Updated 11/01/09

State of the Paducah District UMC

November 1, 2009

Welcome – Prayer

Scripture – ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. – Philippians 1:3-7

Ill. A salesperson was on an extended business trip, traveling cross-country by car. Every few miles brought a new town and territory into view. At the end of the day, he walked into a local business and said, “I’ve been traveling all day, can you tell me where I am?” The young woman said, “You are at Mc-Don-ald’s.”

Unfortunately, we have people coming to United Methodist churches who do not know where they are and we are often just as confused. I believe the United Methodist Church is suffering an identity crisis. In our attempt to be all things to all people, we run the risk of becoming of little use to most people.

The Paducah District is a strong United Methodist District. I celebrate that fact almost daily and feel so blessed to be your DS. We reach out to help people locally and around the world. We make our presence known in community after community by helping others in need. As United Methodist’s we not only take care of our own, we embrace the world and attempt to make a difference. Few churches have a better identity or a higher calling of care and compassion.

We need to continue the good work we have started and we need to remember our identity more than ever before. I would remind us of three simple statements.

      1. United Methodist’s believe in conversion. The application of God’s Grace calls for a decision to alter the focus of our lives. 

“From twelve at night till two it was my turn to stand sentinel at a dangerous post.... As soon as I was alone, I kneeled down, and determined not to rise, but to continue crying and wrestling with God, until He had mercy on me. How long I was in that agony I cannot tell; but as I looked up to heaven, I saw the clouds open exceeding bright, and I saw Jesus hanging on the cross. At the same moment these words were applied to my heart, "thy sins are forgiven thee." My chains fell off; my heart was free. All guilt was gone, and my soul was filled with unutterable peace. I loved God and all humanity and the fear of death and hell were vanished away. I was filled with wonder and astonishment.” -- From 25-year-old Sampson Staniforth an English soldier in 1743. He later became a Lay Preacher in the Methodist Church.

Methodists use to be known for our emphasis on a converted heart, second only to our spirited hymn singing. We are losing that identity to a cheap grace of convenient faith that demand nothing and produces little fruit

2. United Methodist’s believe in maturity – sanctification. We believe that being a follower of Christ leads to a deepening of our love, patience and commitment to serve.

Paul encourages followers of Christ to leave the milk of infancy and consume the meat of an adult believer. Our ability to love, forgive, and support are all determined by our level of maturity. A mature Methodist is not going to threaten to leave the church when the preacher is moved.

3. United Methodist’s believe in miracles! Our belief is not focused on hocus-pocus faith, but awareness that God can change human hearts and minds and we can respond as people of faith.

We need to believe that God can help us reach out to our neighbors, be true to our calling and make the church a positive force in the lives of others.

Our identity is not found in golden arches or famous burgers. Our identity is not found in the politics or social positions of any political party. Our identity is found in our love for and commitment to God. More than ever before, we need to know who we are and where we are, so we can invite others to join us in the marvelous journey!

Grace & Peace,

Bro. Rick