District UMMen

Forgiveness

disciples4christ — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:50:10 +0000

I am likely going to make some very uncomfortable with what I am about to say. But it is not your discomfort that I seek. It is your council, your thoughts, and your involvement and participation in a discussion. Some may sound like stupid questions, but I’d like to ask them anyway.

How important is God’s forgiveness to your salvation? How important is it to your brother’s salvation? Could my salvation be somehow linked to the salvation of my brother or my neighbor?

In a book, “A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants”, by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck, they have selected readings that have inspired them personally in their search for forgiveness of sin, and release from guilt, while striving to have God as a companion in their lives.

Readings for reflection, page 277 cites from “Creation in Chris”t by George MacDonald.

“Every sin and blasphemy,” the Lord said, “will be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” God speaks, as it were, in this manner: “I forgive you everything. Not a word more shall be said about your sins-only come out of them; come out of the darkness of your exile; come into the light of your home, of your birthright; and do evil no more, envy no more; be neither greedy nor vain; love your neighbor as I love you; be my good child; trust in your Father. I am light; come to me, and you shall see things as I see them, and hate the evil thing. I will make you love the thing which now you call good and love not. I forgive all the past.”

Praise God that every sin and blasphemy has been forgiven unto men. Thank God I do not have to suffer for the sins of my past….”not a word more will be said about your sins”. I hope that is a weight lifted off your shoulders, as it is a great weight off mine!

But which sins cannot be forgiven? What sin can man commit that is impossible for God to forgive? What is sloth?

“I thank you, Lord, for forgiving me, but I prefer staying in the darkness: forgive me that too.”

“No; that cannot be. The one thing that cannot be forgiven is the sin of choosing to be evil, of refusing deliverance. It is impossible to forgive that sin. It would be to take part in it. To side with wrong against right, with murder against life, cannot be forgiven. The thing that is past, I pass, but he who goes on doing the same, annihilates this my forgiveness, makes it of no effect.”

Is refusing to act, to get involved, or to neglect the state of affairs of my brother, a desire on my part to remain in the darkness? If I refrain from doing evil, but neither do I do good, am I allowing myself and others to remain in their sin? Is that forgivable?

“Let a man have committed any sin whatever, I forgive him; but to choose to go on sinning-how can I forgive that? It would be to nourish and cherish evil! It would be to let my creation go to ruin. Shall I keep you alive to do things hateful in the sight of all true men? If a man refuse to come out of his sin, he must suffer the vengeance of a love that would be no love if it left him there. Shall I allow my creature to be the thing my soul hates?”

“There is no excuse for this refusal. If we were punished for every fault, there would be no end, no respite; we should have no quiet wherein to repent; but god passes by all he can. He passes by and forgets a thousand sins, yea, tens of thousands, forgiving them all-only we must begin to do good, begin to do evil no more.”

What if I don’t act? What if I am not involved? What if I don’t participate? What if I don’t even take time to see? Can I continue to shut my eyes and simply ignore the plight of my brother?

I hope you will take a few moments to ponder some of these questions and the reflective readings, and then decide if the “status quo” is good enough.

Va. Conference UMM – Spring Training

disciples4christ — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:10:55 +0000

Wanted to share with you the VA Conference President’s response to the question, “Why do they call it Spring Training?”

“I feel it is both a Spring Gathering and Training event of and for UMMen across the conference. It is training in the sense that we are highlighting 3 of our major ministries to give information to all those gathered that would inform them of the role the local Fellowships have in implementing and being a part of these Ministries.

The three Ministries being emphasized are: Heart Havens support with emphasis on the Endowment Fund Campaign, Disciples Bible Outreach Ministries (this is new for VA Conference and VA UMM) and 2^nd Generation WBB.

The training aspect would be letting all those attending know and understand how they can be a part of these Ministries.

As always I have, as I am sure you do, in my mind the nagging question of just how much of what we are doing is meeting the needs of the men who are expected to be those doing the ministry and at the same time those to whom we are ministering. I know this sounds like a play on words but you and I who are expected to be doing ministry do at times need to be receiving as well. Thus, the proverbial question always arises, What are we doing at the National, Conference and Local levels to meet the ‘needs’ of the men? And, just what is the felt need of the men? I always have the concern that we miss the mission of ‘heart transformation’ that is, are we bringing men the saving gospel of Jesus Christ who stated firmly, “I came to seek and save the lost”? Could it be we are doing all the right things for the wrong reason? I struggle with this thought when I add up how much time and money we give to many causes but cannot count one soul that was added to the Kingdom of God because of those efforts.”

