Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Virtuous Patience
Sermon on Virtuous Patience delivered at National City Christian Church on October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Making a Way in Desert Times
God declared to Isaiah: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
By any indicator I can imagine, our world's economy is experiencing "desert times." While there are promising signs, no one is forecasting happier days - just yet. Yet, God promised in Isaiah that a hopeful path is planned for our lives and our ministry. The world's economy and our own economic realities are significant, still God promises a new way in desert times, producing streams of water even in a wasteland.
The challenge of Christian ministry in this postmodern world seems overwhelming at times. The church must continually pursue a "new thing" by constantly analyzing whether or not yesterday's methods still bear fruit. Which means it is time for a....
Congregational Planning Event
October 24 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Howland Center
All members and friends of National City Christian Church are invited to participate as we pursue plans and strategies for our congregational life in these "desert times." in previous years this has been a time for brainstorming, but this year our congregation planners will be asked to think creatively about our development case statement, mission statement, and model for ministry.
Your input and participation is vital! Tough economic times call for tough new strategies in ministry. Your voice is important as we discern God's way in these "desert times."
By any indicator I can imagine, our world's economy is experiencing "desert times." While there are promising signs, no one is forecasting happier days - just yet. Yet, God promised in Isaiah that a hopeful path is planned for our lives and our ministry. The world's economy and our own economic realities are significant, still God promises a new way in desert times, producing streams of water even in a wasteland.
The challenge of Christian ministry in this postmodern world seems overwhelming at times. The church must continually pursue a "new thing" by constantly analyzing whether or not yesterday's methods still bear fruit. Which means it is time for a....
Congregational Planning Event
October 24 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Howland Center
All members and friends of National City Christian Church are invited to participate as we pursue plans and strategies for our congregational life in these "desert times." in previous years this has been a time for brainstorming, but this year our congregation planners will be asked to think creatively about our development case statement, mission statement, and model for ministry.
Your input and participation is vital! Tough economic times call for tough new strategies in ministry. Your voice is important as we discern God's way in these "desert times."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pentecost - An Offering And So Much More
Each year National City Christian Church receives a Pentecost offering for the New Church Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This offering provides support for new church planter training, coaching, special project grants, and additional services to support new congregations. Half of the money collected through our Pentecost Offering remains in our region to benefit new churches here. Give generously to the evangelistic ministries of our church, when we receive this special offering on May 24 and 31 - our special Pentecost.
Yet Pentecost is more than an offering. This anniversary of the birth of the Christian Church universal is celebrated 50 days after Eater Sunday. We remember a special time in Jerusalem when many nations of people gathered and received the Holy Spirit for the work of the Gospel.
Pentecost is a reminder of God's great providence in drawing together people of many nations, many languages, many theological sensibilities, and many political persuasions into Christ Jesus. Refresh your memory about this exciting moment in church history by reading the first couple of chapters in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.
Join the whole people of God on May 31 to give thanks for the birth of the church that continues to be an expression of God's presence in the world, and make a generous offering during Pentecost, so God's church may be extended through this land.
Stephen Gentle
Yet Pentecost is more than an offering. This anniversary of the birth of the Christian Church universal is celebrated 50 days after Eater Sunday. We remember a special time in Jerusalem when many nations of people gathered and received the Holy Spirit for the work of the Gospel.
Pentecost is a reminder of God's great providence in drawing together people of many nations, many languages, many theological sensibilities, and many political persuasions into Christ Jesus. Refresh your memory about this exciting moment in church history by reading the first couple of chapters in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.
Join the whole people of God on May 31 to give thanks for the birth of the church that continues to be an expression of God's presence in the world, and make a generous offering during Pentecost, so God's church may be extended through this land.
Stephen Gentle
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy New Syllabus
Call me a little peculiar.
Some of my fondest memories in school were related to the first days of the semester. It was in this week that professors would often distribute the semester's syllabi. With syllabus in hand, I would review the course outline and a summary of topics to be covered. I would consider the books to be purchased and the chapters to be read. And I would anticipate - with great expectation - all of the learning objectives that would be realized in my life over the course of the next couple of months.
