A Life Well Lived
Bill was born in 1919 in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed away in Gulf Breeze in 2009. During those 89 years, Bill, as his family and friends called him, raised himself from a poor, broken home to live an outstanding life.
He was married to the same woman for over 60 years and was the father of four, three daughters and a son. For a time, Bill served as the State’s Chief Marine Biologist, but eventually resigned to work for the EPA because it would keep him closer to his family. He pioneered “clean air and water standards” long before “going green” was hip or cool. And, he championed procedures for protecting the environment long before such processes rooted themselves in our daily lives.
And, Bill loved his family and his God—to love one was to love and be committed to the other he liked to say. Bill spent lots of time with his family long before “the family table” became the next catch phrase, and he learned the importance of serving and caring for the under-resourced at a time when “person salvation” was the prominent theological conversation. Not only did loving “his family” matter, but caring for the family of God was just as important.
Alzheimer’s finally took Bill’s life, but nothing could steal the impressive legacy his left behind. Even during the final days of his life, he would encourage folks to say the Lord’s Prayer with him, even if he was unable to remember their names, and he always, always wished people a “good day”, even if, as his family said, he was having trouble remember “which day” it actually was.
Some things are so ingrained in us, so deep into our souls that even Alzheimer’s can’t take them away. A person’s life is more than the sum of what we can say, or do, or put on a resume. Our character should ooze from us, even when we are unable to define it, proclaim it or even understand it ourselves. Such was the case with Bill.
This week, I had the privilege of officiating at Bill’s funeral. Listening to friends and family describe this now small, frail man, and knowing how we loved life and cared for those people and places that mattered most to him, reminded me that much of what we do in this world outlives even the fragile shell of this body.
I was reminded that what we say and do and care about in this world matters for more than the ways they will measure our fame, place or standing, but for how people, many whom we do not even know, will be watching, and for how this witness we bear, even with those we don’t see looking, will far outpace our titles, positions or accomplishments.
It reminds me of when Jesus, in Matthew 5: 13-16, says to the disciples that they are the “Salt of the earth…” and the “Light of the world”. Neither is meant to set the disciples apart from the world, but, on the contrary, places them “smack dab in the middle of it”. And, best of all, we represent the One who has loved us first and most and best. That is a line on the resume worth having, a title that can’t ever be taken away.
So, over the next days, we would do well to assess our place in this world, but not according to the standards the world so often considers important, but according to the life of the One to whom we witness or at least should. I believe we will find a ‘real legacy” for real life that will outpace and outlive even our years on this planet.
Bill did, and it made all the difference. He lived as “Salt and Light” and it mattered.
Worship Matters
Last week, Ruth Knights took us to the river in the close to our Blockbuster Series with “O’ Brother Where Art Thou” and Scott negotiated the danger of the Pirates of the Caribbean. And, of course, Jack provided a wonderful interpretation through the series “How Great Thou Art” with a live artist working as the sermon unfolded.
This week, all three campuses began a new sermon series entitled, “Vacation”. At GBUMC Soundside, Scott addresses the basics of “vacation” and our need for rest. While Jack will discuss the items “we leave behind” when we go on vacation at GBUMC W@W.
And, at GBUMC Fairpoint, I will ask the question “Where do you go to rest?” and will use the wonderful scripture from Matthew 11: 28-30 to discuss Jesus’ desire that all of us find rest and peace in Him. I am very happy to be back you at Fairpoint and look forward to Sunday!
I love you.
Be Salt and Light... You Matter!
Shane
Matthew 5: 13-16
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Changes...
Many have written to offer their prayers, support and encouragement in my recent decision to step down as host of The United Methodist Hour. I appreciate your concerns, and, especially, the way you have shared your heart with me and my family.
But, several of you have asked for the "real story". "Why are you really leaving the Hour?" and "I heard this..." and "I heard that..."
Well... the whole story, though not nearly as tantalizing as the rumors, is a bit long and complicated.
When I was appointed as Senior Pastor of Gulf Breeze UMC this past March, I offered and The Hour accepted that I remain as the host of The United Methodist Hour for free for as long as necessary or until the Board decided to go in another direction.
Over the past weeks since taking on the position with GBUMC full time, I have kept my taping schedule active, though never taking away from what GBUMC needed. And, I believe The Hour was served well, too, mainly because Anthony Thaxton and Mike Boucher made sure the new taping schedule would work. And, it did work.
But, there were and are other issues at play. Three years ago, I took the Hour in a new direction in both terms of programming and also the long range vision for the ministry-- a vision that has led us into podcasting and on to FamilyNet. Some on the Board of Directors and within the Mississippi Annual Conference liked the new direction; others did not. We have moved forward, but not without our share of disagreements over what would work and what needed to be the core of our ministry.
NEITHER SIDE of this discussion is WRONG; we simply disagree as to where the ministry goes from here.
The Hour deserves an opportunity to move forward continuing the vision it has lived out for the past 40 years. And, I must remain faithful to what God has placed on my heart for my teaching ministry.
I truly respect and cherish the past three years. It has taught me a great deal about media ministry, introduced me to great people (some who have become my dearest friends) and provided a new frame for ministry through technology that most people never have the chance to experience.
Yes, God has other things in store for both of us--- The Hour and me.
Over the next weeks, you will be hearing more about "Making Life Matter" and "Gulf Breeze Global", two approaches to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I look forward to.
And, I know The Hour will also have new chapters and places that God will lead it as well.
I recently finished Timothy Keller's "The Prodigal God". It is an amazing book about a story that many of us "think" we know, but ultimately have only a passing knowledge-- The Parable of the Lost Son.
In essence, it is a story about two sons from two very different places. What both miss is the gracious abandon by which the Father loves them and encourages both of them to live within the light and "freedom" of His grace. The reckless nature of the younger son and the rules of the older son keep both from living the real wealth and treasure of their inheritance-- within the Father's hope that they may both reach their potential. Neither are right... both miss the mark. One just misses it with more flare. I have been and continue to be both "sons" in my life. How about you?
