the Methodist Community

I recently conducted a workshop entitled “Technology in the Pulpit”.  It was designed to explore many of the ways that computers and its attending technology can be used not only in the pulpit but in other ways to facilitate evangelism and the work of the church.  This include exploring how to become a blogger.

For me, it was an interesting time because it allowed me to do what I am supposed to be doing, teaching, and in an area that I have explored since it became part of the educational and religious landscapes some twenty years ago.

More importantly, the two “graduates” of the workshop are now bloggers in their own right and a part of the Methodist Blogging community.  They are

1. The Odd Thought, and
2. Living Water

Please visit their sites and help welcome them to the neighborhood.

It is with sad news that we share the word that GracePoint UMC will be closing its doors. Quite a bit of energy was spent around the break up of GracePoint UMC into GracePoint Community Church in our methoblogosphere (not to mention to congregations involved). Bishop Scott Jones is quoted,

 

"We would have liked to continue the GracePoint United Methodist congregation. Unfortunately, there were not enough remaining members to continue the congregation," Kansas United Methodist Bishop Scott Jones said in a news release issued today. "We are disappointed that things worked out this way."

 

Andrew Conard shares his thoughts saying,

 

I believe that the new church start that was GracePoint UMC has been and will continue to bear fruit in God’s kingdom.

It is okay that the new church start that was GracePoint UMC did not work out for the Kansas West Annual Conference or the United Methodist Church. I believe that the annual conference should be about starting more new churches, not less as a result of this scenario.

 

I mentioned similar sentiments to Andrew upon the breakup that a scenario like this does not need linger in our minds in starting a new church (that they might eventually leave the umc) but that whatever we do, we do faithfully and it will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

 

As we moved into the Advent season we celebrated the life and morned the death of the beloved Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball.

 

I personally met the reverend at Youth 2007, a quadrennial global um youth event. She was one of our speakers and being cool like I am (not) I was back stage to briefly meet this pastor I had heard so much about. Her words were graceful and love filled to the congregation of 7,000 teenagers. She shared of her fight with cancer and her friendship with Celia Whitler, who is where I first heard of her passing.

 

The methoblogosphere community, not to mention her facebook pages, has errupted in an outpouring of celebration of the woman that meant so much to so many.

 

Amy has a wonderful posting, sharing an intimate and powerful witness of her baptizing individuals while in the deep days of hospice care.

 

Eric shares a his emotional thoughts being close to the family (receiving a call from Bill, her husband).

 

No blog, no memorial, can ever be eloquent enough to honor the life of such an incredible woman.

 

One thing I know as a member of the United Methodist Church and constant observer of the church. We are not the best at uplifting all the gifted people in our church as examples for others (especially the younger ones whom I am most concerned with) especially the women in leadership of the church. It is sad to not only feel the loss of a young mother, but a gifted pastor who had not only been recognized by her own tribes, but the church as a whole for all to see and be inspired by. This week is a true loss for the Baskin-Ball family and friends as well as our church.

To all, I received the following from a pastor in my district yesterday:
There is a 16 month old girl in my congregation who will be going in to the hospital on July 7 for surgery to close a hole in her heart. The family is in need of prayers.

The girl is Molly
Her sister is Skylee
Her mom and dad are Melissa and Michael.
There are grandparents, siblings to the parents and other relatives and friends of the family to remember in prayer also.

If you are members of churches or other religious communities, would you please ask them to add Molly to their prayer lists. If you know other prayer warriors, please enlist them.

We are also looking for people who will commit to being in prayer for the 7 hours or more that the surgery will be taking place.

If you will let me know of your involvement, I will forward the information to the congregation.

In Christ's name,
Dr. Tony