I told you I was a little peculiar.
What thrilled my soul were not the tests for which I would prepare or the papers over which I would agonize. What excited me was the promise of all the learning that would take place during that semester. I could see a road-map that would lead me through challenging exercises and open up a whole world of new knowledge for me. I could imagine how much wiser and better prepared I would be at the end of this course of study.
As we stand on the precipice of 2009, I am nostalgic for such a syllabus. What does this year hold in store for us? What challenges will we face? How will you and I learn and grow in the coming months?
Though I long for a day when there was a clearer road-map for the months ahead, such direction does not exist - at least not in syllabus form. Rather we step out into the New Year, trusting that God will be moving ahead of us. We put our faith in The One who will not only direct our steps, but give us everything we need to face the challenges in the days ahead.
Perhaps our learning objectives for this coming year could be summarized in the hymn by Hugh T. Kerr:
Some of my fondest memories in school were related to the first days of the semester. It was in this week that professors would often distribute the semester's syllabi. With syllabus in hand, I would review the course outline and a summary of topics to be covered. I would consider the books to be purchased and the chapters to be read. And I would anticipate - with great expectation - all of the learning objectives that would be realized in my life over the course of the next couple of months.
I told you I was a little peculiar.
What thrilled my soul were not the tests for which I would prepare or the papers over which I would agonize. What excited me was the promise of all the learning that would take place during that semester. I could see a road-map that would lead me through challenging exercises and open up a whole world of new knowledge for me. I could imagine how much wiser and better prepared I would be at the end of this course of study.
As we stand on the precipice of 2009, I am nostalgic for such a syllabus. What does this year hold in store for us? What challenges will we face? How will you and I learn and grow in the coming months?
Though I long for a day when there was a clearer road-map for the months ahead, such direction does not exist - at least not in syllabus form. Rather we step out into the New Year, trusting that God will be moving ahead of us. We put our faith in The One who will not only direct our steps, but give us everything we need to face the challenges in the days ahead.
Perhaps our learning objectives for this coming year could be summarized in the hymn by Hugh T. Kerr:
God of our life, thorugh all the circling years, we trust in you;
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, your hand we view.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,
We own your mercies, Lord, which never fail.
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, your hand we view.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,
We own your mercies, Lord, which never fail.
May God grant do you and yours - and to God's church - a New Year filled with learning and growth, faith and understanding.
Friday, December 19, 2008
2008 at National City Christian Church
Merry Christmas to you and yours! National City Christian Church and I send to you our very best wishes for a memorable holiday season.
The year of our Lord 2008 will be remembered for many things in our life and witness:
Your contribution at the end of this year is so very much appreciated. With your support, we look forward to serving many people on your behalf in 2009.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
The year of our Lord 2008 will be remembered for many things in our life and witness:
- The annual summer program enriched the lives of inner-city children as they focused for five weeks on music, art, science, and reading.
- Youth "bunkhouse ministry" house hundreds of young people visiting Washington, DC from as far away as France
- Our food pantry provided groceries to feed thousands of families.
- The Hispanic congregation continues to grow in enthusiasm and numbers.
- Heads of faith communions gathered here for a prayer service with the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches.
- NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) gathered in our facilities to assist thousands needing help with their finances and mortgages.
- The congregation hosted the neighborhood on its steps for Capital Pride.
- National City Christian Church Foundation had a significant presence at the HIspanic and Bilingual Assembly in New Jersey, the National Convocation in Memphis, and the World Convention in Nashville, TN.
- In addition, I participated in leadership ah the 100th birthday anniversary of Preisdnet Lyndon B. Johnson, and I will be featured next January in a PBS documentary on Presidential churches.
Your contribution at the end of this year is so very much appreciated. With your support, we look forward to serving many people on your behalf in 2009.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
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