Pastor's Message
from Rev. Dr. Gary L. Torian

Jesus calls us to minister through simple acts, like just giving a cup of cold water to someone who needs it (Matt. 10:42). Here is a prayer from Visions of a World Hungry by Thomas G. Pettepiece that speaks to this simple ministry.

Lord, I already know the best way to alter my life-style to the best advantage for all – live like Jesus. The Christian existence ideally is to imitate what you do. You send the sun and rain on everyone, you want me to get back to the basic facts of life, to love without reservation, to distinguish between life’s needs and life itself, and seek first your kingdom knowing you will meet all my other needs.

Still it is easy to trust in the "things" of today and feel like it is up to me to see that humanity survives. Keep me from undue worry and pride. Remind me that life is a gift – not a right, and that my attitude toward the ultimate resources and values in life will determine how the earth’s resources will be handled and provided for those who need them. I have already formed many habits of consuming and acting. Guide me in aligning my personal priorities to conform to my awareness of a world hungry. May my life-style become more compatible with our biosphere and supportive of peoples around the world.

Lord, help me choose a simpler life-style that promotes solidarity with the world’s poor, helps me appreciate nature more, affords greater opportunity to work together with my neighbors, reduces my use of limited resources, creates greater inner harmony, saves money, allows time for meditation and prayer, incites me to take political and social action.

May all of my decisions about my style of life celebrate the joy of life that comes from loving you. Amen.

Our United Methodist Church at General Conference this year has made addressing the issues of poverty a priority. We have already partnered with the United Nations, the National Basketball Association, Sports Illustrated, and the Bill Gates Foundation to fight malaria in many parts of our world through the Nothing But Nets Campaign. The insecticide coated mosquito nets have already had an impact on some of the Third World nations as gratefully reported by one of the bishops at General Conference. Just $10 purchases a net, sends it where needed and provides for the instruction in its use. A simple thing that makes a big difference.

See you in church on Sunday.

July, 2008

Write me at cumc@web-access.net and tell me what you think.