Heart Havens Endowment Campaign

disciples4christ — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:47:28 +0000

We’ve been busy at Heart Havens preparing for the opening of our 12^th home in Ashland, VA. Five adults will be moving into their new home in a few weeks. Their lives will change, as well as the lives of their families. As with all that we do at Heart Havens, our success is directly related to the support of the United Methodist Men across Virginia. Thank you for your commitment.

There are two separate items I’d like to bring to your attention: Heart Havens Endowment and Heart Havens Month in February. We want to eliminate any confusion that the two projects are linked. Heart Havens month has always been an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the general operating expenses of Heart Havens. The Virginia Conference allows us to make that ask in churches during the month of February. The Endowment will provide ongoing support for larger maintenance issues as our home age; we do not expect you to speak of the Endowment Online Campaign during Heart Havens month.

Heart Havens Month

We are asking you to communicate the Heart Havens’ mission at your own church and throughout the district. Ask your pastor if you could have at least 5 minutes to share your mission project. Speak from the heart and tell your neighbors why Heart Havens and the people we support are important to you. Heart Havens sent materials to the Mission/Lay leaders at your churches. Once you’ve scheduled a date, contact Heart Havens with your date and church. If you need additional materials or help, call Pat or Kiki at the Heart Havens office (804 237 6097).

Heart Havens Endowment Online Campaign

At the October UMM Cabinet meeting, you voted to support our plans for a $1,000,000 Endowment to support the ongoing maintenance needs of our existing homes. At that meeting, the Portsmouth UMM made a generous donation of $25,000 to kick-off the campaign. At this time, we need to move forward with our plans for an online fundraising campaign. This campaign will revolve around friends asking friends; contacting your friends and business contacts via email in support of Heart Havens. We plan to structure the campaign around churches, schools, businesses and organizations forming teams, with each team committing to a fundraising goal. All communication and donations will be handled on a secure Heart Havens website, with individuals having the opportunity to compete for incentive prizes and bragging rights.

Here’s what we need to get started:

Steering Committee of 5-7 people who are comfortable with computers and want to help Heart Havens (we can meet via phone conferences and/or webinars…so minimum travel). This committee will develop our communication plan, work on our website and recruit district leads.
Lead contacts of 2 or more people for each district. These folks will help to spread the word in their district, recruit team members for the district team and recruit businesses and organizations to form their own team.

Groups with far smaller numbers than the United Methodist Men have been very successful raising over $100,000. They’ve done this with a small group of dedicated volunteers. To make this happen, we need volunteers. We need you. Please prayerfully consider how you can help Heart Havens safeguard the future of the homes and people who live there.

Following the Virginia Conference UMM meeting on Feb 5^th, we will have a short meeting to discuss the Endowment and the online campaign plans.

Thank you,

Pat Maehr                                                                   Bob Tate
Director of Development                                            Board Chair
Heart Havens, Inc.                                                      Heart Havens, Inc.

DBOM – Conversation

disciples4christ — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:20:26 +0000

The following are excerps from a series of emails discussing Prison Ministries and the UMM’s Prison Ministries Advocate, the Disciple Bible Outreach Ministry. This is an attempt to share information with our Fellowships as it comes available……..much more to come!

“We are having a session on Prison Ministry. It will be #20. While we have done it for the last half dozen years it did not get listed in the on-line Lay Servants Academy brochure but it is supposed to be added. Go to the VA conference site and click on the Lay Servants Academy. It is a pretty in depth view of all phase and would be good for the men. As I mentioned to Gene, I have taught a 2 hour segment covering the highlights and have done 10 minute highlights of the Kairos program. It is really powerful seeing the power of Gods love. We are forming a team now for Sussex and would love to have you join us.”

- Jim Templeton

”If we can get folks identified, attempt to get them through an Emmaus walk this year, possible training at the Lay Speaking Academy, then DBOM training in August 2011, and get a handle on the approval process (background checks, etc), we could have a “graduating class” if you will, by our Fall Spiritual Retreat time. Could even recognize these men in a graduation ceremony or induction ceremony if you will. Recognition is something we all put off doing, and once in a while it is nice to stop and say “thanks for all you are doing”, this might be one way to do that. Just a thought.”

