From the Editor: It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’

Jim Nelson

Good Friday is the most holy day in the liturgical year. It is the Christian version of Yom Kippur: our Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement was not and is not a feast day. In fact it is the only day in the scriptures on which God commands the people to fast, “it shall be a holy convocation for you: you shall deny yourselves and present the Lord’s offering by fire.” (Leviticus 23:27b) If you sacrifice to the Lord on that day in order to atone for all of your sins, they will be forgiven.On Good Friday Jesus was sacrificed upon the cross. He became for us a sacrifice to God so that all our sins could be forgiven.

For the ancient Israelites and for us today, this is not a day of celebration but a day of solemn remembrance of all the sins we have committed over the past year: intentionally or unintentionally. It is also a day to remember the sacrifice made on our behalf.Too many of us take that sacrifice for granted. We no longer remember what dying on the cross meant. We have so romanticized the event that we forget the pain and suffering Jesus endured. We no longer hear the sound of the lash tearing into the flesh of his back. Nor do we feel the rough splintered wood of the cross, which continued to rub against those wounds. Nor do we see the blood from the thorns driven into his head running down his face, mixing with the sweat and the dust and coagulating in his beard.

How many of us would willingly endure such suffering so that others might have life and have it abundantly?We need to honor that sacrifice. The highest attendance day of the year should be Good Friday, not Easter Sunday. Sure the resurrection is something to celebrate. We need to shout Hallelujah on Easter, recognizing his triumph over death. But too often we only want to focus on the Good News at the end, and not the suffering on the cross that preceded it.We also need to honor that sacrifice by how we live our lives. We need to ensure that Jesus did not die in vain merely so we could go on sinning in the world. We need to live our lives abundantly, and help others to do the same.

Today, Good Friday, should be a day of fasting. The discomfort from the hunger we feel is nothing compared to Jesus’s suffering on the cross. Today should be a day of quiet solitude and reflection. Read the letters of Paul, who had a well-defined theology of the cross. Read the story of the crucifixion in each of the Gospels. Seek once again the grace and the forgiveness of God. Mourn again this Friday and Saturday in unity with the disciples of Jesus who had just seen their leader executed, and worried if they might be next.Only by going through the crucifixion, only by focusing on the cross can we truly rejoice on Easter Sunday morning when we celebrate the empty tomb, and life everlasting. Only then will be able to truly understand those words made famous by Tony Campolo, in his book It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’.

From the Bishop: What are our lives shouting about our faith?

B. Michael Watson

Palm Sunday and Easter are days of glorious celebration that surround a week of testing, prayer, betrayal, trial, pain, and sacrificial suffering for Jesus. For Christians, remembering Holy Week is a central part of our annual liturgical journey through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.Palm Sunday through Easter is a high and holy week for us. Like the crowd on Palm Sunday long ago, children and adults still celebrate by waving and wearing palm branches acknowledging our Savior. We then are invited to spend the week seeking to understand what Christ’s saving, graceful, and redemptive love really means and what it cost. We remember that the first Palm Sunday crowd fell away as the week wore on.

In many instances those who lovingly prepare palms for today’s worshippers to wear make them into the shape of a cross! We know something that the biblical crowd did not know. We know about the cross upon which Jesus died. We know that Palm Sunday is not really the day of triumph. Easter Sunday is the triumphant day, and it takes a Cross to get to Easter.Drawing a crowd doesn’t prove everything. Winston Churchill was once asked what he thought about the large crowd that had come to hear him speak. Churchill is said to have responded by predicting that the crowd would have been much larger if he were being hanged. The Palm Sunday crowd that cheered for Jesus on Sunday was replaced by the crowd that jeered at Jesus a few days later. Shouts of hosanna were replaced with shouts demanding crucifixion.

We must be very careful about criticizing that first Palm Sunday crowd’s shallow commitment to Jesus until we have shown more commitment ourselves. We are the crowd today. What are our lives shouting? Are we willing to follow Jesus and remain his disciples in a sinful world that often rejects the divine love of a merciful Lord? Here are some discipleship questions for all of us. Are we willing to love our enemies as Jesus did? Are we willing to forgive those who curse us as Jesus did? Are we willing to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, heal the sick, and visit the imprisoned as Jesus calls us to do? Are we willing to give one day in seven totally to the worship of God? Are we willing to joyfully tithe to God’s work? Are we willing to serve our Lord Jesus Christ without thought of being honored for our service by others? Are we willing to spend time alone in prayer as Jesus did? Are we willing to study the Word of God and apply it to our lives as Jesus did?

Holy Week is a wonderful time for holy reflection on the life of Jesus and on our lives of discipleship. Easter is the time to celebrate that God’s grace is greater than the world’s sin. All who follow Jesus can celebrate the victorious life available to us through Christ’s saving act and marvelous resurrection. We have been empowered to overcome failure, sin and death because we have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Glory hallelujah!

