Monday, January 29, 2007
Mid-Week Service
The idea has been suggested and promoted and supported for a weeknight service directed at those who wish to be open to the the anointing of the Holy Spirit. All interested in this service should contact the pastor at ray@mzumc.com. Plans are being made now. Ideas and Thoughts are welcome.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Church Note 1/26/07
MZ Folks and Friends,
We are not going to E-Mail the E-Letter this week – but rather post it Friday morning (normally Thursday night) on the web page. You can find it under the Our Church button and clicking on E-Letters and Bulletins. Past E-Letters are here as well and Bulletins. They can be read in PDF format and a free copy of Adobe Reader can be downloaded by clicking the icon at the top of the page. Hard copies will continue to be in the back of the Sanctuary each week.
The web page has received over 1,150 hits in a week. More and more people are visiting. The daily messages seem to be a hit and the Prayer Circle and MZ Flash News seems to be also.
Don’t forget a current calendar is on the web page.
Don’t miss worship this week if you can help it. The message is on Decisions that Count. We all need to know which decisions really count.
Dennis Taylor is having surgery at 10 am Friday morning. Please keep him in your prayers.
I can’t wait for Sunday!
We are not going to E-Mail the E-Letter this week – but rather post it Friday morning (normally Thursday night) on the web page. You can find it under the Our Church button and clicking on E-Letters and Bulletins. Past E-Letters are here as well and Bulletins. They can be read in PDF format and a free copy of Adobe Reader can be downloaded by clicking the icon at the top of the page. Hard copies will continue to be in the back of the Sanctuary each week.
The web page has received over 1,150 hits in a week. More and more people are visiting. The daily messages seem to be a hit and the Prayer Circle and MZ Flash News seems to be also.
Don’t forget a current calendar is on the web page.
Don’t miss worship this week if you can help it. The message is on Decisions that Count. We all need to know which decisions really count.
Dennis Taylor is having surgery at 10 am Friday morning. Please keep him in your prayers.
I can’t wait for Sunday!
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Spirit Rains (Reigns)
The rain is pouring outside. I mean really coming down in sheets. There is a river going by my office heading to Bayard Road. The cats and dogs have long ago gone inside. If I went outside right now I would be soaking wet in no time. It would be like diving into the ocean or a pool, I would be soaked from head to toe in an instant. Oh, if the Holy Spirit would pour out on us like this? Oh, wait, that is how the Holy Spirit comes; Acts 2:1-4 – 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. So you ask, why aren’t we soaked in the Spirit? Mainly because we treat the soaking power of the Holy Spirit like some do the ocean or the pool. They don’t go to get soaked, they go for the atmosphere, the sun, the crowd, and maybe they go over to the edge of the pool or down by the ocean and stick their foot in but only a little.
Too many come to church for the same reasons folks. They don’t want to be soaked in the Spirit and be really Christian, they want to be an acceptable Christian and enjoy the crowd. Folks, you know what God will do with those who are lukewarm don’t you? Revelation 3:15-16 – 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Oh, what God could do with a soaked church. Oh, wait, we have seen what God can do with a soaked church. It was called the first century church and they added thousands to the church daily. In the United Methodist Church as with many churches and denominations, we are losing members and worship attendees right and left. Could it be that we are not soaked in the Spirit, but merely coming for the atmosphere? Think about your level and your church’s level of commitment to being soaked in the Holy Spirit. It may just reflect greatly on your walk with Jesus. What do you think?
Too many come to church for the same reasons folks. They don’t want to be soaked in the Spirit and be really Christian, they want to be an acceptable Christian and enjoy the crowd. Folks, you know what God will do with those who are lukewarm don’t you? Revelation 3:15-16 – 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Oh, what God could do with a soaked church. Oh, wait, we have seen what God can do with a soaked church. It was called the first century church and they added thousands to the church daily. In the United Methodist Church as with many churches and denominations, we are losing members and worship attendees right and left. Could it be that we are not soaked in the Spirit, but merely coming for the atmosphere? Think about your level and your church’s level of commitment to being soaked in the Holy Spirit. It may just reflect greatly on your walk with Jesus. What do you think?
