the condition of this temple of God has been gradually falling apart.
While I like to think of myself as a scholar (and follower) of Scripture, there are a few verses that I often fail to obey. There are numerous passages about the sin of gluttony (Proverbs 23:2, for example, declares that it would be better to cut your throat than to engage in gluttony!) In Galatians 5, Paul writes about the fruit of the Spirit when he mentioned self-control. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul was writing about how we treat our bodies when he writes, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” How can I justify an unhealthy lifestyle? There are many clergy who would be appalled at the thought of getting a tattoo or having parts of their body pierced, all the while asking for a second helping of mashed potatoes. As a pastor who deeply cares for his congregation, I worry about the devastating effects of drugs, underage drinking, abortion, and sex outside of marriage, all the while failing to acknowledge my own lack of self-control at the dinner table (or, preferably, the dessert cart!) What does my physical condition say about my discipline and self-control?
A recent national survey conducted by Duke Divinity School, indicated that 76% of clergy were either overweight or obese, compared to 61% of the general population. But it wasn’t always this way. Research from 50 years ago showed that clergy lived longer and had healthier lives than workers in almost every other vocation. Like many conferences, the Western North Carolina Conference had to tackle the issue of rising health-care costs for its clergy and had to struggle just to reach acceptable contract terms with its insurance provider. The Conference has seen its medical costs rise by 33% over the past five years, adding to the amount that each clergy spends on insurance.While the weight issues of many individuals are the result of genetics, most of us are getting bigger because of a lack of discipline and self-control. Leslie Sansone, author of the best-selling book “Walking Away the Pounds,” says that, as Christians, we must make our physical health a priority. She stresses exercise, because “no drug, no pill, nothing takes the place of what our natural body produces when we are in motion, because God’s design for muscle and bone is for them to be active.”
There’s a great story of legendary preachers D.L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon, who were great admirers of the other and looked forward to meeting one another. When they finally did meet, Spurgeon answered the door while smoking a cigar. Moody was shocked and asked, How could you, a man of God, smoke that?” Spurgeon smiled and pointed to Moody’s stomach and replied, “The same way you, a man of God, could be that fat.”Being in vocational ministry is demanding and stressful. At Arbor Pointe United Methodist Church, we are serious about the way we treat our bodies, and we pay our staff members for an additional five hours a week if they use that time to exercise. While a lifetime of good health and honoring the temple of God takes more than five hours a week, we hope to acknowledge the importance of our physical health. After all, when Jabez cried out to God to “enlarge my territory,” I don’t think he was talking about his waist size!
The Rev. Joe McKechnie is the at Arbor Pointe UMC in Jefferson, Ga.
Monday, January 14, 2008
From the Editor: Why faith matters in politics
Jim Nelson
We hear a lot this election year about faith and politics. Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee is a former Southern Baptist minister, and Gov. Mitt Romney is a Mormon. And the Democratic candidates are speaking more openly and honestly about their faith and their beliefs.The question that we must ask then is – does faith matter? And the follow-up question is – should faith matter?
Since I wrote the “Faith and Politics” column for this paper for 11 years, as well as similar columns in other papers, and since I wrote a book on the subject, my answer is “of course.” But not in the way some people might think.TV commentators often get it wrong. They ask the wrong questions, and rant about the wrong issues. What denomination a person belongs to, or what religion they profess, or even if they profess a religion is not important. What matters is what they believe about life, nature, and how we should interact with one another.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied that we should love the Lord our God. But how someone does that or even if they do, regardless of what they might say, is something we can never truly know. But what they believe about how God works in the world, we can measure. And we can measure how their response to the second greatest commandment, which Jesus said is to love our neighbors as ourselves. How someone interacts with others and how they help people are the things we should care about.If you are concerned about the drought, global warming, or pollution in general, you should be asking whether candidates believe humans can have a dramatic impact on the environment, positively or negatively; or if they believe God is always in control, and/or that climate change is just part of the cycles of nature. Their beliefs will determine their position on government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, alternative energy sources, the Koyoto protocol, endangered species, wetland protection, and other environmental issues. Do they believe all people are born with the same possibilities in life? That an individual can become whatever they choose if they simply apply themselves? Or, do they believe genetics, society and the environment can dramatically affect a persons potential? That we cannot all achieve the same goals in life no matter how hard we try? And, are we or are we not “our brother’s keeper?” Those beliefs will determine their positions on education, welfare, universal health care, affirmative action and other social issues.