Mike Watson Resident Bishop South Georgia Area The United Methodist Church.

Aging Well: High Maintenance Monkeys

Robert Beckum

I will never forget Helen. At age 80, she was the oldest person in our group. We were to introduce ourselves with a story—-any story that would “open a window” on our life or our experience. Everyone had shared a story except Helen. She protested that she didn’t have a story. She was a homemaker and felt her rather “ordinary life” didn’t have any stories that would interest anyone. “Try us”, we said. “I really cannot think of anything…except the time my husband sold our pet monkey to Elvis Presley.” Trust me, when someone has a story about selling a monkey to Elvis, I am all ears!

Helen stated she and her husband, Bill, were neighbors of Elvis in Memphis. Bill owned a television station and had always insisted on doing the weather segment of the local news himself. He was a quite a character and always appeared on camera with his pet monkey on his shoulder—-affectionately known to the viewing audience as the Weather Monkey. Helen explained, “Elvis thought the monkey was hilarious and begged Bill to sell him the monkey. Finally, Bill gave in and sold it to Elvis.” She went on to tell the monkey “toured” with Elvis for about six months. Once back home from the tour, Elvis came over and pleaded with Bill to take the monkey back. According to Elvis, “He’s cute, but he is one high maintenance monkey!” Needless to say, we all listened with rapt attention. Beyond the fascination with the Elvis connection, we assured Helen all of us could identify with the experience of finally getting what we had longed for only to end up with a “high maintenance monkey” on our back.
Stories have power—-power to share, power to touch, power to connect with the human experience. Unfortunately, many older adults, like Helen, don’t think they have a story or that anyone would care to hear it. Truthfully, older adults are treasure troves of stories, and when we take time to listen, this treasure enriches everyone’s life.

Part of the Renaissance Program (a signature program of creative arts for senior adults) at Magnolia Manor involves writing. In these writing classes we encourage and coach seniors to share their stories. It is not just another “activity to keep the old folks busy”. It is one of the most enriching, healing and meaningful aspects of our life together. Some stories are light-hearted and hilarious. Others are poignant and heartbreaking. All of them are powerful.Heard any good stories lately? Start by asking a senior adult to tell you theirs. You will not only be enriched but entertained. Their story will open a window on the soul—-yours as well as theirs. In the midst of all the story telling we might even hear hints of a larger story that tells us who we are, where we came from and where we are going. Christians who have told this story have always called it “the gospel.”

Rev. Robert Beckum is Vice President of Church Relations and Development Magnolia Manor.

From the Editor: The dis-connectional church

Jim Nelson

One thing I have never aspired to in my nearly 20 years as a United Methodist pastor is being elected as a delegate to General Conference. Unfortunately, this year I find myself in the unenviable position of needing to go anyway. Last month I attended the Pre-Conference briefing held in Ft. Worth, Texas, the site of the 2008 Conference for representatives of each delegation and church journalists. That meeting confirmed my suspicions. I felt a major disconnect between what they were telling us would be presented and debated at Conference, and what has been my experience in the local church.

The local church is where faith meets the street. The people in the pews are concerned with the everyday issues of life: grieving over the loss of a loved one, struggling with a family member or close friend in the hospital, dealing with a disabled child, concerned about an alcoholic parent or friends hooked on drugs, wondering what to do about an unwanted pregnancy, worried about a family member in a war zone, and trying to find a balance between spending time at work to care for material needs of their family and spending quality and quantity time at home to care for the spiritual and emotional needs of their family and themselves. The problems people face everyday are the ones they bring into our churches looking for answers and seeking the peace they receive knowing God is with them no matter what.

General Conference however is in a totally different stratosphere. For example, one of the arguments sure to come up in the first few days of Conference is whether or not delegates will have wireless internet access on the floor of the Convention Center so they can stay connected to the outside world. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about how we help our congregations and our communities stay connected to God?Another heated debate looming on the horizon is whether the UM Pension Fund should divest itself of investments in companies doing business in Israel, and in particular Caterpillar, which manufactures equipment used to tear down Palestinian homes and to build the wall which will keep them apart. How many people make a decision about joining or leaving our churches based on the securities held by our pension funds?Now I know I am a cynic, but honestly I can’t believe that in 2008 the leadership of the church finally figured out what our “areas of emphasis” should be as a church. Did they just figure out that our future depends on having passionate, dynamic leadership filled with the Spirit of God and dedicated to doing the work of the Gospel? Or, that if we do not continue to give birth to new congregations as older ones who have reached the natural end of their life close, we will become extinct?

