From your partners in men’s ministry
A bimonthly e-mail letter from agency officers and staff to leaders of United Methodist Men
December 16th, 2014
A Lesson from Jackson
By Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.
One of the most difficult missions to send a man on is that of winning another man to Christ; yet this is at the heart of UM Men ministry.
I am reminded of a story told by the late Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson:
David Johnson, a veterinarian, was driving along the road not far from his home which doubled as his office. Along the way he noticed an injured dog lying beside the road.
Touch by the plight of the animal, David pulled over. The dog was severely injured but still alive. He placed the dog in his car and took him to his office.
Days after surgery, the dog began to heal until he was well enough to walk around.
David named him Jackson
It was not long after that when he entered his office he would find Jackson wagging his tail waiting to greet him. The dog was given the run of both the house and the office and was soon allowed to play in the yard.
One day Jackson did not return, and he stayed missing for several days.
“What an ungrateful mutt,” said David. “I nursed him back to health, spent all my skills on him, fed him and provided shelter and love for him and this is how he shows his gratitude by running away?”
One day he spotted Jackson not far from the house. The dog saw him and began to wag his tail as if to say, “I missed you too.”
David stopped his car, got out, and went to retrieve him, but just as he was about to pick him up, Jackson ran away a short distance and stopped.
David pursued him and once again reached to pick him up and once again just as he was about to pick him up when Jackson scurried away just out of reach.
This act was repeated several times until they reached the corner of a building and once again just as the man reached for Jackson, the dog scurried around the corner of the building.
David looked around the corner where he found Jackson standing over another dog with a badly injured leg.
It was then that Jackson licked David’s hand and looked at the injured dog.
The vet knew then what he had to do.
You see my friends Every Man Sharing Christ is simply one man having experienced the healing touch of Jesus bringing another injured friend to the Great Physician.
Don't let a dog be better than us.
Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.
President of the General Commission on UM Men
bishop@mississippi-umc.org
My Christmas wishes for you
By Gil Hanke
Peace- Not just the peace that comes at an end of war, but peace that is the absence of conflict.
Gifts- Not gifts you get, or the ones you give, but the gifts that God has embedded in you that you may not be using- maybe some you have never used. (They are there for a reason)
Joy- I want you to have the joy that comes from doing something unexpected for someone you do not know, who has no way of ever knowing who you are.
Appreciation- Reach out to someone who you have not been in touch with for some time, to thank them for the impact they have had on your life.
Less- What things, activities, concerns, or aspirations can you set aside for a few days so that you can have….
More- time, attention, inspiration, and renewal.
Literature- read a good book to a child or to someone who is alone in a nursing home.
Community- meet with a group and simply ask Wesley’s famous question, “How is it for your soul?”
Listen- for the voice of God.
Laugh- There is joy in the Lord.
With great appreciation to you for all the ways you serve,
Gil Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on United Methodist Men
GHanke@gcumm.org
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!
By Dan Ramsey
Several years ago, I attended a Santa Claus school in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The class was led by Canada’s Number 1 Santa who appears in commercials, hospitals, and special events.
Twenty men who wanted to hone their skills at being Santa Claus arrived for the three-day school in an Edmonton hotel.
We met in a club at 5 p.m. Everyone who came into the room asked the same question, “Is this the Santa convention?”
Twenty Santa look-a-likes all sat at one table. It was an amazing time.
What I remember most were stories of Santas who made children and adults smile –– especially the stories of hospital visits. Some children were terminally ill; others just really didn’t feel good, but when Santa arrived the glistening in their eyes and the smiles on their faces said it all.
There were also stories of children, their parents and friends at malls or parties. Some people just wanted get a glimpse of excitement and wonder.
It makes me think of the wise men and shepherds as they saw the baby Jesus for the first time. Imagine their faces and the gleam in their eyes.
Doesn’t that get you excited for the future when we get to heaven to see Jesus and our loved ones? The same glistening will be in our eyes.
Besides seeing our savior and relatives, I want to talk to Peter, Paul and other disciples.
