WOW! where have I been? I looked at this blogspot and recognized that 24 days have passed. Even after I committed to keep this up-to-date with weekly entries it has not been the case. The strange thing is only I have myself to hold accountable and this task suffers. Reading, sermon preparation, friendships, family, ministry, meetings, church, school, etc. ...I could go on and on with interruptions of best intentions but I will not!
I've served on a Kairos Prison Ministry team @ Marion Correctional Institution this month and as always was blessed by my participation (three first time commitments to Christ & the team of Christian brothers & sisters that facilitate the weekend). Each time of service in the Emmaus or Kairos community I encounter God in new ways that deepen my relationship with Christ as I learn more about Him as well as gaining increased knowledge of self that allows greater surrender and availability to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to work through me to the glory of God. I also attended the WOC Cross-Cultural Retreat and heard the witness and testimony of those who easily could retreat from the front line but have stayed the course, many times in less than favorable circumstances...The road may be rough but with a faithful God the journey is worth the toil in the vineyard...Be encouraged was the message! These men and women who have weathered the racial and cultural difficulties that one can find in ministry join my cloud of witnesses.
We are entering the season of Advent and I with many echo the words...Come Lord Jesus, Come
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
New Start with God
My Lord, You have mercifully exchanged Jesus for me. I now walk in His identity, His power, His will, His resurrection and life. May I live worthy of that calling, praying His prayers, seeking His possessions, desiring His desires, dreaming His dreams, doing His work. I’m a fellow heir of Your Kingdom, and I don’t want to waste the privilege. Please give me Your wisdom. Please plant your desires deep within me. Let me see Jesus’ miracles, His power, His compassion. Yes, I know I will also feel His cross. But I gladly will, if I can only experience His life. Please let me live as Jesus in this world. Please. Amen (from Walk with God by Tiegreen, p305)
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Spiritual Life
Words from Evelyn Underhill in The Spiritual Life: "Any spiritual view which focuses attention on ourselves, and puts the human creature with its small ideas and adventures in the centre foreground, is dangerous till we recognise its absurdity...We mostly spend those lives conjugating three verbs: to Want, to Have, and to Do. Craving, clutching, and fussing, on the material, political, social, emotional, intellectual--even on the religious--plane, we are kept in perpetual unrest: forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance, except so far as they are transcended by and included in, the fundamental verb, to Be: and that Being, not wanting, having and doing, is the essence of a spiritual life."
I have encouraged the congregation to work on their spiritual journey which begins by understanding Living in the Presence of an eternal God who is, who was, who will always be. The invitation to become a disciple of Jesus Christ is only the beginning of the journey that last an eternity. Transformation is a process and every process begins with an initial step so to our journey to Christian perfection. The words of Evelyn Underhill that reflects how we are minimalized by the cares of the world help to unpack the call to go as a part of being to make disciples. One cannot be imprisoned by self and reflect the selfless life modeled by Jesus to those we are called to invite.
I have encouraged the congregation to work on their spiritual journey which begins by understanding Living in the Presence of an eternal God who is, who was, who will always be. The invitation to become a disciple of Jesus Christ is only the beginning of the journey that last an eternity. Transformation is a process and every process begins with an initial step so to our journey to Christian perfection. The words of Evelyn Underhill that reflects how we are minimalized by the cares of the world help to unpack the call to go as a part of being to make disciples. One cannot be imprisoned by self and reflect the selfless life modeled by Jesus to those we are called to invite.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Am I Guilty
This week I have be wrestling with a question found in my devotional reading originating on a church sign...
"If you were put on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?"
I'm a facilitator at the seminary for a ministry formation group that is part of the first year programming. One of the members of my group reflected about the early church and the lived life of some of the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in the book of Acts we see Stephen martyred and can follow through Church history many more that sacrificed that what we find most treasured...life! But isn't that what Jesus did?
