(OGA) To Gladys Mbonifor, the community of Apple Valley, Minnesota, is home and the Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church is family. Mbonifor is from Cameroon where civil war continues to wreak havoc on its citizens. She came to the U.S. in 2011 to find stability for herself and her daughter. Her family that is still in Cameroon has been displaced by violence over the past two years. Shortly upon arriving in Apple Valley, Mbonifor filed for asylum and had been assigned an immigration customs enforcement officer. She was allowed to live in Minnesota if she remained compliant and made all scheduled check-ins. Shortly after her arrival, Mbonifor connected with Spirit of Life and her relationship with the church has grown ever since. “She’s really active in the church. She serves as a deacon and has carried all of the gifts of being a deacon since day one,” said Pastor Rob Smith. “When she came to the church, one of our beloved older members was dealing with dementia. She would visit … [Read more...]
Stewardship invitations for Advent
“Advent is not the season for fundraising. You should not have made that kind of announcement this morning!” This was the message a stewardship committee member received after delivering the stewardship announcement during worship. The disgruntled congregant was all but saying that Christian stewardship development did not belong in our December celebrations and reflections. We can sing, pray, listen to Scripture and erect a tree of lights in the sanctuary — but, do not send a stewardship ministry disciple in to talk about giving opportunities! Really? Is it sacrilegious to engage stewardship development opportunities during our days of waiting for the coming of the Lord? Are endeavors to catalyze generosity antithetical to the life and ministry of the Savior who emerged from the nativity in Bethlehem? The disciple who expressed her opposition for the overlapping of Advent and liturgical stewardship announcements is not alone in her commentary. The notion that it is taboo … [Read more...]
Lighting the Advent candles
Guest commentary by Dave Coles Advent is a time of preparation. In the secular world, that preparation involves writing the obligatory Christmas card letter, dragging out the baking pans and hunting through the closets for a Christmas-themed sweater to wear to the party. But Advent really is the time when we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, our Lord and Savior. Matthew 1:18-21 tells us the God-coming-in-the-flesh story: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is … [Read more...]
A Christian and a Democrat: A Religious Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt
John F. Woolverton and James D. Bratt Eerdmans, 280 pages Reviewed by Rick Nutt This book contributes to the growing literature of religion and the presidents of the United States. Franklin D. Roosevelt, a master politician, might not spring to mind when pondering the religious convictions of presidents, but this work makes a convincing argument that his political philosophy had roots in his religious background. Roosevelt’s parents adhered to a liberal Episcopal form of Christianity that embraced the Social Gospel; that ideology was reinforced at Groton School, and headmaster Endicott Peabody remained influential in Roosevelt’s adult life. Roosevelt affirmed that God was involved in the world, ordering and guiding it for the betterment of the whole and for individuals. There was a vision for a good society in that theology, which Roosevelt understood to promote such values as the common good, equity, justice, security (economic and otherwise) and the importance of each … [Read more...]
What’s right about Community Presbyterian Church?
Community Presbyterian Church — Clarendon Hills, Illinois WELCOME. It’s a simple word, but it defines Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills. Fellowship and worship experiences at CPC are grounded not only in faith, but also in the belief that as Christians we must always open our arms to our community. This guiding principle was evident on a summer Sunday when CPC held an outdoor jazz worship service. Invitational posters and postcards were distributed around the community inviting neighbors and friends. Over 150 attended this casual service, which began with a Call to Worship titled “God Welcomes All.” The service featured a Duke Ellington trombone solo, vocal solos and kazoos played by the children, who were then invited to the adjacent church playground. As Presbyterians we live by example, following Jesus and praying others witness that in us. If the jazz worship was any indicator, CPC continues to find ways to exude welcome. — Courteney Templeton, member Share … [Read more...]
A snapshot of bivocational ministry
When caring for ministers, we stand to gain if we better understand the service and needs of bivocational pastors. I use the definition of “bivocation” developed by Kris Bentley from Lexington Seminary: “individuals who are licensed, commissioned or ordained ministers serving in a congregation who also receive income through employment outside the congregation.” Background I have found that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) generally does not ask people about their experiences of bivocationality. Do people feel forced to work bivocationality? Do they see both ministry and their outside work as callings? Does outside work feel like a job to make ends meet? These were some of the questions that initially shaped my research. Survey When I did a survey at a Mission Presbytery meeting, I found that 34% of my respondents (n=38) were bivocational. While this is a small sample, this finding is worth attention and further study. I asked whether my definition of bivocational ministry … [Read more...]
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