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Going Offsite
Open Forum - We had a good discussion this month (November 5th) about the child care on Sunday mornings and about going offsite with a worship service. I want to give everyone plenty of notice about the topic for this coming month’s Open Forum scheduled for 6 pm on December 3rd. The topic will be going offsite. Here are some interesting ideas that might promote some
attendance and some discussion at this and other meetings. I hope this pricks your interest and promotes some thought and ideas.
† Is going offsite something we should consider?
___o When one of our services overflows?
___o If we plan to build a new worship center here?
___o If we desire to do more outreach to the community?
† If we were to go offsite what might it look like?
___o A two campus church?
___o Two churches with some common ministry? A Circuit?
___o Two completely separate churches?
† With the above options what would be some of the considerations we should discuss and work out together?
___o A two campus church would be most like what we are doing now. The difference would be that one of our services would be at a different site. Giving and other support would be dealt with as we currently do.
___o Two churches with some common ministry might share some staff but might have their own appointed senior pastors or one pastor serving both like a circuit. Some ministries like youth ministry and sharing of our current building might be some of the options for consideration. Giving and other support would go to each church and shared bills (like a youth pastor) would be divided in some fashion. They would govern themselves and have a joint council of some sort for shared ministries.
___o Two completely separate churches would carry with it the most change. Aside from two appointed senior pastors other ministries and staff would be determined by those who attended each church. Giving and other support would be for each church individually and they would govern themselves.
† If we went offsite in order to build a new worship center what would we do?
___o We could all go offsite to worship in one service while the new worship center is being built – a suggestion was made by senior members to remove the current Sanctuary and build the new center.
___o We could worship one service in the Fellowship Hall and the other offsite while the worship center was being built.
These are just a few of the discussion items. I hope that you will be present on December 3rd. When discussion grows to the point of votes and decisions we will come before the Church
Council and probably the congregation as well.
We will discuss this and other ideas on this blog page. Join us as we search for truth. What is our purpose and who are we trying to reach as we continue to be the church of Jesus Christ.
Your Pastor and Friend
Rev. Ray
attendance and some discussion at this and other meetings. I hope this pricks your interest and promotes some thought and ideas.
† Is going offsite something we should consider?
___o When one of our services overflows?
___o If we plan to build a new worship center here?
___o If we desire to do more outreach to the community?
† If we were to go offsite what might it look like?
___o A two campus church?
___o Two churches with some common ministry? A Circuit?
___o Two completely separate churches?
† With the above options what would be some of the considerations we should discuss and work out together?
___o A two campus church would be most like what we are doing now. The difference would be that one of our services would be at a different site. Giving and other support would be dealt with as we currently do.
___o Two churches with some common ministry might share some staff but might have their own appointed senior pastors or one pastor serving both like a circuit. Some ministries like youth ministry and sharing of our current building might be some of the options for consideration. Giving and other support would go to each church and shared bills (like a youth pastor) would be divided in some fashion. They would govern themselves and have a joint council of some sort for shared ministries.
___o Two completely separate churches would carry with it the most change. Aside from two appointed senior pastors other ministries and staff would be determined by those who attended each church. Giving and other support would be for each church individually and they would govern themselves.
† If we went offsite in order to build a new worship center what would we do?
___o We could all go offsite to worship in one service while the new worship center is being built – a suggestion was made by senior members to remove the current Sanctuary and build the new center.
___o We could worship one service in the Fellowship Hall and the other offsite while the worship center was being built.
These are just a few of the discussion items. I hope that you will be present on December 3rd. When discussion grows to the point of votes and decisions we will come before the Church
Council and probably the congregation as well.
We will discuss this and other ideas on this blog page. Join us as we search for truth. What is our purpose and who are we trying to reach as we continue to be the church of Jesus Christ.