I don't know if I'll ever be asked to sacrifice my life but I do know that I am called to go into the world and make disciples. This command begs the question...where am I to go and when do I do it? I find myself busy with church meetings, dinners, and other related church stuff that there seems to be little time to engage through active presence those that are not in the circle of church participation. I know that the truth of the lived life in Christ can only be shared and embraced by others as we become immersed in societal community (being present outside the walls). This presence provides opportunity to share the gospel through our lived story stripped of the verbiage and church- righteousness that only resonates inside the walls but by becoming vulnerable and revealing authentic journey and the truth of struggle where one finds the assurance of the gospel as life sustaining as well as the never dimming beacon of hope. Where those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to meet me, be exposed to and examine my Christlikeness, and to ask the question that opens the door for an introduction to Jesus Christ.
I've concluded this week that other than my time spent throughout the week at the Y my response to the question is I don't know?
"If you were put on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?"
I'm a facilitator at the seminary for a ministry formation group that is part of the first year programming. One of the members of my group reflected about the early church and the lived life of some of the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in the book of Acts we see Stephen martyred and can follow through Church history many more that sacrificed that what we find most treasured...life! But isn't that what Jesus did?
I don't know if I'll ever be asked to sacrifice my life but I do know that I am called to go into the world and make disciples. This command begs the question...where am I to go and when do I do it? I find myself busy with church meetings, dinners, and other related church stuff that there seems to be little time to engage through active presence those that are not in the circle of church participation. I know that the truth of the lived life in Christ can only be shared and embraced by others as we become immersed in societal community (being present outside the walls). This presence provides opportunity to share the gospel through our lived story stripped of the verbiage and church- righteousness that only resonates inside the walls but by becoming vulnerable and revealing authentic journey and the truth of struggle where one finds the assurance of the gospel as life sustaining as well as the never dimming beacon of hope. Where those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to meet me, be exposed to and examine my Christlikeness, and to ask the question that opens the door for an introduction to Jesus Christ.
I've concluded this week that other than my time spent throughout the week at the Y my response to the question is I don't know?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Discipleship Today
Teresa of Avila said "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours and not feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks out with compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless people now"
As I reflect on the storm that hit Ohio two weeks ago and the subsequent power outage coupled with the current financial crisis that threatens our economy, I feel many are reeling and wondering what's next. What an opportunity for God's people as we stand in the presence of perfect love that cast out fear. The witness of the lived life in Christ provides hope that transcends the temperament of the day. Where can the voice of the Church be heard above the clamor of fear and despair? I encourage you in a time such as this to a deeper encounter with God through His written Word, prayer, and reflection that will take the pressure off worldly concerns and provide comfort through the assurance of a faithful God whose love abides with us throughout life's trials.
Philippians 4:11b-13 ...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...v19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
...be the voice to share the Good News
As I reflect on the storm that hit Ohio two weeks ago and the subsequent power outage coupled with the current financial crisis that threatens our economy, I feel many are reeling and wondering what's next. What an opportunity for God's people as we stand in the presence of perfect love that cast out fear. The witness of the lived life in Christ provides hope that transcends the temperament of the day. Where can the voice of the Church be heard above the clamor of fear and despair? I encourage you in a time such as this to a deeper encounter with God through His written Word, prayer, and reflection that will take the pressure off worldly concerns and provide comfort through the assurance of a faithful God whose love abides with us throughout life's trials.
Philippians 4:11b-13 ...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...v19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
...be the voice to share the Good News
Friday, September 26, 2008
Relationship
I've had trouble with my commitment to update this blog weekly. I wrestle with myself and yet don't sit down and write. Why not?
I read a reflection by Robert Roland (Listen Christian):
I was hungry and you formed a humanity's club and discussed my hunger, thank you.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so very close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold--thank you.
As I read this I begin to think... Is this descriptive of me in relationship with this new communication tool? I don't like the answer!
I read a reflection by Robert Roland (Listen Christian):
I was hungry and you formed a humanity's club and discussed my hunger, thank you.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so very close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold--thank you.
As I read this I begin to think... Is this descriptive of me in relationship with this new communication tool? I don't like the answer!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
New Kids Activities Coming Soon!
We are SO excited to start offering new activities Sunday, October 5. We're blessed with a big facility and we're excited to use it in new ways.
Pastor Leroy will be offering an adult Bible study at 9:00am before worship. Email Leroy with questions.