Asking whether someone is pro-life or pro-choice is not nearly as informative as asking him or her when they believe life begins. When does a person become a person? An atheist can believe life begins at conception and a devout Christian can believe life begins at birth when we receive the breath of life, and the Spirit of God. That belief will affect their view on abortions in general, late-term abortions, stem-cell research, birth control, morning after pills, and even end of life issues. On February 5, we in Georgia get to let the rest of the world know our views on those issues. We get to weigh in on who we think should be the next president of the United States.
Jesus may not have wanted to be king, and he may never have run for office even if given the chance, but I am sure he would have voted. He would have taken his responsibility as a citizen of a democracy or a republic seriously, knowing that we are the government, and we are responsible for what the government does in our name. Laws affect the lives of people, and Jesus would have cared about the people. When we don’t vote, we become responsible for whatever happens.
VOTE! It’s what Jesus would do.
We hear a lot this election year about faith and politics. Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee is a former Southern Baptist minister, and Gov. Mitt Romney is a Mormon. And the Democratic candidates are speaking more openly and honestly about their faith and their beliefs.The question that we must ask then is – does faith matter? And the follow-up question is – should faith matter?
Since I wrote the “Faith and Politics” column for this paper for 11 years, as well as similar columns in other papers, and since I wrote a book on the subject, my answer is “of course.” But not in the way some people might think.TV commentators often get it wrong. They ask the wrong questions, and rant about the wrong issues. What denomination a person belongs to, or what religion they profess, or even if they profess a religion is not important. What matters is what they believe about life, nature, and how we should interact with one another.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied that we should love the Lord our God. But how someone does that or even if they do, regardless of what they might say, is something we can never truly know. But what they believe about how God works in the world, we can measure. And we can measure how their response to the second greatest commandment, which Jesus said is to love our neighbors as ourselves. How someone interacts with others and how they help people are the things we should care about.If you are concerned about the drought, global warming, or pollution in general, you should be asking whether candidates believe humans can have a dramatic impact on the environment, positively or negatively; or if they believe God is always in control, and/or that climate change is just part of the cycles of nature. Their beliefs will determine their position on government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, alternative energy sources, the Koyoto protocol, endangered species, wetland protection, and other environmental issues. Do they believe all people are born with the same possibilities in life? That an individual can become whatever they choose if they simply apply themselves? Or, do they believe genetics, society and the environment can dramatically affect a persons potential? That we cannot all achieve the same goals in life no matter how hard we try? And, are we or are we not “our brother’s keeper?” Those beliefs will determine their positions on education, welfare, universal health care, affirmative action and other social issues.
Asking whether someone is pro-life or pro-choice is not nearly as informative as asking him or her when they believe life begins. When does a person become a person? An atheist can believe life begins at conception and a devout Christian can believe life begins at birth when we receive the breath of life, and the Spirit of God. That belief will affect their view on abortions in general, late-term abortions, stem-cell research, birth control, morning after pills, and even end of life issues. On February 5, we in Georgia get to let the rest of the world know our views on those issues. We get to weigh in on who we think should be the next president of the United States.
Jesus may not have wanted to be king, and he may never have run for office even if given the chance, but I am sure he would have voted. He would have taken his responsibility as a citizen of a democracy or a republic seriously, knowing that we are the government, and we are responsible for what the government does in our name. Laws affect the lives of people, and Jesus would have cared about the people. When we don’t vote, we become responsible for whatever happens.