I wish for you and your family and friends a very special Christmas this year. No matter what you are going through or what you are facing, ask and it shall be given you, seek and you will find, knock and the door is always open to you.
Oh what a Savior!
Dan Ramsey, president
National Association of Conference Presidents
dbramseyjr@sbcglobal.net
Scout Sunday
By Larry Coppock
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].”
Proverbs 3:27 - KJV
As we wind down 2014, how thankful we are to have Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. Jesus had a special love for children. This is the time of season to be thankful for the gift of children and youth in our lives through joyful recognition. Let us carry the giving spirit of Christmas into the New Year in advance of Scout Sunday. Scout Sunday is celebrated the second Sunday in February (8th).
The Good Samaritan Award was created fifteen years ago as an appropriate option for local UM churches to express recognition for youth in scouting and as well as UMYF. It is awarded to children, youth and young adults, ages 6-30, who have demonstrated the attributes of the Good Samaritan. Youth may be nominated for compassionate acts of mission and ministry. Examples include: BSA Eagle Scout projects and Girl Scout Gold Award projects that have benefitted the chartered (church) partner: building prayer gardens or labyrinths, or other structures, clothes and food drives for the needy, life-saving events and more.
Also, please remember the servant leaders who ‘train up’ our youth through scouting. Make your Scout Sunday a memorable day for troops and groups affiliated with your church and for parents, some of whom will be members of your church and some of whom are searching for a faith community. These recognitions and awards may serve as a major highlight of your church’s Scouting Ministry Sunday.
The Cross and Flame may be given to adults with three years of service. The church may apply for the Shepherd Church Charter for its sponsorship of youth programs.
We want to hear about your Scouting Ministry Sunday. Please send us a brief (1 paragraph) article and 'action' photo for potential publication in Scouting News.
For more information about Scouting Ministries visit our web site: www.umscouting.org.
Larry Coppock, national director of scouting ministries and director of the Strength for Service Publication Fund
General Commission on United Methodist Men
LCoppock@gcumm.org
The Real Christ-mas Carol
By Jim Boesch
At a recent ocean baptism event, the preacher said we often get caught up in the daily turmoil surrounding us and miss God, who is present in our lives every day. We tend to dwell too much on the past and worry too much about the future. In doing so we miss too many of our todays with Him.
That night I thought of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and Bob Cratchit, the cast of a familiar winter seasonal story.
So, for Christmas Season 2014, I offer insights into how our faith journeys do indeed take on the guise of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol story.
The Real Christ-mas Carol
Chapter One: “The God of Christ-mas Past”
In pondering my life, I see evidence of this God having been there for so many important occasions of my past.
My initial recollection of this God-of-Christ-mas-Past brought me back 24 years ago to the morning our daughter was born in that pre-dawn hospital room. I saw Him in my wife’s eyes as she gazed at this new miracle and heard His commitment in her voice:
“No, I want her with me now,” she said when asked if the baby should be cleaned before being held for the first time.
I see myself standing silently in that brief moment knowing God was indeed present at the beginning of a precious, maternal bond between Marsha and Samantha.
I see my God-of-Christ-mas-Past again as I resurrect the memory of Samantha’s exit from a bus one summer morning eight years ago. Returning from Younglife youth ministry camp, she looked different. A warm, welcoming smile, big hug and excitement in her eyes told me this was not the same teenager who left seven days earlier.
As Samantha shared those heart-changing events that had occurred in her young life, I realized we were listening to His words being spoken through this beautiful new Christian woman beginning her journey of faith. One, I prayed, would bless her for many more years to come.
If you feel compelled, take a few minutes now and think back in remembrance of some of your experiences with your God of Christ-mas-Past and share them with your loved ones.
Chapter 2 “The God of Christ-mas Future”
As I look ahead, I know God will provide me many opportunities to share with others my life and love with Him.
Martin Luther defined faith as “a living, bold trust in God’s grace.” That definition gives me a calming been-forgiven peace deep in my soul.
At this defining moment, I look forward to those days to come. While I am anxious about what they will bring and how I will react, I know I am not alone.
Convinced that preparing for the future begins today, I grudgingly leave these thoughts of my past and future, and now venture to meet the most important God of all.