Every first Sunday of the month we'll have worship just for the kids. They'll stay with their parents for the opening songs in the gym and then hang out with Pastor Lori and Jenny. We'll also learn a song to share with everyone at the end of the service.
Every second and fourth Sunday there will be workshop rotations where kids can be active in how they learn about faith. Kids learn through science, cooking, games and media.
Every third Sunday all the kids will do Zumba with Camela! We'll do a devotion and then honor God with our bodies & exercise.
Every fifth Sunday we'll go swimming! We'll play games in the pool and deepen our faith in a fun way.
If you have questions or want to serve, contact Pastor Lori or Jenny.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
prayer walk
Today we did a prayer walk through five areas in the YMCA building during worship. We started in the lobby, moved to the fitness area, then the hallway by the swimming pool, then the teen area and ended in the gym. Here are the prayers we said...
1. Lobby
God you know every person who walks through these doors. You know whether they feel loved or lonely. Use us to show your love. Bless the YMCA staff that deeply cares about their members. Use us to shower your love to the staff so they also know your grace. Thank for each person who enters here that is committed to honoring God with their bodies through fitness. We know you love that. Thank you for the servants who create a welcoming space for our guests. Speak through our actions to everyone we meet. Amen.
2. Fitness Room
God, thank you for everyone who enters this room. Give people motivation when they get tired. Remind them a healthy body honors you. Help new people make friends in this room. Give them a safe place to belong. Create an environment where everyone feels like family. How could you use us to bless people in this room? Use us God. Anywhere, anytime. Amen.
3. Pool Hallway
God we thank you for people of all ages that use the swimming pool. For some, it’s their only form of exercise during the week. Thank you for the deep friendships that are formed in this room. Bless the lifeguards as they keep everyone safe. God we thank you for the people you’ll bring as we start using the pool. Show them how much you love them. Amen.
4. Youth Hallway
God we especially thank you for each one of the teens who hang out here playing video games and eating pizza. Many don’t have a safe place at home to be themselves. Thank you for all the servants who give their time at teen events to show them a different example of a loving adult. Use us to inspire as many teens as possible that they are special, loved unconditionally, and can dream bigger dreams than they ever thought possible. Amen.
5. Gym
And now God we thank you for this space. Six days a week you hear the sound of basketball, senior fitness, Zumba, running and laughter. On the seventh, you hear voices telling you how much we love you. How we want to give you our lives. Use us to share that love with everyone in this building. We might never know how it will change someone’s life. Thank you for the servants who arrive very early every week to set up this space. You use them to prepare us for worship and we’re deeply grateful. Amen.
1. Lobby
God you know every person who walks through these doors. You know whether they feel loved or lonely. Use us to show your love. Bless the YMCA staff that deeply cares about their members. Use us to shower your love to the staff so they also know your grace. Thank for each person who enters here that is committed to honoring God with their bodies through fitness. We know you love that. Thank you for the servants who create a welcoming space for our guests. Speak through our actions to everyone we meet. Amen.
2. Fitness Room
God, thank you for everyone who enters this room. Give people motivation when they get tired. Remind them a healthy body honors you. Help new people make friends in this room. Give them a safe place to belong. Create an environment where everyone feels like family. How could you use us to bless people in this room? Use us God. Anywhere, anytime. Amen.
3. Pool Hallway
God we thank you for people of all ages that use the swimming pool. For some, it’s their only form of exercise during the week. Thank you for the deep friendships that are formed in this room. Bless the lifeguards as they keep everyone safe. God we thank you for the people you’ll bring as we start using the pool. Show them how much you love them. Amen.
4. Youth Hallway
God we especially thank you for each one of the teens who hang out here playing video games and eating pizza. Many don’t have a safe place at home to be themselves. Thank you for all the servants who give their time at teen events to show them a different example of a loving adult. Use us to inspire as many teens as possible that they are special, loved unconditionally, and can dream bigger dreams than they ever thought possible. Amen.