We have much to share and live out over the next years. God has given me the privilege to share and love and follow Him. I don't want to miss one single moment. I don't want you to either.
Whatever our struggles and disagreements have been about style, direction and future for the ministry; what has not changed is the love for sharing the Good News, resourcing the local church and providing hope as the "hands and feet of Jesus" in the world. The Hour has a long history of faithful service in this, and it has been a joy to be a part of it.
I want to take a moment to thank folks like Jim Golden, Carolyn Hood, Ann Pace, Mike Boucher and Anthony Thaxton for carrying so many of the details of the ministry. It has been a privilege to work with you.
And, my sincere hope is that The Hour will be ALL that God needs her to be in the future.
So, now we turn back to the horizon and what God has in store for us over the next hill. There is much to do..
Be Salt and Light... You Matter!
Shane
Many have written to offer their prayers, support and encouragement in my recent decision to step down as host of The United Methodist Hour. I appreciate your concerns, and, especially, the way you have shared your heart with me and my family.
But, several of you have asked for the "real story". "Why are you really leaving the Hour?" and "I heard this..." and "I heard that..."
Well... the whole story, though not nearly as tantalizing as the rumors, is a bit long and complicated.
When I was appointed as Senior Pastor of Gulf Breeze UMC this past March, I offered and The Hour accepted that I remain as the host of The United Methodist Hour for free for as long as necessary or until the Board decided to go in another direction.
Over the past weeks since taking on the position with GBUMC full time, I have kept my taping schedule active, though never taking away from what GBUMC needed. And, I believe The Hour was served well, too, mainly because Anthony Thaxton and Mike Boucher made sure the new taping schedule would work. And, it did work.
But, there were and are other issues at play. Three years ago, I took the Hour in a new direction in both terms of programming and also the long range vision for the ministry-- a vision that has led us into podcasting and on to FamilyNet. Some on the Board of Directors and within the Mississippi Annual Conference liked the new direction; others did not. We have moved forward, but not without our share of disagreements over what would work and what needed to be the core of our ministry.
NEITHER SIDE of this discussion is WRONG; we simply disagree as to where the ministry goes from here.
The Hour deserves an opportunity to move forward continuing the vision it has lived out for the past 40 years. And, I must remain faithful to what God has placed on my heart for my teaching ministry.
I truly respect and cherish the past three years. It has taught me a great deal about media ministry, introduced me to great people (some who have become my dearest friends) and provided a new frame for ministry through technology that most people never have the chance to experience.
Yes, God has other things in store for both of us--- The Hour and me.
Over the next weeks, you will be hearing more about "Making Life Matter" and "Gulf Breeze Global", two approaches to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I look forward to.
And, I know The Hour will also have new chapters and places that God will lead it as well.
I recently finished Timothy Keller's "The Prodigal God". It is an amazing book about a story that many of us "think" we know, but ultimately have only a passing knowledge-- The Parable of the Lost Son.
In essence, it is a story about two sons from two very different places. What both miss is the gracious abandon by which the Father loves them and encourages both of them to live within the light and "freedom" of His grace. The reckless nature of the younger son and the rules of the older son keep both from living the real wealth and treasure of their inheritance-- within the Father's hope that they may both reach their potential. Neither are right... both miss the mark. One just misses it with more flare. I have been and continue to be both "sons" in my life. How about you?
We have much to share and live out over the next years. God has given me the privilege to share and love and follow Him. I don't want to miss one single moment. I don't want you to either.
Whatever our struggles and disagreements have been about style, direction and future for the ministry; what has not changed is the love for sharing the Good News, resourcing the local church and providing hope as the "hands and feet of Jesus" in the world. The Hour has a long history of faithful service in this, and it has been a joy to be a part of it.
I want to take a moment to thank folks like Jim Golden, Carolyn Hood, Ann Pace, Mike Boucher and Anthony Thaxton for carrying so many of the details of the ministry. It has been a privilege to work with you.
And, my sincere hope is that The Hour will be ALL that God needs her to be in the future.
So, now we turn back to the horizon and what God has in store for us over the next hill. There is much to do..
Be Salt and Light... You Matter!
Shane
Thursday, July 23, 2009
“Our Gang” Band of Brothers
Yesterday, I put on my “Band of Brothers” wristband, given to me by the Men’s Ministry of Gulf Breeze UMC. It is an important reminder of our commitment to walk the journey together. Not only is Biblical Community one of the most important Biblical imperatives for the Church, but also, personally, it has become a cornerstone of my spiritual walk and life. As Christians, God has wired us to need one another. Our relationships are some of the most sacred expressions of how we represent the image of God in which we were created. Thus, when those relationships shine, the whole world sees and knows it. And, when they don’t… well… the same is true.
The following is an excerpt from my new book, A Positive Life, to be released by Zondervan-Harper Collins next February. The following section discusses a time in my journey when I first learned the importance of small groups and of “doing life together”.
(From Chapter Five: Putting Our Future Where Our Faith Is. A Positive Life, Zondervan Publishing, February 2010)
There were six of us in our tawdry man club. At first (or second) glimpse, we were not much to behold. One was a lawyer, another an accountant. One traveled across the world working for a global telecom company. Another coached basketball until pharmaceutical sales lured him away with more money. Then, there was the former college football player who decided to sell mail-order steaks. And of course, there was the seminary student--- me.
The group began because someone at Sunday School mentioned they liked golf. In no time, there were Saturday golfing dates, lunch after church, and finally, a regularly scheduled “man’s night out” every week. Before you wonder, it was harmless.
Mostly, we enjoyed the company and at least pretending that we were masters of our domain. We beat our chests and talked about how we were the kings of our castles, although most of us lived in apartments, and how much we enjoyed matching wits as we surveyed our kingdoms together. That was, of course, until we went home.
