“A Community of Faith, Family and Friends”
Pastor: Rev. Christopher Druce Jones
Dear Members and Friends,
Many of you have often wondered what type of questions candidates for commissioning and ordination have to answer in order to be recommended for commissioning or ordination. Candidates have to respond in written form to questions that are found in the Book of Discipline. These questions cover basic Christian doctrine, the understanding of United Methodist theology and practice, and the candidates’ understanding of their calling, gifts for ministry, and future usefulness in the church.
I have included a few questions in this month’s issue and would ask that you take a moment to answer the questions from your own experience and knowledge. While it would be great to read your answers I do respect your decision not to share your responses with me. If you would like to share them with me, please send them via mail, email, or hand carry them to me in the church office. I promise not to interview you. I feel this is another opportunity to practice articulating and sharing your faith as well as provide an opportunity for dialogue around the Christian faith. Please know this is not intended to make anyone feel inadequate or embarrassed.
The questions are as follows:
Describe your personal experience of God
and the understanding of God you derive from biblical, theological, and
historical sources.
What is your understanding of evil as it
exists in the world?
What is your understanding of humanity,
and the human need for divine grace?
How do you interpret the statement Jesus
Christ is Lord?
What is your conception of the activity
of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in
responsible living in the world?
What is your understanding of the
Describe the nature and mission of the
Church. What are its primary tasks today?
Describe and evaluate your personal
gifts for ministry. What would be your areas of strength and areas in which you
need to be strengthened?
Are you willing to minister with all persons
without regard to race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, social status, gender, sexual
orientation, age, economic condition, or
disabilities?
Describe your understanding of the servant
ministry of the church.
Describe your understanding of an inclusive
church and ministry.
Explain the role and significance of the
sacraments in the ministry of the church.
Provide evidence of experience in peace and
justice ministries.
As mentioned earlier, these are just a few of the total questions candidates have to answer. I wish you well on your journey of reflection. May God bless and keep you. May God make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Pastor Chris
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Church has not paid the February – 2007
Apportionment at this time, because of
insufficient money in the General Fund.
The General
Church Expenses – January 2007
Expenses -
$12,240.81
Income -
$12,189.24
Behind - $ 51.57
The February 2007 expenses significantly exceed
income. Anyone behind in their 2007
Church Pledges, please do all that is
possible to catch up. Thank you.
-
Finance Committee
Sermons for the Soul April
1 - “An Ordinary King for Ordinary People” (Palm Sunday) Mark
11:1-11 April
6 - “If You Were There…” (Good Friday – Trinity UMC) Matthew 27:15-50 April 8 - “An Unexpected Experience” (Easter
Sunday) John 20: 1-18 April 15 - “Seeing What Jesus Saw” Luke 19: 1-10 April 22 - “Seeing What Jesus Saw” Matthew 26: 6-13 April 29 - “Seeing What Jesus Saw” Mark 10: 17-22
H I L D R E N’ S
4th Annual
Easter Party
Come celebrate Easter with us
Saturday, April 7th at
crafts, lunch, Easter egg hunt and
a telling of the Easter story
Special Notes: anyone
wishing to participate in the Egg Hunt is
asked to bring their own basket.
This event is open to everyone ~~ young and
old alike.
Bring your neighbors and
your friends!
This party includes Easter crafts, lunch, a
telling of the Easter story and an Egg Hunt. Young children 8 years old and
younger are asked to bring a chaperone.
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