Chapter 3 “The God of Christ-mas Present”
I sense God in my presence as I sit and pen this message. He created this day as He did all the days past. Those still-to-come days will be gifts I can share with Him; knowing God desperately wants us to experience the joy of His love and presence each and every day.
Today I find myself able to deflect the holiday season trappings and distractions that too often overwhelm and overcome me. This day I am able to just stop and observe.
In doing so, I see God-of-Christ-mas-Present and know He is everywhere I gaze.
I see Him in Marsha, a wife and mother with a servant’s heart shared so willingly; completely and effortlessly. In her unfailing love and devotion to others, I see God’s presence shining brightly.
I know God-of-Christ-mas-Present is alive in Samantha when I see her and Jen go to their favorite quiet place in the park on a cold November morning to read His Word; then to speak and listen as He directs their pliable, young Christian lives. I am truly blessed to be in His presence today.
While thoughts turn to memories of family and friends once more, I struggle to find the best way to express the feelings of love I have for these influential people in my life during this 2014 Christmas season.
I am comforted that each year I seem to accomplish this while transcending years and distances that keep us from the physical touches we are eager to share at Christmas. I always see the connection of God’s love in this reunion.
In this celebration season, I hope you strive to open yourself to God-of-Christ-mas-Present. Thank Him for the greatest gift He has ever given us: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then do it again tomorrow and the next and for all the days and years to come.
Merry Christmas, my dear UMM friends!
Be a blessing to others in 2015.
Jim Boesch, deployed staff member
General Commission on United Methodist Men
jboesch@gcumm.org
Jim facilitates equipping workshops for "Lead Like Jesus and Lead Your Family Like Jesus" servant leadership training; "Understanding Men's Ministry," discipling leadership training; and "Equipping Equippers" learning-facilitation training. You may host any of these workshops in your area by calling him (407-721-0416) or by e-mail.
Know your men
By Mark Lubbock
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
––Romans 12:10-13
2015 offers an opportunity to introduce improvements and new ideas as we plan activities for the coming year.
In order to keep your group’s activities relevant to the men in your church it is vital that you really get to know them. Planning things for just one small segment of your total men’s population will not only leave out the majority, but might even alienate them.
As the scripture at the top commands, it is important to honor others to the point of working to “outdo” one another in the process of elevating those before you.
To keep the men interested and involved you’ll need to do a bit of preparation. Here are a few “to-do’s” to get you properly positioned:
- Make a list of a few men you want to invite into connection with activities in your church.
- Call them and introduce yourself, saying you’ve noticed them and wanted to say “hello.”
- Send them a personal hand-written note of encouragement before Christmas.
- Make plans for periodic contact. No stalking here––just keep in contact personally, at least once a quarter.
- Plan activities of interest to this group, and when the time draws near, give them personal invitations.
If you follow the above process and have your fellow leaders do likewise, you’ll reach a significant number of additional men.
When planning opportunities to connect, why not begin with an activity that has potential to reach the majority of the men in your church?
Since men love to eat good food, consider an activity with a “manly meal.” To attract busy men, and men who are not yet connecting, you will need to offer more than just a meet-and-eat occasion. Instead, why not ramp things up to make this event an effective outreach to the men? That means it will be relevant to the men’s life at this point in time. Consider a Super Bowl party at the church, or a Christian speaker who connects with men.
Use round tables at the meal so men can get to know one another. Insert a coached facilitator at each table who encourages introductions and keeps the conversation inclusive.
Be certain to capture the momentum of this event by having on the calendar other events and activities that are targeted to this same group of men. Then personally invite them before they leave. Have the table facilitators prepared with sign-up sheets and information handouts.
After the event, make sure every man receives a short hand-written note thanking them for participating.
The men will get to know you and your fellow leaders, and more importantly, you will be getting to know them.
Keep it personal, and show sincere interest in their lives making note of important things going on in their lives and family. Let them know you care, are in prayer for them and that you enjoy every opportunity to connect.
Merry Christmas, and may God’s blessings flow throughout your household!
