Jesus and Me ... and the Cats

Acts 2:42-47 Hebrews 10:19-25 In the past two weeks, we've learned about Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island in South Carolina. It is thought to be one of the oldest living things in the country, estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old. We've learned that one of the keys to it's long-life and continued thriving is that there is as much tree underground in it's root system as there is above ground. Another key element that has been added over the last last twenty-six years is that it has become a part of the Charleston, South Carolina, community. In 1991, The City of Charleston bought the tree and the surrounding park. The Angel Oak Tree has come to symbolize Charleston. In 2012, plans to build a 500-unit apartment complex 160 yards from Angel Oak were challenged in court by community conservation groups. By December, 2013, 17 acres adjacent to this majestic tree were set aside as a nature preserve. We were created to be in community with God an...

We're continuing to explore the concept of "Striving to Thrive" as individual Christians and the Church.  My inspiration for this series came from the song, "Thrive" by Casting Crowns, and the guiding metaphor of the tree is from the book, Thrive , by Mark Hall. John 15:1-8 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 When a person joins a local congregation of the United Methodist Church, they promise to participate in the ministries of that church by their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.  For me, it's like a vow to thrive, both as a member in the community of the local church, by rooting ourselves in our faith in God through Christ and reaching out to the world like the branches of a great tree.   We're going to dive deep into what God has for us by "Praying to Thrive." “No prayer, no power.  Little prayer, little power.  Much prayer, much power!”   Bishop  Calvin Trimble, Bishop for the Iowa Conference UMC. What do you call a tree ...

The Angel Oak Tree, Jones Island Park, South Carolina Matthew 22:15-22 Psalm 1 Here's a modern fable you may be familiar with: A Pig and a Chicken are walking down the road. The Chicken says: "Hey Pig, I was thinking we should open a restaurant!" Pig replies: "Hm, maybe, what would we call it?" The Chicken responds: "How about 'ham-n-eggs'?" The Pig thinks for a moment and says: "No thanks. I'd be committed, but you'd only be involved." What can this story along with a Roman coin and an oak tree teach us about thriving as Christians and as the church. Every living creature on this planet seeks to flourish, from single cell organisms to plants to animals to human beings. We are created with the desire to become all we can be and to live purpose-filled and meaningful lives; in other words, to thrive. Whether it's to be in best physical condition we can be or to de...

Isaiah 52:7-10 Romans 8:31-37 Each year, United Methodists ministers are appointed to a one year term from July 1 st to June 30 th each year. Each year I share with my congregation what I believe is God's vision for  our community of faith that I believe God has laid upon my heart.  I hope this is is meaningful for all Christians. You know, we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. We were made to be glorious, to shine with Christ's love like stars in the night sky. We were made to have beautiful feet, to dance upon mountains declaring peace, salvation and God's presence with us. We were made to sing out the good news, the redemption of God, to all the world, To speak the Word of God that is life forming and life transforming. Our destiny as the children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ is to experience joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable and love that is unstoppable. We were made to be in relationship with God through Christ that...