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District Superintendent Rev. Dr. T. Cody Collier's
Occasional Thoughts
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Current: December 8,
2008 |
November
24, 2008
October 27, 2008
September 4, 2008
June 30, 2008
June 12, 2008
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May 16, 2008
April 8, 2008
March 9, 2008
January 23, 2008
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2007 Archives |
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December 8, 2008
  
December 8, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
 What a gift all of you are to
Sharon and me! I would like to thank those of you who were able
to attend the largest district Christmas dinner we have had
since I have been the Heartland South District Superintendent.
The food was fantastic, and the fellowship was the perfect way
to begin Advent. In addition, we will cherish for years to come
the gift of the special song written by Peggy Eshelman, entitled
Cody’s 12 Days of Christmas (that I will have framed for
my office) and the humorous ode written by David Maggi. All of
these special gifts and wonderful times we share are lasting
reminders of God’s presence and love we feel during this sacred
and joyful season and throughout the year.
I also appreciated the music of
the Warrensburg High School Band. I witnessed a few heads,
hands, and feet moving along with mine as the twenty-piece band
performed for our gathering. My hope is that it helped you to
begin to have a jazzy holiday season with families and friends
during this busy time of year.
In visiting with many of you
during the evening, I was thinking about the laughter and warmth
of each table. I was recalling the many signs of fruitfulness
the past year in our district. The personal joy for me has been
to experience passionate worship services, dynamic preaching,
and laity who could not wait to tell me about the powerful
ministries in their church. We have together been a part of
transforming learning events and opportunities to grow as
learning leaders. I have walked with some of you through
unexpected sorrows and challenges in your life and church. It
has been a blessing to know we can hold one another up as God
holds us together.
At the same time, we rejoice
during this Advent season as we celebrate with colleagues who
have initiated new ministries and completed new additions to
their buildings and rejoice in the increase of churches reaching
out to youth/young adults. We celebrate new marriages in our
families, marriage engagements, the birth of grandchildren, and
the wonderful news of those who will have their first child. I
am grateful for those who have successfully worked toward a plan
to pay apportionments in full and those who have remembered to
assist with vital ministries that speak to our call to social
justice.
I pause also to reflect upon the
closing of two wonderful congregations that have a rich history
and have made a real difference in the lives of many—the
closings of the LaDue and Warren Street churches. My heart aches
as they conclude their ministry among us, but I rejoice in what
great things they have done for the glory of God and the gifts
they offer a waiting congregation. I hope you will take a moment
to write a note of appreciation to the pastors and churches for
their faithfulness.
I want to conclude this message
with the words from one of my favorite theologians and writers,
Howard Thurman, entitled The Work of Christmas:
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is
stilled,
When the star in the sky is
gone,
When the kings and princes are
home,
When the shepherds are back with
their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among sisters and
brothers,
To make music in the heart.
In Christmas Joy and Peace to
all,
Cody
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November 24, 2008
Giving
Thanks!
 Thanksgiving
is a time of sharing, eating, memories, laughter, football
games, the parade on TV, gratitude for the people in our
lives, and commitment to those who will struggle this year
because of the economy, the war and the fatigue of just
trying to make it through life.
I am
reflecting upon a call from my oldest daughter while I was
traveling back from Sedalia, Missouri. She has recently
relocated to Tampa, Florida, as a new clinical psychologist.
As a single mom, she has experienced the normal transitions
a parent has when moving to a new setting. It is also a joy
because she is now a half hour away from our middle daughter
and her family. She presently has heavy debt from school
loans and has had unexpected emergencies that all of our
children go through. Crystal is a strong, independent and
loving daughter who believes in God to see her through every
day.
On this
particular evening, she was calling me to request that I
secretly ask her youngest sister what she wanted for
Christmas this year. With a tight budget she wanted to get
something that was a practical gift. She was working on her
list for relatives and was making wise decisions based on
her finances, which has not always been the case. I had
already given the speech that we don’t need to exchange
gifts this year in light of the economy, but she explained
they will not be the routine gift giving; these will reflect
simple gifts from the heart. I then asked her what she and
my granddaughter Zoey needed this year. She responded, “Dad,
we don’t need anything. You know our situation: we are
blessed with a place to sleep, food to eat, and have a
wonderful supportive family. All I want this year are your
continued prayers.”