VOTE! It’s what Jesus would do.
From the Bishop: Be the 'Angel' in evangelism
Mike Watson
It was a great joy and privilege to host the 2008 Congress on Evangelism in Savannah early this month. Sponsored by The Council of Evangelism and The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, the theme of this congress was Spirit of Faith Come Down and special honor was given to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley.
In my opening remarks to the 700 or so in attendance, I recalled something that I had read some years ago and reminded the participants that "the angel in ev angel ism could be you." In fact, I believe that each of us, as a Christian disciple, is called to the holy task of evangelism.
During this Season of Epiphany, we gratefully remember that Jesus came to show God's graceful love to all the people of the earth. It is the greatest story ever told, and now we have the glorious opportunity to share that Good News with everyone everywhere through word, deed, and sign. Our mission is to do just that. We have received authority through Christ's great commission to make disciples of all the peoples of the planet. What could be more exciting for this new year? What could be more exciting for the rest of our lives?Yes, it was wonderful to host the 2008 Congress on Evangelism in our state; however, it is even more wonderful to be the divinely appointed messengers of God's marvelous love all the time. Hallelujah, the angel in evangelism can be me -- and you! "And remember," Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."Grace and peace,Mike Watson
Bishop Mike Watson serves the South Georgia Conference.
Aging Well: Paying Attention to Depression in Older Adults
Robert Beckum
It’s a telephone call that still haunts me. I had just finished classes for the day at Candler School of Theology and was about to drive home for my student appointment. Before leaving town, I decided to call Aunt Sarah. The purpose of my call was to simply “check in.” I asked about the holidays and how she was feeling. To my surprise, she was amazingly upbeat. Sarah had a number of health difficulties, as did her husband. All the challenges facing them usually resulted in a long litany of complaints concerning the woes of getting older. But today was different. She was very positive. I was glad I had called, and I felt good about our conversation during my hour-long drive home.
Late in the evening, the telephone call came. A family member gave me the news. Aunt Sarah had taken her own life. What had I missed? For heavens sake, why didn’t I pick up on some clue in our conversation? All these questions of guilt and self-doubt flooded over me as they do with a family suicide and all the jagged, loose ends that accompany the tragedy. Aunt Sarah’s death, some thirty years ago, first exposed me to the whole issue of elder depression in a very personal way.Depression is a major condition for older adults. Approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over the age of 65 have signs of depression. Unfortunately, more often than not the depression goes unrecognized and untreated by many older Americans and their caregivers. In fact, the National Institute of Health estimates depression goes undiagnosed and untreated in 80% of the older adult population and often is not even recognized in nursing home residents. Why? Certainly ageism and prejudice are contributing factors.
How many senior adults have heard from their primary health care specialist in response to symptoms, “Well, what do you expect at your age? You are getting older.” In fact, 60% of older adults surveyed think depression is a natural part of getting older. It is not! Because of prejudices we all have toward mental health issues, 70% of older adults know little or nothing about depression. Only 30% of older adults believe depression is a “health problem.” Less than 25% of older adults surveyed indicated they would be willing to seek help for symptoms of depression from a health care professional. Sadly, older adults have the highest suicide rate of all age groups in America. Even more sadly, 70% of seniors who commit suicide have seen their primary care doctors within a month of their deaths without depression being discussed as a health care issue.
What can we do? Seniors can familiarize themselves with the symptoms of depression as they do with symptoms of other health issues. We can all work on our prejudices and attitudes, which will help take the issue of depression out of the shadows of guilt and shame and into the light of medical treatment. The good news is that medical treatment is highly successful in 70-80% of all cases of depression, when we create an atmosphere that recognizes depression as an illness and give encouragement to ask for help.After all these years, I realize why Aunt Sarah was so positive when I talked with her on the day of her death. She had found a solution to the pain and heaviness of her life. What still haunts me in these days of winter is that Sarah never knew there were other sources of help and health care solutions close at hand. Make yourself aware of the symptoms of depression, understand it is an illness, and know 70 to 80% of depression is highly treatable.
