Fall 2012 Preview

As a new school year approaches, we’re getting ready for an active season of ministry at Faith UMC.  There are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to worship, grow, and serve with us this fall.  Here’s a brief preview of things to come:

Worship

§         Our 10:00 Sunday morning worship service is always the launching point for our ministry.  This fall, services will center around three successive sermon series:

           

1.      “Seven signs of Jesus” (September 2-October 14) - Who is Jesus?  What did he come to do?  Why does it matter to me?  In this series we explore the seven miraculous signs Jesus performs in the Gospel of John.  More than miracle stories, these events are signs that point us toward the heart of Jesus’ identity, message, and mission.

2.      “Beyond the Walls” (October 21-November 18) – In this series, we’ll articulate God’s dream for us to get Beyond the Walls of our church building and into our community, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.  The series culminates with commitment Sunday, when we pledge to support God’s mission by our prayers, presence, gifts, and service.

3.      “Prepare the Way” (December 2-December 23) – This Advent series invites us to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus by engaging Old Testament prophecy that point to God’s plan for our salvation, and its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus.

§         Our choir will again be leading us in worship each Sunday, and will be sporting new robes this fall!  The choir is open to singers of any and all abilities.  Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

§         This fall, Faith UMC is the proud sponsor of Belle Voci, a new community women’s choir that will be in residence at Faith.  The new choir will sing in our worship services twice this fall (October 14, and December 2).

§         This Advent, we’ll be forming our first Children’s choir.  The choir will meet over a four to six week period and will perform in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  More details are forthcoming.

Grow

Bible Times Theater is Coming this Fall!

§         Children’s Sunday School is experiencing a makeover this fall as we introduce the Bible Times Theater (BTT).  BTT  is a fun, theatrical journey through the great stories of scripture.  Walk in the shoes of Abraham, carry the staff of Moses, touch the robe of Jesus.  In BTT the story of God comes to life – and every child has a role to play!  Designed for ages 4-11, BTT is held every Sunday following the children’s message and begins September 9^th.

§         Four small groups for adults are forming this fall.  They launch the week of September 9^th.  You can sign up for them by calling the church office or visiting the “grow” page at faithfoxchapel.org:

           

1.      Rooted in the Word: Adult Sunday School (Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall).  Bring your Bible, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a deep dive into the scriptures.  This group is for adults who seek a deeper relationship with God through Bible study and prayer.  Weekly Bible passages align with the weekly sermon, so that you'll come to worship prepared to hear God's Word proclaimed.  Childcare is available.

2. Young Adult Fellowship (Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. at the Parkinson’s) Every week, this group enjoys a fellowship meal and Bible study.  Held in the Parkinson home, the group provides a comfortable, safe space to share in conversation.  This year's Bible study will focus on the Book of Acts.  The group is for single adults and parents with young children.  Childcare is provided.

3. Women of Faith (Wednesdays @ 9:15 a.m. at Pittsburgh Mills Panera) Care for body and soul with this group of women.  Each week begins with a brief devotion and then a 45 minute mall walk.  This is a great time for deep conversation in a small group community of mutual support.  Children are always welcome.

4. Faith Book Club (Fourth Saturdays @ 7 p.m. at Jenkins’) Engage your mind and heart by sharing in this book study.  Once a month, the group gathers to discuss a devotional book.  Held in the Jenkins' living room, this small group is a relaxed place to share in meaningful conversation about faith and life and to hold one another up in prayer.

Serve

Serving at the table has become a staple
in our ministry.

§         On August 30^th, and one other date TBA we’ll be serving the meal at The Table, a community kitchen on the Southside.  We’re always looking for volunteers to help serve the meal, cook, and donate deserts.

§         Each month we collect non-perishable items for the Bread of Life Food Pantry.  Bring your items with you as an offering on Sunday mornings.  Here are the collection items for each month:

            September – Bath soaps, hand soaps

            October - Dishwashing detergent

            November – Flour, sugar

                                                                             December – Rice, boxed potatoes, kids cereal

§         On a date TBA, we will send a group to Global Links to sort surplus medical supplies that will be sent around the world to support local hospitals and medical clinics.

The November election will bring large crowds to Faith, which serves as a polling place.  Faith Grilfriends will be running a bake sale to support Imagine No Malaria and will need volunteers to donate baked goods and staff the table.

Fellowship

§         Enjoy a cup of coffee and a light snack every Sunday after the worship service during our weekly coffee fellowship.