Your Pastor and Friend
Rev. Ray
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Pass the Word
MZ Folks and Friends,
Pass the word – all former members and staff are invited to return to MZ for one Sunday – November 19th – to share with us in one of our worship services – as a way of celebrating MZ’s 188th birthday. We will recognize our joint ministries and our time shared. If you know of anyone who fits into former member or staff, please invite them to join us or if you have their e-mail, I will send a personal invitation to them.
Pass the word – all former members and staff are invited to return to MZ for one Sunday – November 19th – to share with us in one of our worship services – as a way of celebrating MZ’s 188th birthday. We will recognize our joint ministries and our time shared. If you know of anyone who fits into former member or staff, please invite them to join us or if you have their e-mail, I will send a personal invitation to them.
Friday, October 06, 2006
More Comments on Community Worship
The comments keep pouring in. The mixture of styles and the Holy Spirit's presence has touched so many. Several people want to know how we can instill this excitement in our regular worship.
1. I wanted to pass on to you that I thought Sunday was awesome beyond words. The ability to watch the clouds go by, while singing, listening, weeping w/joy, is just too much to try to put into the right words. I was amazed 2-1/2 hours went by. I was sure it'd been 1-1/2. Would I, should we, do it again? YES.
2. How can we, dare I say, integrate our Sunday worship so that we can have the fullness that was Sunday's worship?
3. So much to take in, so little time. We could have worshipped for a couple of more hours. Seeing black and white together in worship has to please God! Do we think there will be segregation in heaven?
4. I like it, I would appreciate more of it!
1. I wanted to pass on to you that I thought Sunday was awesome beyond words. The ability to watch the clouds go by, while singing, listening, weeping w/joy, is just too much to try to put into the right words. I was amazed 2-1/2 hours went by. I was sure it'd been 1-1/2. Would I, should we, do it again? YES.
2. How can we, dare I say, integrate our Sunday worship so that we can have the fullness that was Sunday's worship?
3. So much to take in, so little time. We could have worshipped for a couple of more hours. Seeing black and white together in worship has to please God! Do we think there will be segregation in heaven?
4. I like it, I would appreciate more of it!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Our Worship - Ideas?
How can we enhance our worship services?
What ideas would you have to draw us into a deeper worship of God?
What have you seen or experienced at other churches that you would like to see at MZ?
Are you excited in worship? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you do not have a blog name, you can send your thoughts to mzblog@mzumc.com.
What ideas would you have to draw us into a deeper worship of God?
What have you seen or experienced at other churches that you would like to see at MZ?
Are you excited in worship? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you do not have a blog name, you can send your thoughts to mzblog@mzumc.com.
Expansion and Outreach
As we return to a dedicated education time and two worship services several ideas have surfaced on how we can expand. What are your thoughts about the follownig and what other ideas might you suggest? We want to go the way of the Lord, not the easiest or most convenient route. Help us discern.
1. Take the later service offsite to Southern Middle or Southern High.
-----a. When either service reaches 75% of capacity and we have a need to expand.
-----b. At a pre-determined date for outreach and expansion of our ministry.
2. Stay at MZ until our plans to build cause us to go offsite.
-----a. One suggestion from some of our oldest members is to remove the current Sanctuary and build a new worship center in its place.
-----b. Another option might be the Sanctinasium (expansion of the fellowship hall).
-----c. Another option is to buy more land and build on that.
3. Allow those who want to go offsite to start a new church and allow those that wish to stay remain at our present location.
Comments?
Other options?
1. Take the later service offsite to Southern Middle or Southern High.
-----a. When either service reaches 75% of capacity and we have a need to expand.
-----b. At a pre-determined date for outreach and expansion of our ministry.
2. Stay at MZ until our plans to build cause us to go offsite.
-----a. One suggestion from some of our oldest members is to remove the current Sanctuary and build a new worship center in its place.
