10Q10Q -- faith, life, rethinking church, following Jesus...stuff

Come join in the discussion of faith at the Koinonia Page where scripture and life intersect in conversation and exploration. Visit on Facebook, Twitter, and Dave's Web Page too! I'd welcome your company at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, where I hang out, too, come and see!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

4 Things to Do On A Very Bad Day

     We all hit tough times when we wonder how we'll make it through.  I do.  You do.  The Church does.  It's a time prone to feeling alone & afraid, because we don't always see as clearly at times like these.  It's hard to notice the hope & perspective others see.  And our anxiety loosens our grip on God's saving presence, that can bring us through even the biggest challenge.

     Knowing this reality in our changing world, your Church Council recently spent an afternoon studying the book, "Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore."  (by Thom & Joani Schultz, group.com/4-acts-of-loveThe book looks at changes in our world and 4 basic acts of love that bring faith to the changes. These 4 actions can make a huge difference in challenging times and in good times:

1. Radical Hospitality - You're welcome just as you are.
2. Fearless Conversation - Your thoughts are welcome; your doubts are welcome, let's talk.
3. Genuine Humility - We're all in this together.
4. Divine Anticipation - God is here, ready to connect with you in a fresh way.

     How might you share the life-changing presence of Jesus through these 4 actions?  How might you encourage others to experience & use these?

     When we hit tough times it is the basics of Jesus' love & call that make all the difference.  And when you see God show up in through these basics, shout it from the rooftop, or at least tell a friend. (post it here!)


10,000 Joys Following Jesus,  Dave       
                       www.daveharrislivelove.com


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Questions?

   
    If what I'm doing isn't getting the results I want, then what might I do differently?
         If I want more peace...
         If I want a more relaxed pace to life...
         If I want a deeper faith...
         If I want more people in church ...
         If I want a more fulfilling job...
         If...
          Add your own observations that lead to the question:  What might God be inviting me to do differently?
     Here at Palmyra First UMC
·         We wanted to touch more families, so we help all ages spend time together and intentionally learn together with Intergenerational Education this year.
·         We wanted to invite more people to depth of faith and friendship, so we're working to  expand the best biblical and practical tool  we know for doing that--Koinonia Groups (small groups).
·         We keep bumping into Christmas Eve schedule challenges, so our Worship planning team is planning a new way approach to help everyone.
Where would you like to invite God to work in fresh ways?

10,000 Joys Growing in God's Grace, Dave

P.S.  Here are 4 questions I came across & keep around to help...
  1. What opportunities do I have today and what am I doing with them?
  2. Is what I'm doing strengthening my ________? (life, mission, family, friends, work, church, health...)
  3. How am I building up others with love today?
  4. What gift am I discovering today... using... celebrating?