The whole scene reminded me of the Little Rascals or Our Gang from generations before. Spanky, Alfalfa and Buckwheat shouted statements of great manliness all the while subjected to the “Darlas” (the love of Alfalfa’s life) of the world who really pulled the strings. Sooner or later, Spanky and the gang informed Alfalfa that he was up to his neck in “love” with Darla and there was little they could do to save him. Of course, Alfalfa shouted the obligatory “I am not!” and proclaimed his sovereignty, all the while secretly preparing the next poem or gift that would say to Darla “I am sorry for proclaiming my sovereignty and listening to those stupid guys anyway.”
And, ironically, that pretty much described our own tawdry “man club.” Although we didn’t have a Clubhouse, we still met to sing from the man songbook about how we were different and how our wives loved us just like we were, and about how we could do whatever we wanted, until, of course, one of us would look at our watches and say, “Oh it is about time for me to go… I have to be home by 9pm.”
And, yet, there was more to the group than just our bursts of testosterone. For some reason, the Rascals needed the clubhouse. And no matter our insistence on strength and independence, we needed our group, too. No, it wasn’t an escape or distraction from our homes. Truthfully, we have great wives who we love very much. The connection for us is more than just another fraternal order, but a “wiring” issue at the deepest level. There is something important about knowing and being known by your brothers and about being honest enough to become real friends.
Because of this, the relationships weren’t just about golf, dinner, the clubhouse or surface things. Like I am sure many of the off camera scenes at the Our Gang Clubhouse, our discussions included talks of other, deeper things like hopes and dreams and fears and doubts and failures. And, we also wondered about whether we could ever really be who our wives needed, and more importantly, whether or not we could ever become who God expected us to be in the world. The six of us had a place where we could be ourselves, and in the long run, it made us better.
Over the years, the group has dealt with changes and difficult events like the death of a father, a mother’s cancer and a sister’s drug addiction. We have helped each other through marital woes, health crises and job dilemmas. We’ve seen the best and the worst.
I don’t think God is surprised by such groups or by our need to be in community. On the contrary, I believe God wired us up this way, because He knew how doing life together would be so much easier and better than trying to make the trek alone. Over the next weeks, you will hear more about how we will “live life together” in Christ, and how each of us will “love Jesus” and “love like Jesus” in our world. I look forward to those discussions and to what God has in store.
Yesterday, I put on my “Band of Brothers” wristband, given to me by the Men’s Ministry of Gulf Breeze UMC. It is an important reminder of our commitment to walk the journey together. Not only is Biblical Community one of the most important Biblical imperatives for the Church, but also, personally, it has become a cornerstone of my spiritual walk and life. As Christians, God has wired us to need one another. Our relationships are some of the most sacred expressions of how we represent the image of God in which we were created. Thus, when those relationships shine, the whole world sees and knows it. And, when they don’t… well… the same is true.
The following is an excerpt from my new book, A Positive Life, to be released by Zondervan-Harper Collins next February. The following section discusses a time in my journey when I first learned the importance of small groups and of “doing life together”.
(From Chapter Five: Putting Our Future Where Our Faith Is. A Positive Life, Zondervan Publishing, February 2010)
There were six of us in our tawdry man club. At first (or second) glimpse, we were not much to behold. One was a lawyer, another an accountant. One traveled across the world working for a global telecom company. Another coached basketball until pharmaceutical sales lured him away with more money. Then, there was the former college football player who decided to sell mail-order steaks. And of course, there was the seminary student--- me.
The group began because someone at Sunday School mentioned they liked golf. In no time, there were Saturday golfing dates, lunch after church, and finally, a regularly scheduled “man’s night out” every week. Before you wonder, it was harmless.
Mostly, we enjoyed the company and at least pretending that we were masters of our domain. We beat our chests and talked about how we were the kings of our castles, although most of us lived in apartments, and how much we enjoyed matching wits as we surveyed our kingdoms together. That was, of course, until we went home.
The whole scene reminded me of the Little Rascals or Our Gang from generations before. Spanky, Alfalfa and Buckwheat shouted statements of great manliness all the while subjected to the “Darlas” (the love of Alfalfa’s life) of the world who really pulled the strings. Sooner or later, Spanky and the gang informed Alfalfa that he was up to his neck in “love” with Darla and there was little they could do to save him. Of course, Alfalfa shouted the obligatory “I am not!” and proclaimed his sovereignty, all the while secretly preparing the next poem or gift that would say to Darla “I am sorry for proclaiming my sovereignty and listening to those stupid guys anyway.”
And, ironically, that pretty much described our own tawdry “man club.” Although we didn’t have a Clubhouse, we still met to sing from the man songbook about how we were different and how our wives loved us just like we were, and about how we could do whatever we wanted, until, of course, one of us would look at our watches and say, “Oh it is about time for me to go… I have to be home by 9pm.”
And, yet, there was more to the group than just our bursts of testosterone. For some reason, the Rascals needed the clubhouse. And no matter our insistence on strength and independence, we needed our group, too. No, it wasn’t an escape or distraction from our homes. Truthfully, we have great wives who we love very much. The connection for us is more than just another fraternal order, but a “wiring” issue at the deepest level. There is something important about knowing and being known by your brothers and about being honest enough to become real friends.
Because of this, the relationships weren’t just about golf, dinner, the clubhouse or surface things. Like I am sure many of the off camera scenes at the Our Gang Clubhouse, our discussions included talks of other, deeper things like hopes and dreams and fears and doubts and failures. And, we also wondered about whether we could ever really be who our wives needed, and more importantly, whether or not we could ever become who God expected us to be in the world. The six of us had a place where we could be ourselves, and in the long run, it made us better.
Over the years, the group has dealt with changes and difficult events like the death of a father, a mother’s cancer and a sister’s drug addiction. We have helped each other through marital woes, health crises and job dilemmas. We’ve seen the best and the worst.
I don’t think God is surprised by such groups or by our need to be in community. On the contrary, I believe God wired us up this way, because He knew how doing life together would be so much easier and better than trying to make the trek alone. Over the next weeks, you will hear more about how we will “live life together” in Christ, and how each of us will “love Jesus” and “love like Jesus” in our world. I look forward to those discussions and to what God has in store.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
“I Know Your Kind…”
“I thought I knew your kind…” These words of the gentleman who approached me at the Cokesbury book table one Annual Conference caught me off guard.