“I too really want our men to have the opportunity to get involved (hands on) themselves and this sounds like a prime opportunity to do just that. I appreciate all y’all sharing this info with me, as the smarter I can get the better I will be able to talk to others about what’s involved, and how to get involved.”

- Blessings, Herb Drake WDUMM President

”Just keep in mind the volunteers for DBOM do not necessarily need to attend the Walk to Emmaus or the Lay Servants Academy. It would be nice, but not a prerequisite. I think those venues are an excellent place to recruit volunteers. I just don’t want people to be overwhelmed.”

-Gene Mims, VA Conference Prison Ministries Advocate

”Thanks for keeping me in the loop on your e-mails. I am excited about the DBOM movement in VA. As Jim said, I will be conducting DISCIPLE Bible Study training and DBOM Outreach Training for all VA prison Chaplains. These trainings are set for March 14, 15 and 16 at three separate DOC training centers in VA. The DBOM training and certification for VA DBOM volunteers is set for September 17 at the Conference Center in Glen Allen. It is a good idea to start presenting the program and to begin the recruitment process at upcoming events such as the Lay Academy etc. ”

-In Christ, Mark Hicks, DBOM, National

Prayer Advocate – Winchester District UMM

disciples4christ — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:48:19 +0000

UMMen of Winchester District:

I have been appointed Prayer Advocate for the Winchester District. Although a concerted effort will be made to promote prayer in the forthcoming year, what better advocates do we need than Jesus telling his disciples they should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1), and Paul’s letter to the Romans (10:10-12): “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

If you haven’t heard or used the word “zeal” in a while, it means intense enthusiasm. Wow, can you imagine having conversation with our Lord with such passion. Although this message is brief, please know that I believe prayer is essential in our lives. Whether before meetings, before meals, or before rising each morning, take time to go to God for his blessings, for developing relationships, for lighting your path, for sending His Son.

May you be faithful in prayer in your walk with Christ!

–Always In His Name, Charles Browning

Hunger Relief in the Winchester District

disciples4christ — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:45:15 +0000

As the newly appointed Hunger Relief Advocate for the WDUMMen, I have a request. If your church has a food pantry or provides any services to the hungry in our community, please share your Food Pantry (church) name, days that you provide services to the community and any other relevant information for me to get a handle on what we are doing within our churches to help those less fortunate – Steve Cunningham

It’s all about HIM!!

disciples4christ — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 01:17:35 +0000

As we go through our daily lives, and we are constantly reacting to the pressures of family, work, social responsibilities, all competing for our time, it is easy to get distracted. Or even when we are in church, it’s easy to get distracted by the good things, and miss the Best. It is human nature to think about how all these things affect me. Where is “my” time, what is “my” role, how is this going to effect “me”? We need to be reminded that it is not about “me”, but about Jesus. Please take a moment and watch the video…….

All About Him

Pastors’ Overview: A Clergy Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers

disciples4christ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:05:08 +0000

1ST Generation of 18 Churches, 60 Pastors and Men, paves way to a 2ND Generation!
Pastors’ Overview: A Clergy Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Scarcely a month ago, the First Generation Wesleyan Building Brothers – pastors and laity – were present to celebrate the completion of their yearlong training preparing them to become Spiritual Fathers. And at their side, were men planning to begin their spiritual journey as a part of the next generation, the Second Generation of Wesleyan Brothers.

It’s about the “Second Generation” that I’m contacting you now, a personal invitation to attend the Pastors’ Overview at the UM Center on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

There, you’ll be introduced to the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process that will provide timely information to enable you and the men of your church to be included in the next generation.

The Wesleyan Building Brothers Process is NOT about “doing” men’s ministry, but rather, it’s about Renewal and Revitalization of the local church, one of the four focus areas identified by the Council of Bishops as being most critical, and supporting the long-range strategic vision of the Virginia Conference.

I encourage you to read on to learn more about the Pastors’ Overview, an event expressly tailored for clergy and the men of their church. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Your Brother in Christ,

Larry Burian

Wesleyan Building Brothers Advocate
Virginia Conference United Methodist Men

llburian@hughes.net
804-453-4004

Why Wesleyan Building Brothers? Why now?

