One of my favorite ministry magazines arrived in the mail this week.    I love to read through this resource because I find it such a great source of information and inspiration.   One particular article grabbed my attention in this issue, probably because it was on the topic of homosexuality and I knew I would soon be preaching on this issue.   The article is entitled, "Who's Your Leper?"     The article asks, "Who is not welcome in your church?  in your circle of friends?  in your life at all?"      It's tough to really answer these questions honestly .  And if we are truthful the honest answers can be difficult to hear and process.  There is a list of those who are shunned by some Christians and the list includes homosexuals, divorced people, the homeless, HIV/AIDS survivors, those with addictions, and many more.
As we read through the Gospel accounts we observe Jesus time and time again reaching out to the outcast and the downtrodden - those who are misfits and shunned from society.

Abortion is a complicated and divisive issue in America, in part because it strains the capacity of our culture and political system to discover a way to protect the life of the unborn in a society shaped by the value of individual rights and freedom.    We Americans cherish the cultural value of being free to make our own decisions without interference from government.

It seems to me sad and wrong that creationists bad mouth and discount evolutionists and that evolutionists bad mouth and discount creationists.  Over the last 150 years (2009 marks the 150th anniversary of Darwin's "Origin of Species") each camp has been digging in their heels deeper and deeper.  

No matter how many times I've heard it, I love that story told about the lady who asked her pastor to come and see her to discuss her funeral plans.   This well prepared lady gave the pastor a list of funeral plans.   On the list were included scripture readings, congregational hymns and other special portions for the service.    She even had listed the clothing she had selected for her burial.   The attentive minister listened and confirmed her plans.   Then, as he got up to go, almost reaching the front door, the woman suddenly remembered something else.  "One more thing, preacher.   When they put me in that casket I want you to make sure they put a fork in my right hand.   And when folks visiting at the funeral home ask about the fork I want you to tell them what it means.  You see, I've been attending church dinners for years.   And every time we have one of those church meals, when we get close to finishing our plate of food somebody will always say,  "Now keep your fork.  The best is yet to come!"

One of the strong, compelling themes of The Book of Revelation is a Christian call to be actively engaged in God's justice and mercy in this world.    Some camps, unfortunately in my opinion, interpret this Book as doom and gloom and that the  whole world is "going to hell in a handbasket" so we will bunker down and have nothing to do with the culture in which we live.

Beginning Sunday, July 5th, and for three continuous Sundays, we will be considering the Book of Revelation in our worship services.   How difficult and confusing apocalyptical literature can be!    Yet, if we do our history lessons, and try as best we can to understand the times in which this literature was written, we can come a long way in gaining insight and renewed inspiration from this incredible Book.

A vision statement serves as a roadmap.   It guides us so that we may reach our appointed destination.     Oak Ridge UMC's Vision Statement includes five (5) specific components.   Five specific areas in which we believe God has called us and gifted/resourced us in the making followers of Jesus Christ.    The very first of these five vision components is: INSPIRING WORSHIP. 

One of the conferences we United Methodists observe each and every year is called Annual Conference.    In the Western North Carolina Conference we are probably a bit spoiled since our Annual Conference is held at beautiful and scenic Lake Junaluska Assembly, near Waynesville, NC.

This Sunday, June 7th, is Trinity Sunday on the Christian calendar.    Holy Trinity; Triune God; Three-in-One.......Sounds pretty mysterious and difficult, doesn't it?     One of the best ways to get a handle on this mystery, I believe, comes from a children's Sunday school class.   One elementary way to conceptualize the Holy Trinity is to think of water.   H2O.  Anyway you see it, no matter the form, water still consists of H2O.   It may be in the form of a solid (ice); or, gas (vapor); or, liquid (the water we drink).   Three different forms, yet the same components.    Various expressions, but same in content.

Loneliness is a terrible thing to experience.    Isn't it ironic that with well over six billion people on the face of this planet, with all kinds of connecting technology....yet, so many are lonely.    When the resurrected Jesus ascended to heaven he told us that he would not leave us alone.    He promised us his presence through the Holy Spirit.   Now, instead of the earthly Jesus being with some people some of the time, through his Holy Spirit, he is with all his people all of the time!