§         Stay after worship on Sunday, September 23^rd for our annual Open House pot-luck luncheon.  Details are forthcoming.

Why rush out of worship, when you can grab a cup of
coffee and enjoy a chat during Coffer Fellowship?

§         Our annual Fall Festival will be held after worship on Sunday October 14^th.  There will be plenty of food and games and activities for children.

§         On Saturday, November 17^th at 10 a.m. put on your game face for our first ever Faith UMC Turkey Bowl.  The young, the old, and the in between are invited to a good ole game of flag football, followed by lunch.  Come to play, or just come to watch!

§         Fox Hill preschool, a ministry of Faith UMC, is always looking for church members who are willing to come read to children, or share about there careers on career day.  Contact the church office for more details.

Summer in Review

As summer vacations begin to wind down and a new school year approaches, we’re wrapping up an exciting and active summer of ministry at Faith UMC.  Since so many have been in and out town, I thought I’d take a moment to catch everybody up on what’s been happening @ Faith UMC.

§         We kicked off our summer with our annual church picnic.  Hot dogs and hamburgers were the menu of the day, and we enjoyed the opportunity to recognize and visit with the teachers of Fox Hill Preschool.

§         In the early weeks of June, 47 children participated in Fox Hill Preschool’s two week summer camp program.

§         On June 7-10, Patti Linder and Pastor Tom attended Annual Conference, where Pastor Tom was ordained.

Tori Konopasek and seven others have spent the summer
serving in Zimbabwe.

§         We commissioned Tori Konopasek for ministry, sending her off to Zimbabwe for six weeks to help develop the ministry partnership between the Western PA UMC and United Methodists in Zimbabwe.

§         On a Sunday afternoon in June, we had an English Tea, which featured a presentation on Pastor Tom’s Wesleyan pilgrimage to England.

§         We began a series of prayer walks in Sharpsburg.  18 people participated in 3 different walks, each with the purpose of prayerfully discerning future ministry opportunities in Sharpsburg.

Breakfast after a brave night camping at Faith!

§         We launched a brand new Cub Scout pack, #617.  Faith is serving as the chartering organization for this pack, which serves boys at Fairview Elementary School.

§         Our summer worship in the outdoor chapel was highlighted by special music from the likes of Devin Arrington (violin), Amy Parkinson (vocalist), Henry Tucker (vocalist), and Averie Shaughnessy (vocalist).

§         In early July, Pam and Ty Konopasek spent the week at the WPA UMC’s School for Mission at Grove City College.  They spent the week in worship, study, and service.  Ty worked hard on a series of community service projects.

§         On July 14-15, we had a Faith family Campout.  Several families enjoyed a hike, BBQ supper, games, family movie, and camped out on church grounds (through a stormy night).

§         On July 15 and 22 informational meetings were held for the congregation regarding the Beyond the Walls outreach campaign that we are considering.

The sanctuary was turned into an ocean as children dove
into God's Word at "Operation Overboard."

§         On July 22-26 we welcomed 41 children to Faith UMC for “Operation Overboard,” our 2012 Vacation Bible School.   

§         In late July, we received word that Bishop Tom Bickerton will remain as our bishop in Western PA for four more years.

§         In early August, we welcomed Rev. Keith Kaufold of Eighth Avenue Place in Homestead who challenged us to be a church that takes risks in order to invest in the lives of those who are poor and hurting.

§         While our plans to pass out watermelon at the 2012 Guyasuta Days Festival fell through, we were able to donate 25 watermelons to the children’s feeding ministry at the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center.

§         On August 19^th, we look forward to wrapping up the summer with our annual Blessing of the Backpacks, and special music from percussionist Vince Wallace, who will play his marimba.

Thanks Dad!

Me and my dad, Jim Parkinson.

Last Sunday, thirteen years of prayer, education, and evaluation culminated in my ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church.  Of all the delightful moments of that service, none was more thrilling for me than to be sponsored by my dad.

When I was seventeen years old, my dad lost his job.  After lots of prayerful discernment, he saw the lull in employment as God’s way of opening the possibility for him to enter full-time ministry.  In an incredible act of faith, my mom and dad decided to change course.  My father went to seminary, my parents took a SERIOUS pay cut, and in so doing they showed me the kind of commitment and dedication it takes to follow God’s call.