Rev. Robert Beckum is Vice President of Church Relations and Development Magnolia Manor.
It’s a telephone call that still haunts me. I had just finished classes for the day at Candler School of Theology and was about to drive home for my student appointment. Before leaving town, I decided to call Aunt Sarah. The purpose of my call was to simply “check in.” I asked about the holidays and how she was feeling. To my surprise, she was amazingly upbeat. Sarah had a number of health difficulties, as did her husband. All the challenges facing them usually resulted in a long litany of complaints concerning the woes of getting older. But today was different. She was very positive. I was glad I had called, and I felt good about our conversation during my hour-long drive home.
Late in the evening, the telephone call came. A family member gave me the news. Aunt Sarah had taken her own life. What had I missed? For heavens sake, why didn’t I pick up on some clue in our conversation? All these questions of guilt and self-doubt flooded over me as they do with a family suicide and all the jagged, loose ends that accompany the tragedy. Aunt Sarah’s death, some thirty years ago, first exposed me to the whole issue of elder depression in a very personal way.Depression is a major condition for older adults. Approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over the age of 65 have signs of depression. Unfortunately, more often than not the depression goes unrecognized and untreated by many older Americans and their caregivers. In fact, the National Institute of Health estimates depression goes undiagnosed and untreated in 80% of the older adult population and often is not even recognized in nursing home residents. Why? Certainly ageism and prejudice are contributing factors.
How many senior adults have heard from their primary health care specialist in response to symptoms, “Well, what do you expect at your age? You are getting older.” In fact, 60% of older adults surveyed think depression is a natural part of getting older. It is not! Because of prejudices we all have toward mental health issues, 70% of older adults know little or nothing about depression. Only 30% of older adults believe depression is a “health problem.” Less than 25% of older adults surveyed indicated they would be willing to seek help for symptoms of depression from a health care professional. Sadly, older adults have the highest suicide rate of all age groups in America. Even more sadly, 70% of seniors who commit suicide have seen their primary care doctors within a month of their deaths without depression being discussed as a health care issue.
What can we do? Seniors can familiarize themselves with the symptoms of depression as they do with symptoms of other health issues. We can all work on our prejudices and attitudes, which will help take the issue of depression out of the shadows of guilt and shame and into the light of medical treatment. The good news is that medical treatment is highly successful in 70-80% of all cases of depression, when we create an atmosphere that recognizes depression as an illness and give encouragement to ask for help.After all these years, I realize why Aunt Sarah was so positive when I talked with her on the day of her death. She had found a solution to the pain and heaviness of her life. What still haunts me in these days of winter is that Sarah never knew there were other sources of help and health care solutions close at hand. Make yourself aware of the symptoms of depression, understand it is an illness, and know 70 to 80% of depression is highly treatable.
Rev. Robert Beckum is Vice President of Church Relations and Development Magnolia Manor.
Guest Columnist: Rekindling Our Love for Communion is key
By Paul Edenfield
For the past few weeks, our Sunday school class has been reading Charles Yrigoyen’s John Wesley: Holiness of Heart & Life. This book is an introduction to early Methodist history and beliefs for small-group study and is useful not only to newcomers but also to members who are trying to deepen their understanding of John Wesley and his vision of Methodism.Our class has often discussed just how much has changed in the life of the church since Wesley’s time, particularly those “works of piety” that he did so much to encourage. The celebration of Holy Communion, for instance, is a striking example of just how far Methodists have strayed from their historical roots. Yrigoyen notes that “United Methodists usually celebrate the Lord’s Supper once a month or four times a year. John Wesley would have been mystified by this. After all, he communed an average of every four to five days during his adult life.”