I was
moved to tears as we ended the conversation on the cell
phone. I began to think of my many blessings that include:
family, friends, spiritual directors, colleagues, Nancy Esry
(my new administrative assistant), a fantastic district
team, risk-taking pastors and invaluable spouses, gifted
laity who bring new energy to me and the church, our devoted
retired pastors and leaders in extended ministries, our
Bishop and Cabinet partners, those who stretch me with
differences and great discernment, and an understanding wife
who accepts me with all my faults and failures. I am richly
blessed by a great cloud of witnesses whose voices cheer me
on and by a merciful and gracious God who provides all my
needs, when I am weak and when I am strong.
When you
think about it, our gratitude extends from earth to heaven,
from time to eternity, for the challenges of life and
ministry that keep us on our toes and on our knees and call
forth the best from us. God is good all the time!
 May
your deepest thanksgiving to God be found: around your
family table this week or perhaps in a phone call from a
loved one or an overdue needed night’s rest, in being a cup
of cold water for a thirsty soul and from our daily prayers!
With a
grateful heart,
Cody
** Picture one is John Holyfield's new "Daddy's
Promise"
Picture two at left is
Blessing II by the same artist.
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October 27,
2008
 
Clergy Day Apart:
Sedalia Oct. 21, Celebration Center First Sedalia UMC
Local Pastor's Day Apart:
Lee's Summit Oct. 25 Grace UMC
Click on pictures to see larger images
Dear Colleagues,
I have been reflecting upon Paul
Borden’s timely book,
Direct Hit – Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field. The
author discusses three vital teams needed today in order to move
dysfunctional churches to healthy, and declining to growing churches.
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Team one is the prayer team who
will commit themselves to praying regularly for changes that
lead to health, growth and what Borden calls reproduction.
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Team two is the vision team or
dream team. These are the idea people who help with sharing the
urgency and create vision in order to address the urgency.
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And then there are team three
leaders whom the pastor recruits and trains to help implement
change. The pastor teaches the team that leaders are passionate,
courageous, flexible, missional, wise, and positive people who
take responsibility for leading.
I would also contend that the pastor
should model these vital characteristics.
In addition, one of the most important
statements Paul Borden makes, which I believe is critical for the
success of ministry today, is the following, “Leading change is a
difficult and risky task. The more one is alone in attempting the task,
the greater challenge.”
We have had a number of outstanding
opportunities recently for gathering together for learning in our
district and conference: the Pastors’ Day Apart in Sedalia and the Local
Pastors’ Day Apart in Lee’s Summit (pictures above of some of the
participants at the events), the recent Church on the Move Conference,
Boundaries Training, the Pastor’s Leadership Development group meeting
monthly at Woods Chapel, the Mid-Size and Large-Size Church gathering,
the Pettis County 2020 team, the Clinton cooperative ministries and
shared youth groups meeting throughout the district. These all reflect
opportunities for us to connect and remember our need to pray for one
another, share creative ideas of what we do well, and develop skills for
preparing leaders for change as we work as change agents.
It is exciting and heart warming for me
to see the many ways we are a part of the renewal of the church and that
we as leaders are choosing to work together for transformational change
in our local church. A few sit alone in dying, dysfunctional churches
across our denomination, overwhelmed, depressed, complaining about too
many meetings, often cynical, and feeling unappreciated, waiting for the
right appointment. They miss the power of community and the powerful
witness of what God is doing within our covenant community.
Although we may not meet very much or
be able to attend all of the learning events of our district and
conference, I am thankful that I see many of you reaching out to
identify the spiritual leaders that cause your soul to sing, write,
teach, preach, witness to the hope of Christ. For me the best part of
ministry is the fun, fellowship and faith of colleagues in risk-taking
mission and service to the world.
May we never lose the value of
constantly having a deep and abiding walk with God and our sisters and
brothers on the journey!
Blessings,
Cody
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September 4,
2008
Dear Colleagues in Ministry,
 I
hope you have had a great summer with time for yourself and with others
- in a way that helps you to be ready to "make disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world." My expectation and prayer for you
comes from John Wesley's General Rules: Guide me each day,
Lord, to do no harm, to do good, and assist me in loving relationships
with you and my neighbor.
I want to lift up several key events for the fall and clarify the
expectations for the upcoming Quadrennial Boundaries Training Event:
September 20 (Wood's Chapel) and October 10 (Campbell in Springfield)
Quadrennial
Boundaries Training
All pastors under appointment are required
to attend one of the professional boundaries training events offered in
the conference this year. If you are unable to attend one of the
scheduled sessions, please let me know by
email. Participants
are asked to read: Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations by Karen A.