5. Gym
And now God we thank you for this space. Six days a week you hear the sound of basketball, senior fitness, Zumba, running and laughter. On the seventh, you hear voices telling you how much we love you. How we want to give you our lives. Use us to share that love with everyone in this building. We might never know how it will change someone’s life. Thank you for the servants who arrive very early every week to set up this space. You use them to prepare us for worship and we’re deeply grateful. Amen.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Talking Turkey
There is a story, told by Nachman of Bratslav, about a prince who became mad and imagined he was a turkey. The prince took off his clothes, sat under the royal table and refused to eat anything except oats and crumbs. His father, the king, bought all the doctors of the land to him, but none could cure his son. At last a wise man came and undertook to cure the prince. Immediately the wise man took off his clothes an sat naked under the royal table next to the prince, and them began to scratch among the oats and crumbs.
The Prince watched for a while, then asked: "Who are you?" Silence. Then: "What are you doing here?" More silence. Eventually the wise man asked: "And who are your and what are you doing here?" "I am a turkey," said the prince. "and I am a turkey too," replied the wise man. So the two turkeys sat there together till they grew accustomed to one another.
One day the wise man asked the king to had him a vest. He put it on and, shocked, the prince said: "What do you think you're doing?" "Do you imagine that a turkey is not allowed to wear a vest?" replied the wise man. "He is, and it doesn't make him less of a turkey." The prince took his word to heart and decided to wear a vest also. After some days the wise man called for a pair of trousers and said: "Do you think that just because one wearing trousers, a person cannot be a turkey?" The prince agreed, and it went on like this until they were both fully dressed.
Some days later the wise man asked for some human food to be brought from the table: "Do you think that just because one eats food one cannot be a turkey?"
After the prince began to eat like a human being, the wise man asked: "Do you imagine that there is a law that a turkey and is only to sit under the table? It is possible to be a turkey and to sit at the table itself." The prince accepted this, stood up, and walked about thereafter like a human being, behaving like one in every respect.
In this way, concluded Rabbi Nachman, the wise man healed him.
Relationships are complex: for the Christian it is begins with encounter with God and then with other people in a real way.
The Prince watched for a while, then asked: "Who are you?" Silence. Then: "What are you doing here?" More silence. Eventually the wise man asked: "And who are your and what are you doing here?" "I am a turkey," said the prince. "and I am a turkey too," replied the wise man. So the two turkeys sat there together till they grew accustomed to one another.
One day the wise man asked the king to had him a vest. He put it on and, shocked, the prince said: "What do you think you're doing?" "Do you imagine that a turkey is not allowed to wear a vest?" replied the wise man. "He is, and it doesn't make him less of a turkey." The prince took his word to heart and decided to wear a vest also. After some days the wise man called for a pair of trousers and said: "Do you think that just because one wearing trousers, a person cannot be a turkey?" The prince agreed, and it went on like this until they were both fully dressed.
Some days later the wise man asked for some human food to be brought from the table: "Do you think that just because one eats food one cannot be a turkey?"
After the prince began to eat like a human being, the wise man asked: "Do you imagine that there is a law that a turkey and is only to sit under the table? It is possible to be a turkey and to sit at the table itself." The prince accepted this, stood up, and walked about thereafter like a human being, behaving like one in every respect.
In this way, concluded Rabbi Nachman, the wise man healed him.
Relationships are complex: for the Christian it is begins with encounter with God and then with other people in a real way.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thoughts on Worship
Definition from The New International Dictionary of The Bible:
“Worship (Heb. shahah, bow down, prostrate, Gr. proskyneo, to prostrate, do obeisance to).The honor, reverence, and homage paid to superior beings or powers, whether men, angels, or God. The English word means “worthship” and denotes the worthiness of the individual receiving the special honor due to his worth. While the world is used of men, it is especially used of the divine honors paid to a deity, whether of the heathen religions or the true and living God.
When given to God, worship involves an acknowledgment of divine perfections. It may express itself in the form of direct address, as in adoration or thanksgiving, or in service to God; it may be private, or it may be public, involving a cultus. Worship presupposes that God is, that he can be known by man, and that his perfections set him far above men…”
Questions and Response:
What is your theology of worship?
My theology of worship centers on a holy God that has provided redemptive grace through Jesus Christ, His Son, to humankind. Worship is a response to God which is holistic in nature conjoined with practices involving mind, body and spirit to live lives in submission to, adoration of, and commitment to pleasing and honoring God.
What are the elements of worship service that honors God?