Yrigoyen then goes on to quote from the 1787 sermon, “The Duty of Constant Communion,” in which Wesley wrote, “Let everyone … who has either any desire to please God, or any love of his own soul … [receive Communion] every time he can.” The entire text of the sermon is available online and offers much insight into Wesley’s fervent Eucharistic devotion. Wesley studied the early Christian writers constantly over the course of his career and praised the example of the “first Christians, with whom the Christian sacrifice was a constant part of the Lord’s Day service.”Of these early Church writers, Wesley had a particular affection for Ephrem the Syrian, the fourth-century poet and theologian. Indeed, his journals and letters indicate that he read Ephrem as early as 1732 while at Oxford, and he even managed to continue this study while in Georgia in 1736. We do not know for sure which of Ephrem’s writings Wesley was familiar with, but he was no doubt inspired by words such as these written about the Eucharist: “By means of the Spiritual Bread, everyone becomes an eagle who reaches as far as paradise … whoever eats the Living Bread of the Son flies to meet Him in the very clouds.”
How far we have come from that kind of heart-felt appreciation for the gift of the Lord’s Supper in the twenty-first century! Indeed, it is a safe generalization that Communion is the least favorite part of worship for many of us. I have even seen people avoid particular services because they knew that Communion would be observed. This apathy may exist for a number of reasons, but I think that in the final analysis it is very common to go through the motions of receiving Communion without feeling anything at all, that we often experience an emotional disconnect between the Lord’s Supper and what’s going on in our spiritual lives.
This lack of spiritual resonance is exacerbated when during our services we hurry through Communion to suit those who would like to get it over with as quickly as possible. It’s important to slow down and remind ourselves and each other what the Lord’s Supper is all about … in small-group discussions, sermons, and most importantly testimonials. Devotion is contagious. We can rekindle our love for Communion by sharing with each other about how this ancient practice of sharing bread and wine in the remembrance of Jesus continues to make a difference in our hearts and in our lives. John Wesley’s ministry endures as just such a testimony.
Paul Edenfield attends Rock Springs UMC in Lawrenceville.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
From the Editor: Sitting on the other side of the altar rail
Jim Nelson
Being the editor of the Advocate, I find myself on Sunday mornings being on the other side of the altar rail. That is somewhat of a new experience for me. For 18 years I stood in the pulpit of a church and led or helped lead a worship service. Now I sit quietly in the pew and observe.
I am afraid that I have become one of those parishioners that used to drive me crazy. I expect something from the service. Now I realize the church does not exist to satisfy me; that I attend church to worship God, to spend time in God’s presence, and to be in community with other believers as we share our faith in Jesus Christ.But the reality is that if the only reason I attend church is so I can worship God and acknowledge to the world my belief in Jesus; then it really doesn’t matter where I go. Any church will do. Well, almost any; there are some with bad theology we should not lend credence to even by our presence.
You have to admit, though, it is much more gratifying to go to a church that excites you. We should wake up on Sunday morning with a sense of excitement, a sense of anticipation, a sense of wonder. We should feel that today is the day we get to go to church and bask in the glory of God, sing praises to His holy name, and witness to our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I want to leave feeling challenged to live a better life. I don’t want to just be patted on the back in an “I’m OK, you’re OK” kind of way, nor do I want to be constantly berated and condemned as a sinner.
Some churches I enter I immediately feel the Spirit, the joy, the excitement surrounding the worship service that is about to unfold before us. But, in others I feel depressed, sad, an absence of the Spirit. Sometimes I just want to stand up and yell, and ask, “What are you doing? And, why are you here?” I fear most of them have forgotten.I want everyone to feel what I feel; to know what I know; to have the love of Jesus in their lives. I want everyone to be able to spend time in His presence every day, and to read His Holy Word. I want everyone to strive every day to walk as he would have us walk, yet knowing he will forgive us when we fail. My faith brings me joy, it brings me peace and a sense of contentment. My faith allows me to be satisfied with and to enjoy all that I have, and to not constantly be needing more. My faith helps me to accept life as it comes to me.There have been times recently when I wanted to stand up in the middle of a sermon and question the preacher. Particularly when s/he says something I disagree with or just don’t understand. However, I fear too many preachers and parishioners would find that unsettling.