McClintock. You may pick up your book at the
District Office, after you have registered for the event.
After you have read the book, you have several options for reporting to
me what new learning or insights you feel will be helpful to you and
your congregation in the future.
First Option: You can submit a
two-page single spaced typed reflection paper.
Second Option: Prepare for your
church newsletter a brief article to the congregation on the
subject, with a goal of ensuring that the congregation strives to be
a safe, healthy, and respectful community of faith.
Third Option: Write a brief
sermon outline that would be helpful in sexual abuse prevention.
Ultimately, I will need to sign a covenant
agreement following the training event you
attend and include in your file one of the options you have chosen to
use.
September 27: Church
on the Move Conference
St. Paul's UMC Joplin and First UMC Sedalia are teaming up again to
bring new creative and innovative ways to jump-start your ministry. The
purpose is to help local church leaders look at their future with the
hope that God wants to give to all of us. Strategic areas and practical
approaches will be offered. Register on line at
http://www.firstsayyes.com/move_form.html
October 21:Pastor's Day Apart - Strengthening the Soul of Your
Leadership
Heartland South pastors are invited to a special day of health and
wholeness as we meet at the Celebration Center in Sedalia. The day apart
is set for 9:30 - 4:00 pm. The day will include: soul care, tips for
becoming healthier physically and mentally, developing spiritual habits
in the midst of conflict, and a time for fun and fellowship.
December 4: District Christmas Dinner/Party with Sharon and Cody
This very special event for clergy and families will be held at First
UMC, Warrensburg, Missouri, beginning at 6:00 pm.
I have just mailed to you 2009 Conference Apportionments and Calendar
events for 2008-2009. Further information will be sent along the way on
the unique opportunities for your professional growth and support in the
future. District apportionments will be sent out
shortly. In addition, I hope you are making every effort to pay 100% of
the Conference Apportionments for this year.
As you can see by the calendar, there are many outstanding events being
offered by our conference and district. In light of all these events and
because I know your very demanding schedules, you will note that we will
not have a Pastors' Meeting in September, and we will not be having a
special District meeting/celebration.
It is my prayer that you will carefully review the calendar and
Conference web site to
identify the learning events that best meet your needs and those of your
congregation.
I look forward to a spiritually enriching time at the fall charge
conferences and special worship services in the district.
May you continue to look back and thank God. Look forward and trust
God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God
Your traveling friend on the journey,
Cody
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June 30
Blessed
is the influence of one true loving soul on another: - George
Eliot
 I
am remembering the very hectic move our young family experienced
from our home in Tennessee to our new appointment in the former
Missouri West Conference. It was two days before we were scheduled
to leave, and it was our goal to make sure we were ready when the
Allied Van Lines truck was to show up. We found ourselves struggling
to finish packing for the long trip ahead. We were excited about
this new venture; however, Sharon and I had difficulty saying
goodbye to a wonderful church, fighting to hold back tears as we
continued to hug our close-knit family members, and, of course,
convincing our older daughter that she would make new friends.
As we started the next morning plotting out the day, the movers met
us at the door-a day early-ready to load the van. We were not
finished with packing and began to talk with the company about the
dilemma. They shared that it was now or wait a couple weeks. So we
all looked at each other with a frantic kind of expression and
started to put everything we could in a box or our station wagon. We
decided not to rush, but just to get the essentials in the truck and
worry about the rest later.
We were proud of ourselves for helping the movers, in about six
hours, head out to the Show Me State. We had informed Allied Van
Lines in great detail where we wanted our furniture and marked the
boxes to show where we wanted things placed. The conference office
had Virginia Ludwig, a wonderful staff member, waiting to let the
movers in while we casually drove to our new setting of ministry.
When we finally arrived, dreaming about a good night's rest, we
unlocked the front door and discovered that the movers had left our
furniture and boxes in the middle of the floor. We could barely get
into the parsonage.
Once we got over the initial shock, our family was blessed with the
help from a few staff members from the conference office. I was
forever grateful for my Mom, who had come to watch the kids for us
and help organize. I was thankful for the visits of Mary Hampton
from Centennial UMC, who rushed over with food and soft drinks.
Shortly we began to receive all kinds of expressions of support that
continued into the weeks and months that followed; these eventually
calmed our fears about our decision to become a member of a new
conference.