The man had watched the United Methodist Hour for many years and admitted that had liked the program until I started hosting it several months before. It wasn’t my theology or even my sermon topics that upset him about me but, rather, the fact that I wore a beard.
In fact, my first program as host, the man saw my unshaven face, turned off the program, and vowed never to watch again.
His boycott lasted several weeks until he determined, as an avid “Hour” supporter for many years, not to let my “unkempt” appearance keep him from watching the program he had loved for so long. Besides, as he later recalled, if he “closed his eyes”, my sermons “weren’t too bad”.
Several weeks later, I shared from my personal story how years my face reacted sensitively to one of my medicines and a rash broke out around my mouth, chin and neck. The rash was not only uncomfortable but embarrassing.
To offset the appearance, I grew a beard to cover the splotches from the reaction. And, being a hemophiliac, the beard provided much less face to cut or knick.
When the gentleman heard me tell the story that morning on the program, he became embarrassed and ashamed of his first impressions. In fact, the gentleman was so upset that he drove four hours to the Annual Conference to meet me and say he was sorry-- which he did.
He waited in line at the book table for almost thirty minutes, then, after placing his books in front of me, told me his story and asked for my forgiveness. I got up from behind the table, told him that he was most certainly “forgiven”, and gave him a hug.
Mr. Charlie, as he now prefers to be called, continues as a regular fan of the program, but, more importantly, as a new friend of mine.
His words that day struck me, “I saw you and immediately made a judgment call” he said, looking down. “I thought I knew your kind.” He paused and then looked back at me. “But, what I really saw was the ‘kind’ of person I had become… and I didn’t like it.”
We know the rules. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” or a “face by its hair”--- okay, I made that one up. But, you get the picture. There is always more to the situation than we know or presume, and it will always benefit us to hear the rest of the story.
As Christians, we have a special duty to NOT jump to conclusions. Paul, Peter, John…. even Jesus warns against making assumptions about our brothers and sisters before we know the whole truth.
The Body of Christ should be the one place where everyone is truly welcome regardless of who are or where we have been. And, not because of ourselves, but because of what Christ has done for and in us.
My challenge for each of us is to know the whole story before we presume on someone’s intentions and to ask questions before we assume of someone’s purpose. It will save us much grief in the future, and bring us, ever quicker, to the real business of living as the “hands and feet of Jesus” in this world.
Trust me, the world “knows our kind”— we either live like Jesus or we don’t. And, the difference matters.
Worship Matters
This week at GBUMC Fairpoint and Soundside, we continue our Blockbuster Sermon Series with “Spiderman” (Fairpoint) and “Forest Gump” (Soundside).
Herb Sadler, as mild mannered as Peter Parker ever thought of being, will discuss the power of responsibility in Spiderman, and I will discuss what the Bible says about the importance of the shoes we wear in this world. As Forest said, “You know mama always said you could tell a lot about a person from the shoes they wear.”
At GBUMC Worship @the Water, Jack continues his powerful and beautiful series on “How Great Thou Art” discussing the intersection between the love and sovereignty of God.
Check out The LiFE Plan at www.gbumc.org
Our EnVisioned Future:
Report from the 2008 Visioning Process
“So much is changing at GBUMC.” I know you have heard someone say this, or, possibly, you have thought it yourself. Yes, there is a lot of new directions and happenings at GBUMC. But, with all of the new ideas and information you have received, most are a result of conversations you, the congregation, began last year in the 2008 Visioning Process. Much of what we are experiencing now are the ways GBUMC is “hitting the ground” with ideas, programs and initiatives to fulfill what you described as the “Envisioned Future” of our congregation in 2009 and beyond.
The following list includes the five ministry objectives for GBUMC established at last summer’s visioning roundtables and approved by the Administrative Council. However, along with each objective is one idea or initative by which GBUMC envisions “living out” this ministry objective in the coming year. We did not want to simply “dream” without making an effort to move in “real directions” for the congregation.
Of course, we crave your feedback, prayers and support for these efforts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at lsstanford2003@yahoo.com.
These objectives included:
• One Church with one mission, in multiple locations—Worship @ the Water Winter Season, and the Gulf Breeze Global Media and Resource Development (a virtual church available anywhere around the globe)
• Diversity in worship styles, evolving with the needs of our community, relevant to all ages—New worship opportunities including The Table Saturday Worship Service, Video Venue Café Service, The Vibe Service for Young Adults, Axis Service for Deeper Spiritual Walk. These will compliment the already wonderful worship opportunities offered at all three campuses.
• God’s love offered with hospitality, hope and healing to all—Congregation Elders Program for pastoral care and spiritual guidance and support.
• Clearly defined paths for Christian Education, Fellowship and Missions--- The LiFE Journey Program for Discovering, Developing and Deepening our Walk with Christ and our Connection to the Church, as well as increased focus on ministries to Children and Youth.
• An environment of faithfulness to God and His Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness—A twelve month program designed for developing our covenant witness as members of GBUMC called Loving Jesus… Loving Like Jesus to be launched this fall.
Again, all of these “new ideas and initiatives” evolved from the vision set by the congregation over the past year. God is doing an amazing thing in the life of our Church and we look forward to all He has in store.
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
“I thought I knew your kind…” These words of the gentleman who approached me at the Cokesbury book table one Annual Conference caught me off guard.
The man had watched the United Methodist Hour for many years and admitted that had liked the program until I started hosting it several months before. It wasn’t my theology or even my sermon topics that upset him about me but, rather, the fact that I wore a beard.
In fact, my first program as host, the man saw my unshaven face, turned off the program, and vowed never to watch again.
His boycott lasted several weeks until he determined, as an avid “Hour” supporter for many years, not to let my “unkempt” appearance keep him from watching the program he had loved for so long. Besides, as he later recalled, if he “closed his eyes”, my sermons “weren’t too bad”.