There are both public and private elements of worship service that honors God.
I think that public worship which consist of preaching, reading of scripture, prayer, singing, service of Word and Table, and Baptism are the elements of worship that honor God in the corporate domain. I think also that active discipleship, being or making disciples is worship that honors God. In this venue it’s engaging spiritual disciplines for personal spiritual growth encountering the holy to equip, sustain, lead, guide and direct enabling us to re-present the kingdom of God in the present and to fulfill God’s purposes for one’s life that honor Him (“thy will be done”).
What role does corporate worship play in the life of the church you pastor?
Corporate worship is the weekly gathering of Christ followers in public testimony and demonstration of faith as well as a venue to extend the right hand of fellowship to those who may be new to, as well as those within, the gathered community. It’s also a time for invitation to discipleship, corporate prayer and celebration.
“Worship (Heb. shahah, bow down, prostrate, Gr. proskyneo, to prostrate, do obeisance to).The honor, reverence, and homage paid to superior beings or powers, whether men, angels, or God. The English word means “worthship” and denotes the worthiness of the individual receiving the special honor due to his worth. While the world is used of men, it is especially used of the divine honors paid to a deity, whether of the heathen religions or the true and living God.
When given to God, worship involves an acknowledgment of divine perfections. It may express itself in the form of direct address, as in adoration or thanksgiving, or in service to God; it may be private, or it may be public, involving a cultus. Worship presupposes that God is, that he can be known by man, and that his perfections set him far above men…”
Questions and Response:
What is your theology of worship?
My theology of worship centers on a holy God that has provided redemptive grace through Jesus Christ, His Son, to humankind. Worship is a response to God which is holistic in nature conjoined with practices involving mind, body and spirit to live lives in submission to, adoration of, and commitment to pleasing and honoring God.
What are the elements of worship service that honors God?
There are both public and private elements of worship service that honors God.
I think that public worship which consist of preaching, reading of scripture, prayer, singing, service of Word and Table, and Baptism are the elements of worship that honor God in the corporate domain. I think also that active discipleship, being or making disciples is worship that honors God. In this venue it’s engaging spiritual disciplines for personal spiritual growth encountering the holy to equip, sustain, lead, guide and direct enabling us to re-present the kingdom of God in the present and to fulfill God’s purposes for one’s life that honor Him (“thy will be done”).
What role does corporate worship play in the life of the church you pastor?
Corporate worship is the weekly gathering of Christ followers in public testimony and demonstration of faith as well as a venue to extend the right hand of fellowship to those who may be new to, as well as those within, the gathered community. It’s also a time for invitation to discipleship, corporate prayer and celebration.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Lead Daily
When Philip asked Jesus to show him and the other disciples the Father as the final requirement that would anchor them in their faith that indeed Jesus as he spoke is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus responded: "Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things" (John 14:10 CEV)
Understanding the wisdom of Jesus' words, George Campbell Morgan said "No man can do the work of God until he has the Holy Spirit and is endued with power." While unique in the sense that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, he is our example to follow. For us to reach our full human potential and live in relationship with God and our neighbor as God intends means a dying to self and surrender to His working within us.
This has been a great week. I attended the Leadership Summit and received much re-enforcement to the understanding of the Summit tag line "Leading where you are". The example of all the talks heard over the past two days culminated this morning in their practical application when I served as a volunteer at the YMCA sponsored Sports Kids Triathlon at UTS. Courtney an overall winner in her class having completed the events runs out on the course and accompanies her friend to the finish line...Lead where you are...God intends to use us as Leaders to re-present His kingdom on earth...the only way we can is to know that it is not I but He that is living in me, who is doing His work. Question what do we need today...the world's winds or the Lord's word? Where does God say follow me? ... am I afraid to go?
Understanding the wisdom of Jesus' words, George Campbell Morgan said "No man can do the work of God until he has the Holy Spirit and is endued with power." While unique in the sense that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, he is our example to follow. For us to reach our full human potential and live in relationship with God and our neighbor as God intends means a dying to self and surrender to His working within us.