There were phone calls from pastors sharing their greetings and
support. Laity from a variety of UM churches within the community
asked how they could help us in the transition. And we will never
forget the special feeling of radical hospitality that we got as we
were introduced at Annual Conference that year. It was the
affirmation of all of these heartfelt actions that let us know that
God was at work in this adventurous faith journey.
I imagine many of you have stories similar to ours about the
emotional drain of traveling to a new place of ministry, yet with
the excitement about the possibilities of serving in a new
appointment. In addition, you could probably name the people and
reflect upon the calls and notes of encouragement that enabled you
to be ready to receive and share the abundance of God's love.
I want to invite you to take a moment to give a call to welcome some
of the new colleagues who have moved to the Heartland South District
this week (listed below) and let them know how much you appreciate
the gifts they bring to the Heartland South District. You may want
to invite them to lunch with other pastors in the area or see if
they might be interested in becoming a part of your covenant group.
You could pray for them over the phone as one our colleagues in the
district does for me on occasions.
I am a witness that such random acts of kindness can quickly move
all the heavy stuff physically and mentally in front of you and
replace it with a real sense of community and the presence of
Christ!
We give thanks and praise for the following new learning leaders and
their families in the district:
Robert Sefrit - Appleton
City/Montrose
Susan Smith - Chilhowee/Norris
Cynthia Dubovich -
Creighton/Lucas
Sherri Purdom -
Florence/Goodwill Chapel
Jerry Crone - Lake Creek
David Hutchison -
Lee's Summit (Associate)
Christopher Ruddell -
NORTHWEST PETTIS Charge
Mark Kailbourn - Rich Hill
Jeremy Blevins -
St. Paul's (Raymore) Associate
Mark Dareing -
Virginia
Rick Adams - Wesley (Sedalia)
Clayton Withers -
Woods Chapel (Lee's Summit) Associate
Bob Jeppson - Woods
Chapel (Odessa), Wesley Chapel (Kingsville)
Laura Wilson - Extension
Ministry - Chaplain, Vitas Innovative Hospice
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June 12, 2008 Annual Conference Pictures **
  
Dear
Partners in Christ,
I am
returning from Annual Conference this week excited about our time
together that reflected a church and conference with a future of
hope. I want to personally thank each of you for the generous
offering from our district to the special offering for the “Nothing
but Nets Basketball” during conference. Although we did not bring
home the winning Basketball for the district raising the most money,
we definitely revealed the Heart of our district that is on the ball
for missions!
In
addition, it is a blessing to welcome back each of you who are
returning to the Heartland South District for another year and those
who are new to the district.
We
welcome to our district this year the following that are new to our
covenant community: Robert Sefrit, Susan A. Smith, Cynthia Dubovich,
Christopher Ruddell, Richard Adams, and Clayton Withers. It is also
a joy to have Barbara Bowser returning to our district family.
As many
of you may be aware, the conference used a new method for announcing
the appointments, using the United Methodist Reporter to print the
appointments. This enabled the conference to save on the cost of
printing and staff time. Unfortunately, a formatting glitch resulted
in the last several churches and extension ministries being dropped
from the list of several districts. I have been assured by the
conference office that this will be corrected in the next issue of
the
Missouri Conference Review.
Please know of my deep regret that we did not have all of our
appointments printed, even though a complete list was sent from our
office. You will also note that our district, along with several
other districts, is still working on completing part-time
appointments that should be in place soon.
Most of
you are aware of the opportunity to participate in the
Pastors Leadership Development
Initiative. Bob Farr talked with us about it at our
January pastors meeting, and you heard the invitation also at Annual
Conference. If you would like to take advantage of this fine
opportunity, please call the district office and talk with me or
with one of our support staff (816-743-9098).
I look
forward to seeing many of you at our annual District Picnic,
Friday, August 1, 2008,
at
Powell Gardens.
Please note the change from Thursday to Friday because of the
schedule of the location of the picnic. Although this is family
night for some of you, I hope you will join us for a time of fun and
fellowship.
Prayer concerns
continue for Roger McKee, Jeremy Vickers, Stephanie Moore, Patrick
Moore, Jackson Short, Elroy Hines, Shelby Seelinger, Jim Fulbright,
Steve McQueen and our church families.
Your brother in
Christ,
Cody
** These pictures from
Annual Conference represent.
More on
the Conference web site
The Watoto
Children's Choir that will be
in the district this week.