Several weeks later, I shared from my personal story how years my face reacted sensitively to one of my medicines and a rash broke out around my mouth, chin and neck. The rash was not only uncomfortable but embarrassing.
To offset the appearance, I grew a beard to cover the splotches from the reaction. And, being a hemophiliac, the beard provided much less face to cut or knick.
When the gentleman heard me tell the story that morning on the program, he became embarrassed and ashamed of his first impressions. In fact, the gentleman was so upset that he drove four hours to the Annual Conference to meet me and say he was sorry-- which he did.
He waited in line at the book table for almost thirty minutes, then, after placing his books in front of me, told me his story and asked for my forgiveness. I got up from behind the table, told him that he was most certainly “forgiven”, and gave him a hug.
Mr. Charlie, as he now prefers to be called, continues as a regular fan of the program, but, more importantly, as a new friend of mine.
His words that day struck me, “I saw you and immediately made a judgment call” he said, looking down. “I thought I knew your kind.” He paused and then looked back at me. “But, what I really saw was the ‘kind’ of person I had become… and I didn’t like it.”
We know the rules. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” or a “face by its hair”--- okay, I made that one up. But, you get the picture. There is always more to the situation than we know or presume, and it will always benefit us to hear the rest of the story.
As Christians, we have a special duty to NOT jump to conclusions. Paul, Peter, John…. even Jesus warns against making assumptions about our brothers and sisters before we know the whole truth.
The Body of Christ should be the one place where everyone is truly welcome regardless of who are or where we have been. And, not because of ourselves, but because of what Christ has done for and in us.
My challenge for each of us is to know the whole story before we presume on someone’s intentions and to ask questions before we assume of someone’s purpose. It will save us much grief in the future, and bring us, ever quicker, to the real business of living as the “hands and feet of Jesus” in this world.
Trust me, the world “knows our kind”— we either live like Jesus or we don’t. And, the difference matters.
Worship Matters
This week at GBUMC Fairpoint and Soundside, we continue our Blockbuster Sermon Series with “Spiderman” (Fairpoint) and “Forest Gump” (Soundside).
Herb Sadler, as mild mannered as Peter Parker ever thought of being, will discuss the power of responsibility in Spiderman, and I will discuss what the Bible says about the importance of the shoes we wear in this world. As Forest said, “You know mama always said you could tell a lot about a person from the shoes they wear.”
At GBUMC Worship @the Water, Jack continues his powerful and beautiful series on “How Great Thou Art” discussing the intersection between the love and sovereignty of God.
Check out The LiFE Plan at www.gbumc.org
Our EnVisioned Future:
Report from the 2008 Visioning Process
“So much is changing at GBUMC.” I know you have heard someone say this, or, possibly, you have thought it yourself. Yes, there is a lot of new directions and happenings at GBUMC. But, with all of the new ideas and information you have received, most are a result of conversations you, the congregation, began last year in the 2008 Visioning Process. Much of what we are experiencing now are the ways GBUMC is “hitting the ground” with ideas, programs and initiatives to fulfill what you described as the “Envisioned Future” of our congregation in 2009 and beyond.
The following list includes the five ministry objectives for GBUMC established at last summer’s visioning roundtables and approved by the Administrative Council. However, along with each objective is one idea or initative by which GBUMC envisions “living out” this ministry objective in the coming year. We did not want to simply “dream” without making an effort to move in “real directions” for the congregation.
Of course, we crave your feedback, prayers and support for these efforts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at lsstanford2003@yahoo.com.
These objectives included:
• One Church with one mission, in multiple locations—Worship @ the Water Winter Season, and the Gulf Breeze Global Media and Resource Development (a virtual church available anywhere around the globe)
• Diversity in worship styles, evolving with the needs of our community, relevant to all ages—New worship opportunities including The Table Saturday Worship Service, Video Venue Café Service, The Vibe Service for Young Adults, Axis Service for Deeper Spiritual Walk. These will compliment the already wonderful worship opportunities offered at all three campuses.
• God’s love offered with hospitality, hope and healing to all—Congregation Elders Program for pastoral care and spiritual guidance and support.
• Clearly defined paths for Christian Education, Fellowship and Missions--- The LiFE Journey Program for Discovering, Developing and Deepening our Walk with Christ and our Connection to the Church, as well as increased focus on ministries to Children and Youth.
• An environment of faithfulness to God and His Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness—A twelve month program designed for developing our covenant witness as members of GBUMC called Loving Jesus… Loving Like Jesus to be launched this fall.
Again, all of these “new ideas and initiatives” evolved from the vision set by the congregation over the past year. God is doing an amazing thing in the life of our Church and we look forward to all He has in store.
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
Thursday, July 09, 2009
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he… sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44
What would you do if you realized someone had buried a treasure in your backyard? My guess is that you would grab shovels and dig furiously until you had discovered the treasure and found your reward. Nothing would stop you from finding something of such worth and importance.
Jesus compares the “Kingdom of Heaven”—that place of the Gospel born in your heart and mine--- like that buried treasure. It is palpable, precious and powerful. And, yet, so many of us don’t lift more than a finger to discover the riches resting in front of us.
GBUMC is filled with wonderful riches in Christ. God has planted one treasure after another in the life of this church and we are incredibly blessed. But, the lesson of Matthew 13 is two-fold. One, God has made finding the treasure part of the process. It is the work, the toil, the task that makes finding what God has given us so beautiful. And, second, once we find it, we should make it ours. It belongs to all of us and we are to celebrate it together.
Pokey, the girls and I feel very blessed to be on this treasure hunt with you. God has great things in store. So… get your shovels, keep digging… you never know what rests just below the surface.
Worship Matters
Although many regular attendees were away for the holiday, still, nearly 2,000 folks joined us this past week for worship at one of our three campuses.
This week at Fairpoint and Soundside, we continue our Blockbuster Sermon Series with “The Lord of the Rings” (Fairpoint) and “Titanic” (Soundside).
I will focus on how we are to “carry each other’s burdens” (Sam and Frodo), and Jim Bell (at Soundside) will help us navigate the “icebergs” ahead.
