Pastor’s Thoughts

Filed by Joey at 3:29 pm under Announcements,Church Leadership,Economics,General Rant,Pop Culture,Sermons,Society at Large
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A young man in my congregation, David Fricke, hopes to teach young Ugandan children the skill of photography. David hopes that the photos that they take can be used as both a source of income and a way to communicate to the world the plight of their region. Through this mission, David and I feel that he can create a lasting impact for this small village and the orphanage on which he is focusing. Teaching them a trade will allow the children to pursue their own careers while connecting their village to the broader world.

David’s passions for teaching, cultural immersion, and photography combine in this effort to the point that he will be taking a semester off in his collegiate studies to make this dream a reality. David has mapped out his effort, including a budget for his own room and board.

Here’s the latest information from David’s mission trip from David’s mom, Judy.

David has had an interesting week, some great things, some not so great. He contracted Malaria and was sick the first part of the week, but if they know how to treat anything in Uganda, it’s Malaria. It was a mild case and they caught it early and with various meds. he was right as rain a few days later. And yes, he was taking his Malaria pills and has had all his shots etc. The disease just always tries to outsmart the latest drugs.

He spent the last part of the week building a darkroom at the school and has been in Kampala getting what supplies he can find this weekend. He is most excited about having been able to extract from his budget enough money to purchase a red 125 cc motorbike for the school!

They had rented a bike to use to go from the village to the town to pick up supplies as well as David for these next few months and the rental was costing as much as buying a new one would. So he is very pleased that he could purchase it, use it while he is there and then leave it for the school when he goes.

He has met some phenomenal people and loves the country! He’s happy and working hard! All in all, life seems good for him there!  Thanks to all who have helped support this adventure.

Love, Judy

Filed by Joey at 4:53 pm under Announcements,Piperton UMC,Pop Culture,Society at Large
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I just got the pictures from Sunday uploaded to the website. You can view them here.

For those of you just hearing about it, we honored the Friendship Class this past Sunday. Each member of the class received a prayer shawl, a rose, and a copy of the collected testimonies of the class. We’ll be posting those on the website later.

It always amazes me that the oldest class in the church is the class most deeply concerned with changing our church to meet the needs of the future. Sunday, as they spoke of the “good old days,” there was indeed a sense that they missed those who have died, those who are living away from the region now, to be sure. But many of these are the same folks who are deeply committed to the new thing that God is doing in our midst.

Here’s a group photo of some of our most forward-thinking members.

Congratulations, Friendship Class. And thank you for your leadership–and followership.

Filed by Joey at 12:16 pm under Announcements,Church Leadership
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As you can see from the sporadic nature of my posting, there’s been a lot of other things in my life demanding my time. South Pleasant Grove continues to move forward, although the progress is not always as visible as some would like–including myself. But in these times of transition, new routines are sometimes difficult to discern or establish.

This is one to which I would love to commit. But, obviously, there are some priorities. Laurinda’s health is a major concern for the parsonage family at the moment. Those on the prayer chain know that she will be visiting a neurosurgeon for a compressed nerve at the base of her spine. We’re concerned about the possible permanence of the current symptoms: headaches, dropped foot, paraesthesis of her right leg, and the ever present back pain.

I’m also continuing my dedication to the Board at Lakeshore, the Alumni Board at Lambuth, the Advisory Team for General Commission on United Methodist Men, and the Conference Stewardship Task Force.

One might ask when I have time for pastoring the church. Good question. One might also ask if I’m letting others pastor me. Yet another fine inquiry. One might even ask if I’m overcommitted or undersane. Both, valid ponderings.

The one routine that has remained fairly constant for me throughout this time has been that of listening for God’s voice. Through my leaders, through my congregation, through my family, and through my friends, God has constantly offered clear vision and guidance.

My main role is to manage my time and to manage my timing. Pray for me on that one.

Hopefully, I can get back to pontificating and otherwise sharing my thoughts on the events in the world soon. Rest assured that I am concerned about the recent string of shootings in our nation’s schools. I’m concerned about the North Korean nuclear situation. I’m concerned and interested in the relationship between and among Christians and Muslims in this new age of sectarian violence and Jihadist Fascism. And, I’m still deeply concerned about the direction of the United Methodist Church and our dedication as a local congregation to following God’s leadership.

Until this transitional period comes to an end, I guess you’ll just have to join us for Sunday worship or Wednesday night Bible Study to find out what I’m thinking.

Some would say that you aren’t missing much–and I might agree with you. I don’t have a lot in the way of answers, but I have come to believe that I have in my possession some excellent questions. I just need to get back in the routine of asking them.

Filed by Joey at 7:34 am under Announcements,General Rant
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There are several seminars on the way that I am absolutely stoked to be a part of:
Men Hooked on Christ (see the calendar entry and brochures in the document section) and the Small Church Summit (both sessions, again, look them up on this site for more information).

What is so special about these two events? They strike at the very heart of ministry at South Pleasant Grove UMC. MHoC is all about Men’s Ministry, which is the next frontier for our congregation. We are blessed with several gifted men who are beginning to find their way as disciples. And the Small Church Summit features answers to several questions that we’ve been struggling with as a congregation for years.

Aside from the ordinary fear and trembling that goes into preparing for seminars like these, I’m feeling a great sense of enthusiasm for these dates.

I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about these two events–and not just because I’m going to be there. Instead, look into these opportunities because they are the right thing at the right time.

Be ready! Be a part of these days!

Filed by Joey at 8:07 am under Announcements,Church Leadership,Methodism
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For three years, I managed to keep a weblog posted and published. Doing so clarified my thinking on a variety of issues. Readers also noted that reading my thoughts and concerns assisted them with their own process of thinking.

So I’m back.

Let me know how I’m doing.

Filed by Joey at 8:32 am under Announcements
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