And, did they just realize that the mission of the church should be to work with the poor, and struggle to eliminate diseases in the world that are within our power to eliminate? Didn’t Jesus tell us that 2000 years ago, and weren’t those some of the admonitions God gave through Moses to the ancient Israelites over 3000 years ago? Come on, the growing, dynamic churches within and outside of the connection have been doing that for years. We don’t need an area of focus to tell us to feed the hunger, clothe the naked, and work to eliminate the systemic problems that lead to poverty, disease, and suffering in the world. That has always been our mission, or at least should have been.I am sure there are some positive things that come out of General Conference. I guess we do need to tweak and update the Book of Discipline on occasion. And, let’s face it, a lot of people do believe General Conference is important and relevant. But I question, that with the current size of the United Methodist Church and the advances in communications technology – is an every four-year gathering the best use of time and resources (millions of dollars) in furthering the kingdom of God and reaching those who are hurting in the world?
Oh well, Ft. Worth here I come.

From the Bishop: Keeping A Holy Lent

B. Michael Watson

Ash Wednesday was February 6 this year, and Ash Wednesday is the first day of the holy season of Lent in the Christian year. I pray that this will be a holy Lent for you and me. During this season we have the opportunity to be intentional about our preparations for the glorious celebration of Easter. Our Lenten preparations can make a difference in our ability to recognize God’s powerful victory over sin and death as we worship on Easter Sunday with Christian all over the world.We often prepare for important events because we intuitively know that proper preparation can lead to more meaningful celebration. We prepare for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, graduations, weddings, funerals, and many other special days. If we fail to prepare well, we can fail to grasp the full significance of the big event. Our preparation is important.

Some people make Lenten preparation by giving up something in their lives. Others make Lent a season of adding something special into their lives. Many attend Ash Wednesday, Lenten, and Holy Week services as a way of preparing for Easter morning and its Good News.Let me encourage you to do something different this Lent. Find a way to prepare for Easter that causes you to remember Christ’s sacrificial love every day during this holy season. Find a way to live toward Easter that glorifies God and opens you to God’s miraculous, loving, and saving grace. Give God the chance to work in and through your life during this season of Lent so that you will rejoice in the experience of God’s mighty power to overcome the greatest obstacles in human existence.

Lent teaches us that God works through difficult circumstances to accomplish dramatic victory. God is able to roll away every stone than is placed before his children. God is in the redemption, restoration, and resurrection business. Live that faith this Lent and prepare to experience God’s glorious Easter.

Aging Well: Dealing With Senior Adult Depression

Robert Beckum

Depression may rightly be called the “shadow illness” of senior adult years. There are many possible causes of the onset of later-life depression including: the loss of a loved one (spouse, child, pet or friend), changes in physical health (disability and decline as well as illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke or diabetes and dementia), and major life changes (a move, retirement, loss of mobility, diminished quality of life or increased dependency on caregivers). Many of these factors may converge to cause or to accompany the onset of senior depression, but the fact remains that depression is an illness. It is NOT A NORMAL PART of THE AGING PROCESS! Caregivers must encourage seniors, and seniors must encourage one another, to seek medical treatment for depression as an illness and not buy into the “normal part of aging” myth. The first step in successfully dealing with senior depression is to call it what it is. It is an illness (not a character flaw, personal weakness, or normal part of aging) and this illness needs sound medical treatment.

What are the signs of depression? The National Institute of Health suggests these warning signs of senior depression:Persistent sadness (lasting two or more weeks)Feeling sluggish for an extended periodExcessive worries about finances and health problemsFrequent tearfulnessFeelings of worthlessness or helplessnessUnintended weight changes (increase or decrease)Constant pacing or fidgetingDifficulty sleepingDifficulty concentratingPhysical symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal problems (depressed seniors are more likely to complain of physical problems than to express sad, anxious or hopeless feelings)Withdrawal from usual activities——this withdrawal is usually accompanied by the explanations “It’s become too much trouble,” “I don’t feel well enough,” or “I just don’t have the energy anymore.”
Anytime older adults have signs of depression, they should see their health care provider for a complete medical check-up and explore the symptoms of depressive illness for possible treatment. These medical check-ups are easier said than done! While behavioral health care is vital for senior adults to have a full life, many factors prevent them from seeking the help they need. Fear of what family and friends might think can cause seniors to continue to suffer silently and alone. Worry over how to pay for the care they need and negative cultural stereotypes of people seeking behavioral health care can all contribute to seniors continuing to suffer in isolation.

It is not enough to name depression an “illness”. We must also take senior depression out of the “shadows” of fear, shame and ignorance and into the light of available medical treatment. One great place for available information about depression and treatment options for seniors is the website www.Seniorjournal.com. This first step will not only help you and your loved ones “deal” with senior depression but might encourage further steps helping to overcome this illness which afflicts far too many senior adults.

Rev. Robert Beckum is Vice President of Church Relations and Development Magnolia Manor.

From the Editor: God takes a snow day

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.