At Worship @ the Water, Jack continues his series on “How Great Thou Art”. The stunning illustrative portrayal last week of the Prodigal Son unveils further as Jack looks at the sovereignty of God from an incredibly personal angle.
Want to Go Deeper: Check out The LiFE Plan!
Each week at Fairpoint, a LiFE Plan is available for your continued study and reflection. LiFE stands for “Living in Faith Everyday”. The plan includes questions specific to the previous week’s sermon but also a daily challenge that includes daily bible readings, prayer, fellowship and service opportunities.
Go to www.gbumc.org to check out the latest edition or find a copy located in the Sunday Information Bulletin.
The Serving Initiative
The Serving Initiative is a personal ministry endeavor my family and I began several years ago in order to raise awareness for living as “the hands and feet of Jesus” in our world.
My favorite definition of “serve” is translated “to answer the purpose”. For many of us, serving with our gifts and resources “answers the purpose” of the Gospel in our lives.
For instance, did you know that today, 14,000 children will die from causes that we COULD do something about… not from the hard, complicated stuff like various diseases and geopolitical despair…. but from things like malnutrition and bad water. 14,000 --- That is twice the population of Gulf Breeze.
A friend of mine, Rick Warren, said, when asked the most important advice he could give to the Church, “teach them they can’t do everything… so do something--- and, if everyone is doing something—then anything becomes possible”.
The Serving Initiative is a partnership with organizations and groups that work to “Do Something” and make the art of “possibility” part of the daily routine in the Body of Christ. The Serving Initiative encourages members of the Body to serve in one of three levels—1) serving within the Body of Christ for worship, education and fellowship, 2) serving the underresourced of our community and beyond through basic acts of kindness and relief, and 3) serving in opportunities to, as Wesley puts it, “save souls and build up the Body” here and around the world through missional activities and lifeworks.
Over the next weeks and months, you will hear more about how GBUMC is living out its initiative for serving and making a difference in the world.
I encourage each of you to go to the new Facebook page for The Serving Initiative and join the conversation beginning in the next few weeks to see ways God can connect you with others in ministry.
Clearly, the work of God in our lives is always calling us out to serve, to unveil His gracious nature, and to live faithful, productive lives.
Gulf Breeze Global Media and Resources
Soon we will have an exciting ministry called Gulf Breeze Global that will provide resource development not only for our congregation but also for United Methodist churches around the world.
Gulf Breeze Global will provide worship materials, media resources and curriculum for small groups, age-level ministries and special projects that will both enhance our presentation of the Gospel at our campuses and provide needed resources for other local churches.
We are very excited about the ongoing work of Anthony Thaxton who has consulted and led the staff of GBUMC as Chief Creative Officer for Design and Resource Development. Anthony has already provided incredible support and oversight for graphic design, worship media development, and website design and coordination.
Two new projects to be revealed in the very near future are a new GBUMC ministry website, to be launched August 1st, and also the first Gulf Breeze Global video curriculum entitled, “Conversations at the Shack”, hosted by Jack Kale.
Our Envisioned Future: New Worship Opportunities
The Senior Staff recently completed discussion of an article describing the 25 most innovative churches. One of the common denominators for these churches were not only multiple worship sites, but a variety of worship services that provided unique, diverse options for worship within the community.
GBUMC is already very blessed to have a variety of wonderful worship styles from our more Enhanced Traditional at 8:00am and Modern/Traditional at 11:00am at Fairpoint, our contemporary praise at Soundside to our very casual and unique setting at Worship @the Water. Yet the Envisioned Future statement from the Visioning Process in 2008 challenged us to create “diversity in worship styles evolving with the needs to our community and relevant to all ages.”
In the coming months we will develop, new worship ideas that will provide greater diversity and availability for worship at GBUMC including an “Unplugged” Service on an alternative night such as Saturday, a service focused on folks particularly aged 15-25, a mid-week service for more in-depth Bible study of the weekend’s messages, and a worship video venue possibly held in a café setting.
These are all exciting opportunities that enhance the already wonderful worship experiences available at GBUMC. God has great things in store!
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
What would you do if you realized someone had buried a treasure in your backyard? My guess is that you would grab shovels and dig furiously until you had discovered the treasure and found your reward. Nothing would stop you from finding something of such worth and importance.
Jesus compares the “Kingdom of Heaven”—that place of the Gospel born in your heart and mine--- like that buried treasure. It is palpable, precious and powerful. And, yet, so many of us don’t lift more than a finger to discover the riches resting in front of us.
GBUMC is filled with wonderful riches in Christ. God has planted one treasure after another in the life of this church and we are incredibly blessed. But, the lesson of Matthew 13 is two-fold. One, God has made finding the treasure part of the process. It is the work, the toil, the task that makes finding what God has given us so beautiful. And, second, once we find it, we should make it ours. It belongs to all of us and we are to celebrate it together.
Pokey, the girls and I feel very blessed to be on this treasure hunt with you. God has great things in store. So… get your shovels, keep digging… you never know what rests just below the surface.
Worship Matters
Although many regular attendees were away for the holiday, still, nearly 2,000 folks joined us this past week for worship at one of our three campuses.
This week at Fairpoint and Soundside, we continue our Blockbuster Sermon Series with “The Lord of the Rings” (Fairpoint) and “Titanic” (Soundside).
I will focus on how we are to “carry each other’s burdens” (Sam and Frodo), and Jim Bell (at Soundside) will help us navigate the “icebergs” ahead.
At Worship @ the Water, Jack continues his series on “How Great Thou Art”. The stunning illustrative portrayal last week of the Prodigal Son unveils further as Jack looks at the sovereignty of God from an incredibly personal angle.
Want to Go Deeper: Check out The LiFE Plan!
Each week at Fairpoint, a LiFE Plan is available for your continued study and reflection. LiFE stands for “Living in Faith Everyday”. The plan includes questions specific to the previous week’s sermon but also a daily challenge that includes daily bible readings, prayer, fellowship and service opportunities.