Occasionally for a Sunday evening service, I would have an “Ask Dr. Jim” night. People could come and ask me any question about scripture or theology and I would give them an answer. Sometimes I would say, “I don’t know.” Sometimes I would say, “It really doesn’t matter.” And sometimes we would enter into a discussion about what we believe deep down. I think those were some of my better sermons, and except for the healing services, some of the better attended ones. Maybe I should start an “Ask Dr. Jim” column. I am sure that would create some discussions. Anyway, if you see me come into your church some Sunday morning, don’t worry. I will control myself. I won’t stand up and start arguing with the preacher. But, I must admit, it would be fun.
The Laity’s Corner: A new wind’s a ‘blowin’
Lyn Powell
Whenever my grandmother sensed a cultural shift in the community, she didn’t call it a cultural shift – she simply said “there’s a new wind a ‘blowin’. As a member of the Council of Bishops’ Messaging Task Force #1 (which means there must be a #2 somewhere), I can share with you that indeed a new message will be introduced to the General Conference in Fort Worth this April.
To understand why we need a new message, we must look at the state of the church. We know, like all other mainline denominations, we have been losing serious membership since the 1970’s. In response to this challenge of declining numbers, the Council of Bishops has covenanted to focus its resources on, and hold itself responsible for, Seven Vision Pathways: Develop new congregations – called Path OneTransform existing congregationsTeach the Wesleyan Model for making disciplesStrengthen clergy and lay leadershipReach new generations of childrenEliminate poverty in community with the poorExpand racial/ethnic ministries
Next, the Connectional Table took the seven vision pathways and developed Four Areas of Focus for the entire denomination: Address the clergy and lay leadership crisisDevelop new congregations for new people – Path OnePartner with the poorStamp out killer diseases
So, what makes all of this a new message? What is so different about the four areas of focus? What is different, what has never happened before, is that the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, and the General Agencies have covenanted with one another to work collaboratively on the four areas. All thirteen Agencies are beginning to concentrate their energy, resources and budgets around the four areas, working together for best results. No more working in 13 silos.
In addition, the General Council of Finance and Administration has structured the denomination’s proposed budget around the four areas. The Connectional Table is asking every annual conference right down to the local churches to begin to draw in on the four areas. Think of it –– the whole church now has the opportunity to engage in an integrated, coordinated ministry experience. After General Conference, several teams will take this message of coordination to area events, where they will invite local churches to catch the vision and join the ministry of the four areas. Bishop Janice Huie made a powerful statement when she said “Imagine what could happen if all of us, by the grace of God, start to move in the same direction.” That is the message we will hear over and over at General Conference –– let us embrace these four areas of focus, reclaim the passion of the movement and shed the ennui of the institution. Now that is a message to get excited about!
Lyn Powell is the Lay Leader for the North Georgia Conference, and has been chosen to deliver the Laity Address at General Conference.
Whenever my grandmother sensed a cultural shift in the community, she didn’t call it a cultural shift – she simply said “there’s a new wind a ‘blowin’. As a member of the Council of Bishops’ Messaging Task Force #1 (which means there must be a #2 somewhere), I can share with you that indeed a new message will be introduced to the General Conference in Fort Worth this April.