Highly acclaimed Barna Group research shows that in most churches, perhaps your church, there is a shortage of men … especially in positions of leadership. Where are the men? What are the barriers that keep men from being involved in the life of the church?

· Of the U.S. adults born prior to 1946, 65% professed their faith in Christ, while less than 5% of those born after 1977 are becoming Christians.

· A Barna Group survey found that in 1992, 42% of men in the U.S. attended church, but by 1996 that number had dropped to 28% … revealing that nearly one-third had left the church.

· Men are finding their identity outside of the church.

· Nearly 95% of Christian men do not have close male friends.

· On average, about 2/3 of the congregation is comprised of women. Where are the men?

So, you see, the questions “where are the men?“ and “what are the barriers …?“ have been bouncing around for years and deserve some answers. Or better yet, solutions!

Over the course of nearly two years since the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process was implemented in the Virginia Conference, we have found that WBB can help solve the problem of missing men.

The answers and solutions lie in the establishment of a clearly defined pathway within the local church to lead men from spiritual immaturity to spiritual fatherhood by developing leaders who can minister to others. In simple terms, it becomes a matter of helping men grow in Christ, so others will know Christ!

Who should Attend the Pastors’ Overview?

ALL pastors – male and female clergy alike – should plan to attend this 1-day event! And, it’s highly recommended that pastors seek out one or two men of the church to accompany them. The men selected need not be elected leaders, but men who have an appetite for service and growth in their spiritual maturity, and a heart for intentional discipleship with other men of the church.The concept behind the Pastors’ Overview is for you, the pastor, to gain insight and understanding of the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process and confirm why it is crucial for men to be in a process of spiritual transformation, and to acquire the fundamentals required for men to grow and mature into Spiritual Fathers. Although it’s permissible for pastors to participate alone, it’s highly recommended they be accompanied by men under their spiritual leadership.

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Men of the First Generation WBB are saying . . .PASTOR KEITH’S STORY:“Wilderness Community United Methodist Church is an 11-year-old church with a strong small group ministry. We became part of the first generation of churches involved in the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process because of the potential we saw for life transformation and spiritual reproduction.” “Eight men joined in our Wesleyan Building Brothers small group that met for 90 minutes each Saturday morning over a one-year period. The level of commitment of these men grew throughout the year. Their relationship with Jesus and one another deepened. Their passion for introducing others to Jesus and their desire to see the spiritual life that was developing in them be reproduced in others increased.”As we approached the conclusion of our first year on this journey, each of the men involved in the experience stepped out in new ways in leadership in our church family. One, who had never led a small group, now provides leadership for a new men’s small group. Four others have decided to provide the leadership to lead a second generation of men in our church on this journey. “I highly commend the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process as a proven means of developing spiritually mature and reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ.” Rev. Keith Boyette, Pastor, Wilderness Community Church, Ashland District

KEN’S TESTIMONY: (The full text of Ken Moura’s testimony can be downloaded by clicking here.)

“… I was pretty much an armchair Christian who had a one-dimensional relationship with God. I didn’t really know God because I didn’t study scripture. At times, I felt I should be doing more to strengthen my faith but fear of stepping outside my comfort zone caused me to just keep my faith to myself. I also realize now that I didn’t have any real friends or meaningful relationships with other men, and this was primarily due to the fact that I didn’t know how to relate to men and was afraid to open up for fear of being exposed.

“My stagnant faith really hit home when I looked at my 12-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. Neither of them had any thirst to grow closer to God nor the desire to learn about the Christian faith, and this despite attending a Christian school. When I looked at their male role model, I could hardly blame either of them.

“… August 2009, I began [the Wesleyan Building Brothers Process] with 9 other men, none of whom I knew well, and some I didn’t know at all.

“… slowly but surely I found my heart transforming to where I craved a deeper relationship with God, and I wanted to share it with men who months ago I hardly knew. Then a light bulb turned on. I wasn’t merely learning to become a better father, but rather learning to passionately pursue God with other people and thus transforming their hearts to want to do the same, and so continuing the cycle.”

Ken Moura, Culpeper United Methodist Church, Charlottesville District

Culpeper UMC – The First Generation (clockwise from front center) Shane Nicholls, Jonathan Brooks, Rob Berkebile, Ken Moura, Brad Miller, Mike Evans, Lee Simpson, David Bean, and Art Fellows

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Spiritual Leader and Coach A new four-part Straight Talk video series narrated by Dan Schaffer is available for viewing online free of charge. In each of the videos, he discusses subjects that many clergy and laity avoid talking about publicly.