Go to www.gbumc.org to check out the latest edition or find a copy located in the Sunday Information Bulletin.
The Serving Initiative
The Serving Initiative is a personal ministry endeavor my family and I began several years ago in order to raise awareness for living as “the hands and feet of Jesus” in our world.
My favorite definition of “serve” is translated “to answer the purpose”. For many of us, serving with our gifts and resources “answers the purpose” of the Gospel in our lives.
For instance, did you know that today, 14,000 children will die from causes that we COULD do something about… not from the hard, complicated stuff like various diseases and geopolitical despair…. but from things like malnutrition and bad water. 14,000 --- That is twice the population of Gulf Breeze.
A friend of mine, Rick Warren, said, when asked the most important advice he could give to the Church, “teach them they can’t do everything… so do something--- and, if everyone is doing something—then anything becomes possible”.
The Serving Initiative is a partnership with organizations and groups that work to “Do Something” and make the art of “possibility” part of the daily routine in the Body of Christ. The Serving Initiative encourages members of the Body to serve in one of three levels—1) serving within the Body of Christ for worship, education and fellowship, 2) serving the underresourced of our community and beyond through basic acts of kindness and relief, and 3) serving in opportunities to, as Wesley puts it, “save souls and build up the Body” here and around the world through missional activities and lifeworks.
Over the next weeks and months, you will hear more about how GBUMC is living out its initiative for serving and making a difference in the world.
I encourage each of you to go to the new Facebook page for The Serving Initiative and join the conversation beginning in the next few weeks to see ways God can connect you with others in ministry.
Clearly, the work of God in our lives is always calling us out to serve, to unveil His gracious nature, and to live faithful, productive lives.
Gulf Breeze Global Media and Resources
Soon we will have an exciting ministry called Gulf Breeze Global that will provide resource development not only for our congregation but also for United Methodist churches around the world.
Gulf Breeze Global will provide worship materials, media resources and curriculum for small groups, age-level ministries and special projects that will both enhance our presentation of the Gospel at our campuses and provide needed resources for other local churches.
We are very excited about the ongoing work of Anthony Thaxton who has consulted and led the staff of GBUMC as Chief Creative Officer for Design and Resource Development. Anthony has already provided incredible support and oversight for graphic design, worship media development, and website design and coordination.
Two new projects to be revealed in the very near future are a new GBUMC ministry website, to be launched August 1st, and also the first Gulf Breeze Global video curriculum entitled, “Conversations at the Shack”, hosted by Jack Kale.
Our Envisioned Future: New Worship Opportunities
The Senior Staff recently completed discussion of an article describing the 25 most innovative churches. One of the common denominators for these churches were not only multiple worship sites, but a variety of worship services that provided unique, diverse options for worship within the community.
GBUMC is already very blessed to have a variety of wonderful worship styles from our more Enhanced Traditional at 8:00am and Modern/Traditional at 11:00am at Fairpoint, our contemporary praise at Soundside to our very casual and unique setting at Worship @the Water. Yet the Envisioned Future statement from the Visioning Process in 2008 challenged us to create “diversity in worship styles evolving with the needs to our community and relevant to all ages.”
In the coming months we will develop, new worship ideas that will provide greater diversity and availability for worship at GBUMC including an “Unplugged” Service on an alternative night such as Saturday, a service focused on folks particularly aged 15-25, a mid-week service for more in-depth Bible study of the weekend’s messages, and a worship video venue possibly held in a café setting.
These are all exciting opportunities that enhance the already wonderful worship experiences available at GBUMC. God has great things in store!
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Dear Gulf Breeze UMC Family,
“If I wait for immaculate, I will never have a guest”
--- Lauren Winner
I love this quote from Professor Lauren Winner. Lauren is a Church History professor at Duke and also a New York Times best selling author of such books as “Girl Meets God” and “Mudhouse Sabbath.”
What strikes me about her writing is how simple and to the point her thoughts are. She speaks for a generation of Christians aged 18-35 who are looking for deep, meaningful connections to Christ but whose vehicles for accomplishing such connection do not necessarily include the normal experiences of church.
Thus, in order to reach this generation, churches must be real, authentic and available for people at all walks of life. It is a beautiful concept and one that has strong Biblical undercurrents--- just read the Beatitudes--- I could suggest a good book on the topic!
Worship Matters
Another great Sunday at GBUMC! Over 2,100 folks worshipped with us at three unique campuses and I am excited about the wonderful ways I see God moving in each place. Please continue to pray for the Teaching Pastors, that each of us will open God’s word faithfully and share it clearly so that hearts and lives will be changed. Nothing more, nothing less.
What's Coming Up…
At GBUMC W@W, Jack begins a series entitled “How Great Thou Art” connecting the great hymn with a daily, practical application of faith.
It’s the first week of our Blockbuster Movie Series at GBUMC Fairpoint and Soundside.
At Soundside, Scott celebrates our patriotic impulses with a clip from Rocky IV. You remember Rocky’s defense of our national pride, Apollo’s death and James Brown being lowered from a roof. Well, you will remember all of it on Sunday!
At Fairpoint, I will use a video clip from the movie, Independence Day, starring Will Smith. We have more to fear than aliens taking away our freedom. The Adversary is working much harder to hold us captive than any extraterrestrial! How do we fight off slavery to sin and failure and become Free as only Christ can make us!
Both sermons focus on “freedom” born from the Gospel and from a new life in Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Welcome Bo Parker and Family!
GBUMC is very excited to welcome Bo Parker as the new Executive Director for Worship Ministries for our congregation. Bo will oversee the entire worship ministry of the church including worship teams for all campuses, choirs and age-level/special musical ministries.
Bo joins GBUMC after having served as the Worship Director/Consultant for The United Methodist Hour. Prior to that, Bo was the Director of Worship for a 3,000 member congregation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Bo is best known, however, as a former member of Truth, the renowned contemporary Christian group that changed the face of Christian music over their nearly 30 year run. Bo spent two different periods as one of their lead singers.
Bo has produced and released several CDs of his work and is highly sought after as a worship leader and performer in Christian music circles.