Cody giving the report from General
Conference.
About General Conf.
Rev. Jim Hoffman, Heartland South clergy, being ordained
The crowd at the Springfield Expo
Center, almost 1000 strong and still cold
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May 16, 2008
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Dear Colleagues,
The Peace of the Lord be with you as we
celebrate a future with Hope as a church!
I am writing to you today with a sense of
renewed excitement and commitment as The United Methodist Church now
embarks upon a new journey with Hope into God’s future. I do not know if
persons ever leave General Conference feeling that they are happy about
all
of the church’s decisions, but I do want to
share several signs of hope that were significant for me:
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There were signs
of hope from our Episcopal leaders of the church and delegates who
were intentional about Holy Conferencing that included: prayer, open
and respectful conversation in legislative committees,
accountability for speaking in love on the Conference floor and a
spirit that, with God, all things are possible. While I wished there
were different voices willing to speak to issues throughout the
conference, it was gratifying to see for the first time young adults
(some from our own Missouri Delegation) addressing key petitions.
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There were signs
of hope from the life-changing witness of our brothers and sisters
from the Central Conferences. In my legislative group, I made a
special connection with
Carlos Tchihuto from Eastern Angola who shared the risks and
joys of being a pastor in Angola. He shared with me the tremendous
growth of his “small” church of 1,500 worshipers, where he travels
on a bike for days to get from one destination to the next and has
not been paid a salary for the past three years. His wife, who is a
nurse, supports their family. His faith caused my soul to sing as he
talked about the support from the UMC.
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There were also
signs of hope that after attending five General Conferences, I see
the church finally understanding that we need greater focus, and not
programs, to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation
of the world.” (Our new mission statement). The tasks for you and me
in the days ahead are to: teach the Wesleyan model of reaching and
forming disciples of Jesus Christ, strengthen clergy and lay
leadership, develop new congregations, transform existing
congregations, end racism as the church authentically expands racial
and ethnic ministries, reach and transform the lives of new
generations of children, and eliminate poverty in community with the
poor.
Finally, people who join the United Methodist Church henceforth will
promise to be faithful in “their witness” as well as in their “prayers,
their presence, their gifts and their service.” May it be true of all of
us as we go forth with such great signs of a hopeful future!
I
look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday at our pre-conference
meeting!
Cody
***
This communion table, used at General
Conference, was created from the destruction at
Camp Gulfside during Hurricane Katrina This area
has been visited by many of our Heartland South congregations.
it is symbolic of the "future of hope" now being experienced by many on
the Gulf Coast because of the shared love of Jesus Christ.
General Conference news.
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April 8, 2008
Take a minute to visualize your relationship with your parishioners.
While attending cabinet meetings, I am
privy to all kinds of images. Some clergy-church relationships are like
two mules pulling in opposite directions. Other clergy are like
passengers in a speeding car hanging on for dear life while praying that
those steering don't run off the road. Some clergy and congregations
are in troubled seas together and just trying to stay afloat.
Most images of churches and pastors in our district are
like the one described by the refrain of "Here I Am, Lord," # 593 in the
UM hymnal. The refrain concludes with, "I will hold your people in my
heart." I am grateful to serve a district where churches hold each
other in their hearts. Overwhelmingly our churches are enthusiastic
about helping one another. Our congregations and pastors are not
competitive but eager to offer the best ministry possible to all those
we serve.
This is especially true when churches and
pastors encounter difficult times. We hold each other, our families,
and the ministries of our churches in our hearts. This image is
particularly important to me as appointments are made and as my thoughts
turn to General Conference in mid-April. Please hold the members of
the Missouri Delegation to General Conference and the United Methodist
Church in your hearts as well as these members of our district family.
Jeremy Vickers (Grace in Lee's Summit) Congratulations as he gets
married to Jill Rilinger on April 12.
Matt Gallion, as together we work to develop a new model for campus
ministry at the University of Central Missouri.
Jackson Short (Leeton/Zion Hill), who will have surgery on April 17.
Retired clergy, Elroy Hines, who recently had surgery.
Taylor Briggs, teenage daughter of Margie Briggs (Calhoun/Drake's
Chapel).
Esther Crain, mother of Donna Trollinger (LaMonte).
Sherelene Cripe, wife of Kenny Cripe (Georgetown).
Steven Shearer (Incapacity leave).