Four years ago, I stood and watched my father's ordination.  Four years later, my dad stood before the clergy session and made the motion for my ordination.  He, along with my family, laid hands on me as the bishop ordained me.  It was a moving moment – one that I will cherish always.

Adding to the power of the moment was the Bible I held in my hand during the ordination service.  It was my grandfather’s, who was a preacher and teacher in the Baptist Church.  In one moment, three generations of Parkinson's were connected in this holy moment we call ordination.

As father’s day approaches, I can’t help but share how grateful I am for my dad.  He’s not perfect.  He’d be the first to admit that.  But he’s a great father, and my ordination would not be possible without his love and care.  In a world with so many broken families, I’m blessed to have two great parents.  Happy father’s day dad!  

Taking it One Year at a Time

Itinerate - "To go from place to place, especially in a regular circuit."

Early Methodist preachers, called "circuit riders,"
itinerated by horseback. 

Last Saturday, Bishop Tom Bickerton appointed me for a third year of ministry at Faith UMC.  It was a joy to hear my name called to return to a place I love.  While my return to Faith was expected, it is never guaranteed.  In the UMC pastors itinerate, which means we are appointed to our places of service one year at a time.

Itinerancy is one of the most misunderstood aspects of our denomination's ministry.  To many church members, it can seem like a cruel way to treat pastors and their families.  To others it seems like an antiquated method of deploying pastors - a remnant of eighteenth century America.

I believe that itineracy - at its best - is a vital missional strategy of the church.  Rooted in the itinerant ministry of Jesus and the apostles, and the calling of the Holy Spirit, itinerancy allows bishops to move clergy to places where missional need matches clergy gifts.

While the bishop has the ultimate authority over appointments, no bishops acts alone in the process.  Each appointment is the result of the prayerful discernment of the bishop, the cabinet, clergy, and church members.  The great gift of itinerancy is that it allows space for communal discernment that can open up ministry possibilities that may have been thought impossible otherwise.

If I had been required to apply for a pastoral position, I probably would have thought myself under qualified to serve at a place like Faith UMC.  Further, if Faith was looking for its own pastor, they certainly would have looked for a pastor with more experience than me.  Itinerancy opened up the possibility for someone like me to serve at a place like Faith.

That said, itinerancy also means that we are working together one year at a time.  Every year we know that there's a chance I will be called to serve elsewhere.  While such uncertainty can be uncomfortable, I believe it has the ability to strengthen our congregation.  When we make plans for our long term future, we must always work together, so that ministry is the work of the Spirit by the hands of the congregation. Our ministry cannot be centered on a pastor.   Itinerancy is a reminder that ministry belongs to God, not to the pastor.

I'm honored to have a third year to serve at Faith.  I recognize that each year we have together is a gift, and my desire is to do everything I can to serve Jesus in this place...One year a time.

We've No Time to be Impatient

Pastor Mike Slaughter

Several weeks ago, I had the joy of returning to my home church for a leadership conference.  Among the many blessings of the day was the opportunity to hear from Mike Slaughter, Lead Pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio.  Over the past 33 years, Mike has lead Ginghamsburg Church from a typical small town congregation of 90 worshippers to a vibrant, missionally-focused congregation with several thousand worshippers.

In his presentation, there were two phrases Mike repeated over and over that captured me: “I don’t have time to play church.” and “There are no quick wins.”

“I don’t have time to play church” means that there ought to be an urgency to the church’s ministry.  We don’t have time to waste with institutional structures and church programs that hold us back from reaching the world Christ came to save.  Now is the time to get serious about reaching the least, the last, and the lost with the radical grace of Jesus.

With this sense of urgency in mind, “there are no quick wins.”  In other words, reaching the world with the good news takes patience.  Disciples are not made overnight.  Congregation’s are not revitalized in one month.  Vibrant, faithful, fruitful ministry takes a long-term commitment – in the case of Ginghamsburg Church, about 33 years.

As I’ve been reflecting on these phrases, I’m realizing how true they are.  Jesus’ own ministry began with an urgent plea, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17).  Jesus didn’t have time to play games.  He was about the work of the Kingdom and would not allow anything – especially the religious institution - to distract him from that work.

At the same time, Jesus’ ministry exemplified patience.  “There are no quick wins.”  Jesus demonstrates an amazing amount of patience with his disciples, who are very slow to realize what the Kingdom is all about.  The Kingdom movement that Jesus began with urgency doesn’t really take off until after Jesus has risen and ascended into heaven.  In short, Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom now, but knew that realizing the Kingdom in fullness would take patience and long-term commitment.