Blessings!
The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff member
General Commission on United Methodist Men
mlubbock@gcumm.org
Contact me with ideas, questions or requests for training such as “No Man Left Behind”, “Understanding Ministry to Men” or to schedule a speaking engagement.
Men's ministry specialists - sharing Jesus
By Mark Dehority
I want to take a few minutes to talk about men's ministry specialists (MMS). Who they are, what they do and how they share Jesus.
As one of my primary ministries for the commission I am called to help equip and send out this group of talented men. One of my blessings is a personal connection with many of these men.
Several traits are common among most MMS. First and foremost is that Jesus is a part of their lives. Their lives are enriched by relationship with our Savior.
Secondly, they have a strong desire and a need to share. They are called to help others find Christ. The leader call of an MMS is “Follow me, as I follow Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1). Many of us are in different stages of our walk with Christ. However, this desire to share the peace and joy of Jesus is in the DNA of this group.
MMS are involved in many ministries and find varied ways to help men come to Christ. Some work through the connecting part of our ministry. The National Association of Conference Presidents (NACP) is the formal connection of United Methodist men. At the local, district, jurisdictional or national level we work to connect the men’s ministry of The United Methodist Church.
MMS work at the individual level mentoring and guiding men spiritual lives. This is disciple making at the most intimate level.
Many MMS work with teams or churches. They create small groups and structures that bring men into contact with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. There are significant resources available to help these ministries.
MMS are active throughout the United States and have recently traveled to the Philippines and Cuba to build the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Mark Dehority, deployed staff
General Commission on UM Men
Mark@dehority1.com
For more information, Please contact Joseph Strausbaugh, charter administrator and men's ministry coordinator, at jstrausbaugh@gcumm.org or 615-620-7269.
Note
We have discontinued the use of our PO Box 340006 mailing address; for any mail that does not contain a payment of any type please mail to 1000 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212. If you are mailing in a payment for any ministry area of United Methodist Men, for security, we ask you to please use PO Box 440515, Nashville, TN 37244-0515 - this address sends the payments directly to the bank to our lockbox account. Thank you - GCUMM staff
Catch up on the latest news and find resources at the websites of the General Commission on United Methodist Men and Strength for Service.
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https://www.facebook.com/GCUMM
UM Men to compete for top honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn.––United Methodist annual conferences, districts and local churches will participate in a competition that honors significant ministries to men and youth.
The General Commission on United Methodist Men will honor the top five local churches that engage in ministries designed to transform the lives of men and youth. The Nashville-based agency will also honor one district and one annual conference that provide life-changing ministries to men and youth in their areas.
The top local church will receive a trophy and a wall plaque. The remaining four top churches, the top district and the top conference will receive certificates and will be featured in the summer 2014 issue of United Methodist Men magazine
Deadline for all entries is Feb. 1.
Only churches with currently chartered units of United Methodist Men may participate, but districts and annual conference may participate if at least one-fourth of their churches are chartered. To confirm your eligibility, contact Joe Strausbaugh (jstrausbaugh@gcumm.org)
The top local church will receive a certificate and a plaque during the March 2015 meeting of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men.
To enter, make sure your unit is chartered, and then simply send a description of the ministries supported by the church, district or conference to rpeck@gcumm.org. There is no form to fill out.Photos of the ministries may also be included in magazine articles.
A Special Message from Reginald Grant, GCUMM board member
Hello and Happy Holiday Season,
I am completing a Research Study on Successful African American Males in conjunction with the completion of my Masters in Education -Curriculum and Instruction. As a part of the research I am asking you to complete the questionnaire and to write a brief paragraph about what made you successful, in your own words. If you are not an African American Male please forward, I thank you in advance.
This research will be published in scholarly form and will also be included in my second book A Teacher's View - Reaching and Teaching African American Males. This is a follow up book to my recently published book A Teachers View. Education in America.
I am asking you to complete this brief questionnaire and paragraph ASAP, it is very simple and will take less than five minutes of your time.
Please complete the questionnaire and submit the 1 or 2 paragraph statement "Why You are Successful."
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