This has been a great week. I attended the Leadership Summit and received much re-enforcement to the understanding of the Summit tag line "Leading where you are". The example of all the talks heard over the past two days culminated this morning in their practical application when I served as a volunteer at the YMCA sponsored Sports Kids Triathlon at UTS. Courtney an overall winner in her class having completed the events runs out on the course and accompanies her friend to the finish line...Lead where you are...God intends to use us as Leaders to re-present His kingdom on earth...the only way we can is to know that it is not I but He that is living in me, who is doing His work. Question what do we need today...the world's winds or the Lord's word? Where does God say follow me? ... am I afraid to go?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
From our local newspaper
In the ever-inviting and charming northern area of the Miami Valley, Englewood is home to families and individuals who cherish a pleasant, open and un-crowded atmosphere. The intersection of Hoke and National Roads in Englewood has evolved over the past decade into one of the more popular gathering points with the Kleptz YMCA as a nucleus for neighborhood development. Folks in Englewood and surrounding areas consider the Kleptz YMCA as not only a safe-haven, but also a destination for recreation, community activities, education, medical and physical attention and spiritual enrichment – all in one facility. The Kleptz YMCA structure, built in 2002, celebrates six years this summer; and Stillwater Church @ the Kleptz YMCA also hold claim to that celebration.
Since 2002, each Sunday at 10am, Stillwater Church @ the Y transforms the Y gym area into a sanctuary. And many of the church’s attendees treat the Y as one of their mainstay on Sunday morning as well as during the week. The Y church’s pastor, Leroy Chambliss, can be seen regularly Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week, in his YMCA office, manning the front desk on Monday evenings or interacting with Y members in the workout areas.
Ordained this past June as an Elder in the United Methodist West Ohio Conference, Pastor Leroy knows the excitement borne in accepting and living a challenging path. Pastor Leroy states, “Worship in this non-traditional context is both challenging as well as exciting affording the opportunity for the church to be where the community gathers rather than a building where the church gathers.”
The Kleptz YMCA agreed seven years ago that the YMCA – Body, Mind & Spirit – could strongly impact the community by actually having a place and time of worship within the building. Stillwater Church at the YMCA, one of three campuses – the Kleptz Y, Frederick Pike, and the upcoming Miller Lane campus – is part of a growing United Methodist faith community eager to help strengthen and nurture the Miami Valley. The Y church celebrate six years at the Englewood Kleptz YMCA the 2nd Sunday of August. Pastor Leroy describes the Y Church as a growing community of faith that embodies the nurture of mind, body, and spirit as foundational to a holistic life which re-presents the kingdom of Heaven in our world today.
Since 2002, each Sunday at 10am, Stillwater Church @ the Y transforms the Y gym area into a sanctuary. And many of the church’s attendees treat the Y as one of their mainstay on Sunday morning as well as during the week. The Y church’s pastor, Leroy Chambliss, can be seen regularly Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week, in his YMCA office, manning the front desk on Monday evenings or interacting with Y members in the workout areas.
Ordained this past June as an Elder in the United Methodist West Ohio Conference, Pastor Leroy knows the excitement borne in accepting and living a challenging path. Pastor Leroy states, “Worship in this non-traditional context is both challenging as well as exciting affording the opportunity for the church to be where the community gathers rather than a building where the church gathers.”
The Kleptz YMCA agreed seven years ago that the YMCA – Body, Mind & Spirit – could strongly impact the community by actually having a place and time of worship within the building. Stillwater Church at the YMCA, one of three campuses – the Kleptz Y, Frederick Pike, and the upcoming Miller Lane campus – is part of a growing United Methodist faith community eager to help strengthen and nurture the Miami Valley. The Y church celebrate six years at the Englewood Kleptz YMCA the 2nd Sunday of August. Pastor Leroy describes the Y Church as a growing community of faith that embodies the nurture of mind, body, and spirit as foundational to a holistic life which re-presents the kingdom of Heaven in our world today.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I'm making a commitment to update my blog at least on a weekly basis.
There's much that has taken place since ordination at Lakeside. I travelled to NY with Lillian where she sung at Carnegie Hall with the Dayton Philharmonic Chorus and it was made even more special as our children joined us for the occasion. All but Lillian have had multiple trips to the Big Apple so there was a lot of sight seeing and we were also able to catch a play...Had dinner at BB King's blues club "Lucille" where we heard some great music...Times Square at night, the naked cowboy, subway entertainment, street vendors, Central Park, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty...the list goes on...Can you tell upon the return home I was exhausted!