Bo brings significant leadership experience for congregations of blended worship styles and settings. We are very excited about Bo’s leadership and look forward to what God will do in the future.
Bo is married to Leigh Anne and they are the parents of three children--- two sons and a daughter.
Please pray for Bo and his family as they make this transition into the Gulf Breeze UMC family. To learn more about Bo, go to www.boparker.com
Two Written, “Unwritten” Rules…
Someone emailed me last week and asked about my two written, “unwritten” rules. I had mentioned them in one of my earlier sermons.
Well, they are the result of leading a church committee years ago that got into the habit of petty discussions about issues that provided no real growth for the Body of Christ. And, these discussions usually deteriorated (sometimes during the meeting, but mostly in the parking lot afterwards) into unloving conversations about persons and personalities instead of issues.
So, in order to frame our work, I developed two rules for how we would conduct our business. And… one other thing… I convinced the Church Council to agree that if anyone willingly broke the rules and would not apologize once confronted, they were off the committee. We had to have accountability.
The rules were:
1. No pettiness. It would not be tolerated at all. So, people had to stop and think (novel idea) about their words and whether they were said to genuinely build up the Body or to take a cheap shot or jab at someone.
2. Say EVERYTHING in love. Even the tough stuff. If we do that, then we can learn to talk about any issue at any time.
I have since added a third rule.
3. Pray by Name for the person you are in conversation with or about whom you are discussing. If we pray for one another, we can’t be mad at them at the same time.
For years, my congregation knew these rules. Eventually, someone wrote them down. So, that is the story.
The Bible considers how we treat our brothers and sisters as being just as important as what we claim we believe. So much so, that Jesus’ last complete prayer was for unity, not understanding, for his disciples.
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
“If I wait for immaculate, I will never have a guest”
--- Lauren Winner
I love this quote from Professor Lauren Winner. Lauren is a Church History professor at Duke and also a New York Times best selling author of such books as “Girl Meets God” and “Mudhouse Sabbath.”
What strikes me about her writing is how simple and to the point her thoughts are. She speaks for a generation of Christians aged 18-35 who are looking for deep, meaningful connections to Christ but whose vehicles for accomplishing such connection do not necessarily include the normal experiences of church.
Thus, in order to reach this generation, churches must be real, authentic and available for people at all walks of life. It is a beautiful concept and one that has strong Biblical undercurrents--- just read the Beatitudes--- I could suggest a good book on the topic!
Worship Matters
Another great Sunday at GBUMC! Over 2,100 folks worshipped with us at three unique campuses and I am excited about the wonderful ways I see God moving in each place. Please continue to pray for the Teaching Pastors, that each of us will open God’s word faithfully and share it clearly so that hearts and lives will be changed. Nothing more, nothing less.
What's Coming Up…
At GBUMC W@W, Jack begins a series entitled “How Great Thou Art” connecting the great hymn with a daily, practical application of faith.
It’s the first week of our Blockbuster Movie Series at GBUMC Fairpoint and Soundside.
At Soundside, Scott celebrates our patriotic impulses with a clip from Rocky IV. You remember Rocky’s defense of our national pride, Apollo’s death and James Brown being lowered from a roof. Well, you will remember all of it on Sunday!
At Fairpoint, I will use a video clip from the movie, Independence Day, starring Will Smith. We have more to fear than aliens taking away our freedom. The Adversary is working much harder to hold us captive than any extraterrestrial! How do we fight off slavery to sin and failure and become Free as only Christ can make us!
Both sermons focus on “freedom” born from the Gospel and from a new life in Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Welcome Bo Parker and Family!
GBUMC is very excited to welcome Bo Parker as the new Executive Director for Worship Ministries for our congregation. Bo will oversee the entire worship ministry of the church including worship teams for all campuses, choirs and age-level/special musical ministries.
Bo joins GBUMC after having served as the Worship Director/Consultant for The United Methodist Hour. Prior to that, Bo was the Director of Worship for a 3,000 member congregation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Bo is best known, however, as a former member of Truth, the renowned contemporary Christian group that changed the face of Christian music over their nearly 30 year run. Bo spent two different periods as one of their lead singers.
Bo has produced and released several CDs of his work and is highly sought after as a worship leader and performer in Christian music circles.
Bo brings significant leadership experience for congregations of blended worship styles and settings. We are very excited about Bo’s leadership and look forward to what God will do in the future.
Bo is married to Leigh Anne and they are the parents of three children--- two sons and a daughter.
Please pray for Bo and his family as they make this transition into the Gulf Breeze UMC family. To learn more about Bo, go to www.boparker.com
Two Written, “Unwritten” Rules…
Someone emailed me last week and asked about my two written, “unwritten” rules. I had mentioned them in one of my earlier sermons.
Well, they are the result of leading a church committee years ago that got into the habit of petty discussions about issues that provided no real growth for the Body of Christ. And, these discussions usually deteriorated (sometimes during the meeting, but mostly in the parking lot afterwards) into unloving conversations about persons and personalities instead of issues.
So, in order to frame our work, I developed two rules for how we would conduct our business. And… one other thing… I convinced the Church Council to agree that if anyone willingly broke the rules and would not apologize once confronted, they were off the committee. We had to have accountability.
The rules were:
1. No pettiness. It would not be tolerated at all. So, people had to stop and think (novel idea) about their words and whether they were said to genuinely build up the Body or to take a cheap shot or jab at someone.
2. Say EVERYTHING in love. Even the tough stuff. If we do that, then we can learn to talk about any issue at any time.
I have since added a third rule.
3. Pray by Name for the person you are in conversation with or about whom you are discussing. If we pray for one another, we can’t be mad at them at the same time.
For years, my congregation knew these rules. Eventually, someone wrote them down. So, that is the story.
The Bible considers how we treat our brothers and sisters as being just as important as what we claim we believe. So much so, that Jesus’ last complete prayer was for unity, not understanding, for his disciples.
I love you all.
Be Salt and Light… You matter.
Shane
1 Corinthians 15: 58
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