Mary Ann Mustoe, wife of Brent Mustoe (Aldersgate), as she continues to
recuperate from a fall.
Jim and Susan Fulbright (Susan will be having lung surgery).
Stephanie and Patrick Moore (Patrick has been deployed overseas).
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March 9, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
Every year thousands of people climb a mountain in the Italian Alps,
passing the "stations of the cross" to stand at an outdoor crucifix. One
of the tourists was intrigued by a little trail that was beyond the
cross. He decided to leave the group and follow the rough thicket and,
to his surprise, he discovered another shrine that symbolized the empty
tomb. It had been neglected. The brush had grown up around it. People
continued to be led year after year as far as the cross, but there they
stopped.
I believe far too many people have gotten to the cross, but have not
moved beyond to the hope of the Easter message of an empty tomb. Many
will come Sunday in need of good news as they are running on empty.
There will be people tired and frustrated by the bombardment of bad news
of family concerns, broken relationships, political fights, militant
attacks in Jerusalem and the horror of famine. And our scriptures must
speak in the midst of those who are rushing out to buy the perfect
outfit for Easter and looking ahead to chocolate bunnies and Easter egg
hunts.
Yet, I had a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Easter as I
returned from cabinet last week. Barbara Webb, our administrative
assistant, purchased for everyone in the office miniature daffodil
plants to set on our desk. She smiled and said, "This is to let you know
spring is coming." It also helped me to move beyond the cross of so many
concerns and seek to find, devotionally, a different trail that leads me
to an empty tomb.
I cannot tell you how good it feels every time I go back and forth in
the office now and see that little plant speaking to me with the words,
"He is risen!" It also reminds me that you and I can be resurrected
too!
May it be so,
Cody
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January 23, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
As I pause this week to reflect upon the
life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am
reminded of the important statement he made during his acceptance
speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.
I refuse to accept the view that
[humankind] is so tragically
bound to the starless midnights of
racism and war that the
bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood
[and sisterhood]
can never become a reality.
It is my prayer for our church,
community and global world that these words will ring out as our
belief too; and that we will continue to seek the strength to love
and to make such a dream a reality in our time.
In 2008, there are still far too many
people who assume that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
are easily afforded to everyone regardless of race, gender or class.
Our task from the pulpit to the streets is to model a faith that
loves more fully and works more powerfully for global justice, peace
and freedom--United Methodist drum majors who affirm and live out
the unity we seek in our everyday lives. May it be so!
I am hopeful that you have let our
office know which of the Pastors' meetings (Woods Chapel, Jan. 29,
or Celebration Center, Jan. 31, 2008) you are able to attend next
week. I am confidant you will be blessed by the presenters and
fellowship of our covenant community.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Cody
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January
1, 2008
 Dear
Friends,
My wife, who teaches second grade, shared the
following story with me: At the beginning of a New Year, a high school principal
decided to post her teachers' New Year's resolutions on the bulletin board. As
the teachers gathered around the bulletin board, a great commotion started. One
of the teachers was complaining, "Why weren't my resolutions posted?" She was
throwing such a temper tantrum that the principle hurried to her office to see
if she had overlooked her resolutions. Sure enough, she had mislaid them on her
desk. As she read her resolutions she was astounded. This teacher's first
resolution was not to let little things upset her in the New Year.
I don't know how you feel about resolutions or how you embrace a new year. It is
clear that I am constantly seeking to not allow the little things to appear to
be bigger than they are for my own well being. I generally resolve at the
beginning of a new year, with my birthday being on January 2, to start the year
right with setting priorities; eating, exercising and working differently;
praying more and talking less; listening more faithfully to those who love me
for who I am; and looking for new resources for building up and supporting
congregations and their leaders.
While going through some of the new books I have received, I was drawn to a
little brown book by Rueben P. Job entitled: Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan
Way of Living. In it, Bishop Job reflects upon the fact that we often face
groups that are in conflict, sometimes over important issues and at other times
issues that are silly. Secondly, he shares that we are living in a culture that
turns away from social and economic injustice, seeks to be in control, and
provides rich benefits for very few people. And finally, the Bishop suggests
that we must practice daily spiritual disciplines that help us to be in the
position to hear God's direction and promise for our lives.
The book reminded me of how important it is in a new year to follow again John
Wesley's way of living: To do no harm, do good, and stay in Love with God. I
believe this blueprint for ministry will keep each us faithful, fruitful and
free to give our best to each day.
May it be so,
Cody
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