Of all the things that happen the one thing that I am still processing is the meeting of my brother and sister for the first time (my biological father's family). I have always been curious but I know all things in God's time and the fact that we (my family) were all present for this occasion is definitely a God thing. It was Gr......eat! I submit to you that God is truly able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ever ask or even hope for but we have to wait upon Him...I am constantly being reminded in many ways as God continues to respond to my prayers that I thought were long forgotten...God is Good
There's much that has taken place since ordination at Lakeside. I travelled to NY with Lillian where she sung at Carnegie Hall with the Dayton Philharmonic Chorus and it was made even more special as our children joined us for the occasion. All but Lillian have had multiple trips to the Big Apple so there was a lot of sight seeing and we were also able to catch a play...Had dinner at BB King's blues club "Lucille" where we heard some great music...Times Square at night, the naked cowboy, subway entertainment, street vendors, Central Park, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty...the list goes on...Can you tell upon the return home I was exhausted!
Of all the things that happen the one thing that I am still processing is the meeting of my brother and sister for the first time (my biological father's family). I have always been curious but I know all things in God's time and the fact that we (my family) were all present for this occasion is definitely a God thing. It was Gr......eat! I submit to you that God is truly able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ever ask or even hope for but we have to wait upon Him...I am constantly being reminded in many ways as God continues to respond to my prayers that I thought were long forgotten...God is Good
Friday, July 25, 2008
great vbs this week
Thanks to our great servants who spent 4 days with kids at the YMCA this week. We had a great week!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Pastor Leroy at Annual Conference
Leroy getting asked the questions by Bishop Ough on Monday, June 9. He'll be ordained an elder tonight!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Blessed to be a Blessing
We are beginning a new series titled "Legacy" which has sent me on the research trail to identify its meaning in our context as Christians. I've come to the conclusion that God's blessing is His legacy to us and our true calling is being a blessing to others. One of the ways that I practice this passing of the blessing is by praying the prayer found for the beginning of the day in "Three Simple Rules--A Wesleyan Way of Living" by Reuben Job.
Loving Teacher, come and make your home in my heart this day. Dwell within me all day long and save me from error and foolish ways. Teach me today to do no harm, do good, and assist me that I may stay in loving relationship with you and my neighbor. Help me today to be an answer to another's prayer so that I may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.
Blessings help and give hope to the weak and powerless...we are here to bless others!
Speaking of blessings! The West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church begins Sunday June 8th and I will be ordained as an Elder on Wednesday June 11th.
Loving Teacher, come and make your home in my heart this day. Dwell within me all day long and save me from error and foolish ways. Teach me today to do no harm, do good, and assist me that I may stay in loving relationship with you and my neighbor. Help me today to be an answer to another's prayer so that I may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.
Blessings help and give hope to the weak and powerless...we are here to bless others!
Speaking of blessings! The West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church begins Sunday June 8th and I will be ordained as an Elder on Wednesday June 11th.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
This has been a real challenge to sign-in and post to this blog...the truth is I have too many passwords to remember. As we begin to use this new means of communicating I will share some of my devotional readings and reflections.
Martin Luther said "Pray and let God Worry"
Philippians 4:4-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God...
I don't know about you but I have trouble transferring ownership of my situations to God. But I know if I don't relinquish my agenda in situations to God I will find no rest nor peace. My anxiety comes from a false sense of control--a sense that I perhaps am responsible to manipulate the crisis to work out for good...You know that's God's job
...the reading in Philippians continues--And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...I tell you that's GOOD NEWS!!!
Martin Luther said "Pray and let God Worry"
Philippians 4:4-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God...
I don't know about you but I have trouble transferring ownership of my situations to God. But I know if I don't relinquish my agenda in situations to God I will find no rest nor peace. My anxiety comes from a false sense of control--a sense that I perhaps am responsible to manipulate the crisis to work out for good...You know that's God's job
...the reading in Philippians continues--And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...I tell you that's GOOD NEWS!!!
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