Friday, June 17, 2011

1 Corinthians 12.1-13

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on 1 Corinthians 12.1-13. In this passage the Apostle Paul tells us about spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit entrusts to us. In verses 4-6 he uses the word varieties three times. We should all recognize that there are varieties of gifts that God entrusts to us. Those gifts are not all the same. But what is similar to all the gifts is found in verse 7 ------ "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." The gifts are given by God for the common good. The real question for us, as the church, are we using our spiritual gifts for the common good?

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Shown at Annual Conference 2011

The Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly - Berlin, Germany | 2010

About 350 youth and young people representing 32 countries -- from Angola to Zimbabwe --registered for the July 21-26 event, which is sponsored by Young People's Ministries, a division of The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.

The five-day event includes worship, Bible study and leadership development for the participants, who come together to bridge the social, economical, religious, ethnic and political gaps and differences that often separate and divide them.

During the convocation, 144 young people and adults who are attending as voting delegates convene a Legislative Assembly, which is designed to give young people a voice in the church through the legislative process.

Annual Conference 2011 - Rev. Tom Holtsclaw

This is Rev. Tom Holtsclaw and his wife Jan. Tom served at Warren's Grove from 1967-1971. Tom and Jan are retired and living in Roxboro, NC.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Annual Conference 2011

We are here in Raleigh at Annual Conference 2011. Tonight Bishop Hope Morgan Ward preached. In her message she spoke about how we are to know that the God we serve is exuberant and over the top ----- and because of this radical grace this God cannot be at our control. We trust this God who is love ----- and who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Also, I ran into some pastors that served Warren's Grove in the past:This is Rev. David Blackman and his wife Jackie. David served at Warren's Grove from 2002-2006. David is serving at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, NC.
This is Rev. Chuck Plowman. Chuck served at Warren's Grove from 1992-1996. Chuck is married to Rev. Sally Plowman. Chuck is retiring this year.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Warren's Grove Website

If you have been redirected to this website from the Warren's Grove site, it is because it is under construction. But we did want you to know what our service times are. We worship on Sundays at 8:45am (contemporary service) and 11am (traditional worship). We have our Sunday School classes at 10am. Also, you can call us at any time at 336.592.3400. Our address is 1511 Wesleyan Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573. See you soon!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Foundation For Evangelism - WikiWorship

Recently Colin Knapp made a presentation to the Foundation for Evangelism on WikiWorship. This was held at Duke Divinity School. Here is a transcript of what he spoke about. You can find this article by following this link.

"Generally speaking, my understanding of evangelism has deepened and expanded through my interactions with Professor Gunter and Warner. Meaning that I now am not limited to a specific “one-size-fits-all” evangelism. This has led to a creative freedom to dream, think and imagine what could be considered effective evangelism. Such freedom has directly translated into programs such as WikiWorship.

"WikiWorship is a very different way of looking at evangelism. What we have done is invited those with questions to gather within the Christian community to struggle together with the difficult questions that all of us have. In that struggle, we can see the authenticity of the gathered community –– while at the same time, allow everyone to be a part of the direction the discussion goes. We are allowing those from outside the Church to come in and have a real impact on the way the worship service goes. Our intention was not to go out into the community to tell sinners that they were in need of a savior, but rather we invited those from the community to come in and to participate in our faith community.

"The reason it’s called WikiWorship is based of off Wikipedia. And on Wikipedia anyone can edit the content of the website, and what WikiWorship does is that it gives space for anyone to edit the content of the worship service. Yes there will still be prayer, scripture reading, and singing, but what we did is let the questions guide the actual service. During the service we would start with a prayer, in a very informal worship gathering. We would sing a couple songs, and then we would address one or several of the questions that we had gathered. This answer would be concise and to the point, as to allow time for those who are gathered to chime in, we would pass around a microphone allowing anyone to add, subtract, delete, or change the direction of the discussion.

"My church, Warren’s Grove UMC, and I have been greatly impacted by the professors of evangelism at Duke Divinity School. It is my hope that they continue their great work for the Kingdom of God."

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

1 Corinthians 11.23-34

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on 1 Corinthians 11.23-34. This passage tells us about how the Lord passed on to the Apostle Paul the institution of the Lord's Supper. And then at the end of those group of verses Paul says in verse 26: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." This is an intriguing way to look at communion. How do you think the church proclaims the Lord's death through the partaking of communion?

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Jet Man Video - Check this out

You can read the story at this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42977241/ns/us_news-life/

Saturday, June 4, 2011

1 Corinthians 10.23-11.1

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on 1 Corinthians 10.23-11.1. In this passage the Apostle Paul continues his emphasis of using our Christian liberty for the upbuilding of others. But then he uses his self as an example and tells the Corinthians to imitate him. He says in 11.1: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." That is quite a bold statement. But, at the same time, is that not what we all should be about as Christians? Should we not be able to say something like that to those who are new to the faith? If we cannot say something like that ----- then are we growing in our love of God and in our love for the neighbor? I would love to hear from you ----- could you say to a new believer ---- imitate me as I imitate Christ?