To understand why we need a new message, we must look at the state of the church. We know, like all other mainline denominations, we have been losing serious membership since the 1970’s. In response to this challenge of declining numbers, the Council of Bishops has covenanted to focus its resources on, and hold itself responsible for, Seven Vision Pathways: Develop new congregations – called Path OneTransform existing congregationsTeach the Wesleyan Model for making disciplesStrengthen clergy and lay leadershipReach new generations of childrenEliminate poverty in community with the poorExpand racial/ethnic ministries
Next, the Connectional Table took the seven vision pathways and developed Four Areas of Focus for the entire denomination: Address the clergy and lay leadership crisisDevelop new congregations for new people – Path OnePartner with the poorStamp out killer diseases
So, what makes all of this a new message? What is so different about the four areas of focus? What is different, what has never happened before, is that the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, and the General Agencies have covenanted with one another to work collaboratively on the four areas. All thirteen Agencies are beginning to concentrate their energy, resources and budgets around the four areas, working together for best results. No more working in 13 silos.
In addition, the General Council of Finance and Administration has structured the denomination’s proposed budget around the four areas. The Connectional Table is asking every annual conference right down to the local churches to begin to draw in on the four areas. Think of it –– the whole church now has the opportunity to engage in an integrated, coordinated ministry experience. After General Conference, several teams will take this message of coordination to area events, where they will invite local churches to catch the vision and join the ministry of the four areas. Bishop Janice Huie made a powerful statement when she said “Imagine what could happen if all of us, by the grace of God, start to move in the same direction.” That is the message we will hear over and over at General Conference –– let us embrace these four areas of focus, reclaim the passion of the movement and shed the ennui of the institution. Now that is a message to get excited about!
Lyn Powell is the Lay Leader for the North Georgia Conference, and has been chosen to deliver the Laity Address at General Conference.
Helping warriors transition into citizens
By the Rev. John Morris
Communities across the U.S. are about to experience the near simultaneous return of thousands of combat veterans: the proud, tired and bloodied, many after 22-month combat deployment. Towns will hail the returning warriors with wonderful “Welcome Home” ceremonies. The veterans will cherish the sentiment, then shoulder their duffle bags and simply “go home.” Unfortunately, “going home” is neither simple nor easy. Months of combat training and combat operations have forged these men and women into warriors. Within 300 hours of their last combat mission, they are demobilized and back on the streets in the U.S. The homes they return to will have changed. The majority of families learned to survive without their soldier: roles changed, children grew and family dynamics are altered. For a minority, marriages ended and families shattered beneath the stress of prolonged separation.
These proud veterans will face the daunting challenges of freedom. Gone is the austere, disciplined life of a forward operating base focused on missions and the camaraderie of the military unit. Ahead is the complex, multi-tasking, fast-paced world of work, family, civic responsibilities and/or school.The vast majority will face these challenges and handle them well. In fact, as past generations have shown, this generation of veterans will emerge as leaders in every sector of society. Discipline, combined with wisdom and the love of life appreciated by those who have seen it threatened will vault this generation ahead of its peers. Future governors, senators, doctors, lawyers, teachers, clergy, social workers and scientists undoubtedly are returning.A few will stumble. These troubled souls will wrestle with the effects of war on themselves and their families. They will need the best this country has to offer.
How communities can helpMost will need some support: employers willing to be patient as they wrestle to regain skills that have atrophied; educators willing to help them through the complexities of admission, registration and return to rigorous study; parenting classes to help them learn to parent the children they love but barely know; and wise counselors to help them negotiate new roles in marriage and families. They need medical providers who understand traumatic brain injuries, Middle Eastern parasites and skin diseases. Clergy who can listen without condemnation and help them soften the hardness of soul war can produce.
Mostly they need a community that walks with them and their families long after the yellow ribbons unravel. This community, deeply conflicted by the Iraq war, still honors the sacrifice made by these citizen-soldiers. It challenges our newest, “greatest generation” to continue selfless service by inviting them to serve in leadership capacities in business, education, government, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations. They need a community dedicated to bringing these soldiers all the way home, leaving none behind, and helping each to become the productive, healthy citizen we need.
The Rev. John Morris is a UM chaplain in the Minnesota National Guard.
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