Just as “believers” are a dime a dozen in the church, so are “activists” in social justice circles nowadays. But lovers are hard to come by. And I think that’s what our world is desperately in need of—lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the say, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about. We are trying to raise up an army not simply of street activists but of lovers—a community of people who have fallen desperately in love with God and with suffering people, and who allow those relationships to disturb and transform them. - Shane Claiborne, Irresistible Revolution, 295-296
This year, I hope to encourage you to embrace your love for others with a heart of service. It’s important to understand the revolutionary love of Christ, and the irresistible revolution that he calls us to. He calls us to be lovers, to be transformed by the heart of Christ, and embrace it as our own. This grows progressively difficult as our lives get cluttered and the school year gets into full swing.
But Christ calls us to be a shining city on a hill. Matthew 5:16 urges us to let our lights shine and let our good works glorify God and encourage others to do likewise. It calls us to be lovers, to embrace Christ’s revolutionary heart of service and love, and strive to participate in the irresistible revolution ourselves.
There are number of opportunities coming up for us to be able to develop this heart of service. In late October, an event called Step Into Africa is coming to Christ Church in Otsego with a youth night on October 24 at Alliance Church. In November, we have Revamp for senior high students, and later in the month, we will be collecting for and serving at Operation Christmas Child. We are to be living examples of making Matthew 5:16 a verb (something we do).
This is something I care a lot about, really trying to BE the church and live compassionately and with intention. I encourage you to embrace Christ’s heart for loving people and allow it to affect you and what you’re passionate about.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. –Matthew 5:16
(photo courtesy of Jeff Dokmo; www.jeffdokmophotography.com)
September 1st: Kickin’ it Old School!
Back to school means so many things to so many people. Some might not like going back to school because it means summer is officially over. Others may think it’s a nice change of pace and a great chance to see friends again. Those of us who are bookworms are eager to learn new things and go new places this school year. No matter what you chalk it up to, it’s a time and season of change.
And as the season changes, I encourage you to maybe try new things. No longer do you need to conform to the “old school” system of things; you can change this year and make sure that you’re focusing on living a life that glorifies Christ. As you make changes, meet new friends, and tackle your homework, and participate in sports and extracurricular activities, make sure that you’re challenging yourself to commit to your beliefs as a Christian.
Paul says, in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” What a great challenge for us during this season of change; what a great opportunity to try something different than kickin’ it old school.
I challenge you to kick old school outta the way and use the talents and gifts God’s blessed you with to rock out during this new season/school year.
Mark your calendar for Sunday August 24th for the "Catch-A-Fire" fall youth kick-off bonfire. All youth 7-12 grade are welcome at the Rhonemus residence. Bring something to burn in the bonfire, something that's got a story to it (AND that you're certain you're ready to get rid of). We'll share stories as we contribute to the flames. It will run from 7-9 PM E-mail youth@erumc.org for more information.
"God will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out."August 1st: What are you on fire for?-Matthew 3:11
August has just started, the stores are full of school supplies, and this weekend will be HOT-HOT-HOT with the temps projected in the mid-90's. In America we are constantly on the go looking for the next spot of excitement to capture our attention. It is hard for us to pause for even a moment to really look at what surrounds us. In the retail stores, school supplies are out in July, Halloween will be advirtised in September and the retail version of Christmas starts in October.
If you could just stop at some point though and look around you...what would you see? Would you see day by day go by with no real passion for what you are doing? Would you see moments of brillance sorounded vast pools of wasted time? Or would you see a life lived "on fire", living every moment to the extent that in can be? Do you spend your afternoons/evenings on the couch in front of the TV? Do you sleep in until noon? Do you grown about mowing the lawn or trudge out the door to take the trash outside?
I challenge you to live your life on fire.
August 1st: Welcome Sami!!
We want to formally welcome Sami to the Elk River United Methodist Church. She is coming to us from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN after graduating with a B.A. in English and minors in Visual Communication and Catholic Studies. Her list of favorites include: pizza and peanut butter (hopefully not together!), music, concerts, June 5th (her birthday), New York City, the Apostle Paul, and eclectic coffee shops (I don't think that includes the francise brands, but you'll have to ask her!). She dreams of opening a Christian Coffeehouse Music Venue (hmm, I think we could find a place for that in Elk River...).
Stop by and meet her! Sami would love to chat with you and you'll help her feel more welcome in her new church home. Click below for an interview from Sami coming soon!
July 31st: Up and Running
Well, as you can see, we've got the bones of a web-site coming together for you (youth), but we need your help. What are you looking for on YOUR site. We are setting up a youth blog that will be just for your group, we'll have your events, trips and missions, along with photos of your experiences. We'd love to have a spot for you to write your own thoughts/reflections on your trips and other youth activities. Maybe a monthly poll question? Music/Movie reviews? Upcoming events? We won't be able to do everything, but we'd like to put things up that you actually want and would use. Give us your thoughts, sooner instead of later, if possible. The link is below. Thanks!