-----b. Another option might be the Sanctinasium (expansion of the fellowship hall).
-----c. Another option is to buy more land and build on that.
3. Allow those who want to go offsite to start a new church and allow those that wish to stay remain at our present location.
Comments?
Other options?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Comments about Community Worship
We're starting to get some comments about the Community Service. Here are a few. Send yours in to be included...
1. Truly uplifting! Great job this morning!
2. I was expecting a more charismatic type of worship
3. Thank you for all the organization of today's program and worship. It was truly awesome! I too, thought this is like it will be in Heaven; all of God's children worshipping Him together, singing His praises forever.
4. When can we do it again? Not a whole year I hope.
5. Very moving service, several persons were able to let go and let God help them worship!
6. It was the closest I have ever felt to the Holy Spirit!
7. Can we do something this Christmas together?
8. The band and the choir were really powerful. Two different styles of music and leading worship mixed in the same service.
9. It was too long.
10. I needed a place to kneel and pray and they seemed to be missing.
11. I couldn't believe when you said it was 2 and a half hours long. The Spirit was so present I didn't notice the time.
12. Can we do that every week?
13. I think a regional church would be great - lots of flavor and spice.
14. I WANTED TO FIRST THANK THE LORD FOR A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISION TO SEE IT THROUGH.
15. I thought it was wonderful. I agree that the Lord must have been pleased. The 2 1/2 hours went quickly! The Spirit was definitely in the house! PTL
1. Truly uplifting! Great job this morning!
2. I was expecting a more charismatic type of worship
3. Thank you for all the organization of today's program and worship. It was truly awesome! I too, thought this is like it will be in Heaven; all of God's children worshipping Him together, singing His praises forever.
4. When can we do it again? Not a whole year I hope.
5. Very moving service, several persons were able to let go and let God help them worship!
6. It was the closest I have ever felt to the Holy Spirit!
7. Can we do something this Christmas together?
8. The band and the choir were really powerful. Two different styles of music and leading worship mixed in the same service.
9. It was too long.
10. I needed a place to kneel and pray and they seemed to be missing.
11. I couldn't believe when you said it was 2 and a half hours long. The Spirit was so present I didn't notice the time.
12. Can we do that every week?
13. I think a regional church would be great - lots of flavor and spice.
14. I WANTED TO FIRST THANK THE LORD FOR A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISION TO SEE IT THROUGH.
15. I thought it was wonderful. I agree that the Lord must have been pleased. The 2 1/2 hours went quickly! The Spirit was definitely in the house! PTL
Saturday, August 12, 2006
A Bible's Diary
Someone sent this to me - not sure the origin.
Diary of a Bible
January - A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
February - Clean-up time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
March - I had a busy day the first of the month. My owner was elected president of the P.T.A. and used me to prepare a speech.
April - Grandpa visited us this month. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading First Corinthians 13. He seems to think more of me than do some other people in my own household.
May - I have a few green stains on my pages. Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
June - I look like a scrapbook. They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings - one of the girls was married.
July - They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on vacation. I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
August - Still in the suitcase.
September - Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company. Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they.
October - They read me a little bit today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table. I think the pastor is coming for a visit.
November - Back in my old place. Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
December - The family is busy getting ready for the holidays. I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper and packages again - just as I am every Christmas.
Diary of a Bible
January - A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
February - Clean-up time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
March - I had a busy day the first of the month. My owner was elected president of the P.T.A. and used me to prepare a speech.
April - Grandpa visited us this month. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading First Corinthians 13. He seems to think more of me than do some other people in my own household.
May - I have a few green stains on my pages. Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
June - I look like a scrapbook. They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings - one of the girls was married.
July - They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on vacation. I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
August - Still in the suitcase.
September - Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company. Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they.
October - They read me a little bit today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table. I think the pastor is coming for a visit.
November - Back in my old place. Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
December - The family is busy getting ready for the holidays. I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper and packages again - just as I am every Christmas.