For anyone who has been in Dan Schaffer’s presence and heard him speak, you know that he has a God-given gift of taking subjects that range from the sublime to the controversial and handles them vigorously, straightforwardly, and with sensitivity that any discussion may call for … truly a role model for holy conferencing.
Dan is at his best in this series, speaking from the beauty and calm of the High Country that he calls home. In this relaxed shirtsleeve environment, his narration of Straight Talk transcends sublimity and controversy in a compelling discussion about the Church that you will want to play again and again. The professionally recorded Straight Talk videos listed below have been edited to less than 10 minutes total viewing time, and are excellent primers for the Pastors’ Overview.
Church in Crisis

The Church today has lost its impact on our culture!

Seeker Church

The Church today has lost its Mission and Purpose!

Men

The Church today will not survive without Spiritual Fathers!

DNA Change

The Church today needs a DNA change!

Click Here to View Straight Talk

Dan Schaffer, who will be facilitating the Pastors’ Overview, is the founder and president of Building Brothers. He has a deep spiritual passion to build Spiritual Fathers within the Church, and has been a Spiritual Father in the lives of men for over 30 years. Dan was one of the four men who founded Promise Keepers and was responsible for developing the Key Man and Ambassador training material. He can be found living out his passion in the Colorado Rockies as a hunter and fisherman. Dan would sum up his purpose in life this way, “That I would pursue and reproduce the pursuit of God in others, as laid out in Philippians 3:10.”

                                Schedule and CostOn Wednesday, January 26, pastors and men will begin drifting in at 8:30 a.m. for coffe, donuts and fellowship. The Pastors’ Overview, led by Dan Schaffer, will begin at 9:00 a.m.
and conclude at 4:00 p.m., with time allotted for stretch breaks and lunch.                          Cost: $50 per person
       for registrations made by January 10, 2011
               · After January 10 the cost is $60 ·
             SAVE $10 per person – Register soon!        The registration fee inludes snacks, lunch, the    Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers handbook,      and Dan Schaffer’s book, Spiritual Fathers.                            SPECIAL OFFER
    First Generation “graduates*” who would like to review some of the WBB fundamentals and sit in with the Second Generation, the cost is $25 per    person, includes lunch and snacks only (no books) if registered by January 10, $35 thereafter

*Graduates: Men that have completed Phase Training

Seating is limited to 70

Pastors are eligible for 0.6 CEU Credit

Get More Information

Parks & Rec – Walk of Honor

disciples4christ — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:22:40 +0000

Winchester Baseball and Winchester Parks & Rec are doing a wonderful project to raise some money and also redo the area behind the Yost Press box at Jim Barnett Park in Winchester. They are selling engraved bricks that will be placed into the Walk of Honor. A cool thing about this for me personally is that it will be an Eagle Scout project as well for Roger Repasky who was a player on my son’s basketball team several years ago when he was only 8 years old…..This would be a wonderful way to honor or memorialize someone special. The time line to get your orders in is very limited as they want to have the walk ready by opening day in April!!

Order Form (click here) Post by Steve Cummingham

District UMM – Finance Committee

disciples4christ — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:42:51 +0000

Dear Brothers In Christ,
It is with great pleasure that I report to you that four men have stepped forward to assist in the formation of a District UMM Finance Committee. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Jim Rudisill (current Treasurer), Mr. Jim Green (current Past President), Mr. Fred Rathel (Past President), and Mr. Steve Cunningham (Past President and current Hunger Relief Advocate).

These gentlemen are extremely knowledgable about the District UMM programs and financial condition, and have years of experience leading this fine organization. We are missing a very important aspect of the committee and that is Local Fellowship representation. We would like to see, at a minimum, 2 or 3 representatives from our Local Fellowships become members of the District UMM Finance Committee. Please consider nominating a person to serve from your local organization. We would love to have your perspective.

A general statement of purpose is still under development for consideration, but I would expect the District UMM Finance Committee to be involved in reviewing all financial statements and reports on financial activity, recommend operating policies and procedures, develop budgets, and monitor income and uses of organizational funds.

Hope all are enjoying all of God’s graces during this Advent Season, Your Brother In Christ, Herb Drake