As we move forward in ministry at Faith UMC, I hope that we can sense the urgency of God’s mission.  There are people in our community who are hurting and who need the good news of Jesus RIGHT NOW!  We don’t have time to play church!  We’ve got important work to do!

At the same time, I hope that we will be patient.  The fruit of our ministry will not appear overnight.  Seeds sown today may not take root for years.  It’s okay.  As long as we’re being faithful to the work of the Kingdom, we can stay the course.  We’ve no time to be impatient.  

Kids Worship

“Jesus said to them: ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” (Mark 10:14)

Our children's message has become a central part of
weekly worship.  This Sunday, Kids Worship takes the
children's message to a new level.

When I was in seminary, I got to spend a summer interning at a church in rural North Carolina.  On my first visit to the church I was greeted by a church member and her six year old daughter, Hannah.  Hannah was full of life and energy, and she enthusiastically began giving me a tour of the church building.  She showed me her Sunday School room, the fellowship hall, and the playground.

When we came to the end of our tour, I was surprised that she hadn’t shown me the sanctuary.  “Aren’t you going to show me the sanctuary?” I asked.  “Oh, I don’t go in the sanctuary,” Hannah replied. “That room is for grown ups.”

As I got to know some members of the congregation, I realized very quickly that no one ever told Hannah she wasn’t allowed in the sanctuary, or that the worship space was for grown ups only.  No one needed to.  Actions speak louder than words.

In Hannah’s experience every time she walked into the sanctuary she was told to sit quietly, and was always given something else to do – like a coloring book – while the grown ups worshipped.  Hannah believed that the sanctuary was for grown ups because she never felt included or valued in anything that happened in that space.

From that day forward, I decided that I wanted to be the kind of pastor who made sure children understood that the sanctuary is for them, and that worship isn’t just for adults – it’s for the whole people of God.

This Sunday (April 29th), Faith UMC is having its first ever Kids Worship service.  Our 10:00 service will engage children in every aspect of worship.  The kids will not be dismissed part way through the service for Sunday School, and there will be no nursery care.  The children will be part of the entire service.

My hope is that such a time of worship will be inspiring not just for our children, but for our entire congregation.  Together, we have the opportunity to make sure our children know that the sanctuary is not a “grown ups only” space.  It’s a space for the young, the old, and everyone in between.

If you’re an adult coming to worship this Sunday, I hope you’ll come with a child-like spirit, ready and willing to surround, encourage, and support our children as they learn how to sing praise, pray, and engage the scriptures.  If you’re a parent, I hope you’ll let your child know ahead of time that they’re going to have the chance to participate in the service.  They don’t need to prepare anything, but they do need to know that their participation will make God (and the rest of us) smile.

I’ll see you in Kids Worship!

Music for Life

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant referred to music as the “quickening art.”  Music has the incredible ability to bring us to life.  In music we find sounds that capture human emotion, tell our stories, express our feelings, and shape our memories.  It’s amazing how a song learned 20 years ago is so easily remembered when we hear only the first few stanzas.  Music is powerful and life-giving, and without it our lives would be impoverished.  Don’t believe me?  Watch the video above and see for yourself how music brought this old man to life.

            At Faith UMC, we are blessed to have lots of opportunities to be shaped by music.  Whether it’s our choir singing God’s praise on Sunday mornings, or an evening piano recital on our beautiful Steinway, music is one of the primary ways that we experience the presence of God at Faith. 

            Beginning this Sunday, April 15^th, we have the opportunity to use life-giving music to extend the gift of life to others.  “Music for Life” is a three-part concert series at Faith UMC that uses the blessing of music to be a blessing for others.  There is no admission to the concerts, but we do want those who come to make a donation to a life-giving ministry.  Here’s a run down of the series:

1.      April 15^th at 2:00 p.m.  The AeolianWinds perform “Honey I Shrunk the concerto!” to benefit Imagine No Malaria.

2.      May 6^th at 2:00 p.m. The Morningside Trio performs “It’s Beethoven!  I Promise!” to benefit Autism Speaks.

3.      August 19^th at 2:00 p.m. The Rainier Trio performs “The Mozart Effect” to benefit Imagine No Malaria.

I hope that you (and your family, friends, and co-workers) will join us for the concert series.  I think it’s going to be a great way to be “quickened” while supporting these life-changing ministries.

For a more detailed description of each concert, click here.