Newsletters

What Makes Us United Methodists:

How Do We Understand God

How do we understand who God is and how God operates? As United Methodists, we rely on Scripture, our denominational tradition, our personal experience and our ability to reason as tools to help us understand God. Each of the fore-mentioned aspects informs and contributes to the next, so that our understanding of God benefits from each aspect. Our relationship and understanding of God is continuously growing and changing. New modes and models of thinking about God are prevalent all around us. As United Methodists, we use scripture, tradition, experience and reason to aide us in evaluating and examining these emerging modes and models.

We start with scripture, as it is the foundation for our Christian beliefs and faith. Through scripture we are invited behind the curtain into the Holiest of Holies, where we are able to experience the full revelation of God through Jesus Christ. Apart from scripture our traditions are hollow, our experience is unrestrained and our reason is corrupted by sin. Indeed, scripture is the first and clearest revelation of God’s love and grace for humanity. Scripture tells us of our need to be saved from our sinful nature and of the sacrifice of Christ. Scripture gives us hope, joy and peace as we encounter the challenges of life.

The apostle Paul writes, “…be in the world, but not of the world,” which is a clear reminder that our faith should not be developed within a vacuum, nor separated from the world around us. We have the advantage of decades of prayerful contemplation and

writings on the subject of our relationship with God. Our tradition allows us to access the very best theological minds from our past to aide us in understanding our present course. The traditions of the church have been carefully crafted by minds that endeavored to help the sinner reach the Savior. Our traditions are well informed by scripture as they make accessible the grace of God to all peoples. Through our traditions, we are connected to the innovations and insights of those who have gone before us. Our traditions give us a solid foundation from which we engage the world.

John writes “that the Word became flesh, and dwelled among us,” which gives the best substantiation for the value of the human experience. Indeed, Jesus is the incarnation of the divine presence, in order to understand our human condition and provide hope for all our troubles. As we further our understanding of God, we must add to the equation our practical experiences in the world. One of the popular accusations against mainline denomination is that they have become irrelevant. This does not suggest that the timeless truths of the gospel are irrelevant, rather that “the church” has not effectively communicated them to the modern world.

We are artfully and skillfully made with complex minds. God has placed within us the ability to reason so that we might choose to enter relationship with God. There have been those who have used the gift of reason in attempts to prove God does not exist. However, God would not choose to revoke our ability to reason, rather God would prefer that the faithful use the gift of reason to help anchor our faith and strengthen our witness in the world. Reason allows us to critically examine the tenets of our faith, so that we are equipped to provide clarity for ourselves and for others. We study and research the history of our faith to enhance our ability to communicate and think about our relationship with God.

Rev. Dr. Anthony R. Hood

MY CORNER

WHERE’S THE HUMILITY?

by Cheryl A. Alston

Very often, when looking at TV or on the internet to find out what’s going on in the world, or even just looking for intelligent entertainment, I find it hard to find programming that is not celebrity based. There are many celebrities today who are famous for talents they have or feats they have accomplished, but many are famous for who they are. They have no noticeable talent that we are aware of. They hire people to create what’s called a “brand,” so that they are recognizable to the public in the same manner that when we see a red and white can that says “Campbell’s,” we think of soup. Many have become millionaires and are known all over the world. This desire for celebrity and the selling of it has permeated our society. After constantly being exposed to this frivolity, I very often wonder: “Where is the Humility?”

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

We don’t have a modest society anymore; we have one that screams: “Look at me!” I realize the idea of modesty is “old school”, but how did we reach the point where it is acceptable to always be focused on self? It’s easy to get caught up in all this idolatry. Who hasn’t wondered what it would be like to be paid large sums of money for using our God-given talents? Who hasn’t thought about what it would be like to be given all the accolades that life has to offer? We often wonder why are some chosen for fame and wealth and others constantly have to struggle to pay their bills?

“humble yourselves … and God shall lift you up.”

James 4:10

We see manifestations of this culture at all levels of society, but Christians have a different foundation. We have a clear understanding that we are supposed to use our God-given talents to glorify God and lead others to Him. Yes, we want to make the most of opportunities presented to us, but if we keep our focus on Him, He will reward us accordingly.

“Do not fear, …, for it is your Father’s

good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Luke 12:32

Our Church

We are not a museum with perfect people on display, but more like a hospital trying to help the sick, wounded, afflicted, bereaved, lost souls as we all strive for righteousness.

LaJuana Welch

AN EASTER BLESSING

May the glory

and the power

of this joyous time of year

bring peace

and happiness to you

and those you hold most dear.

And may Christ,

our Risen Saviour,

always be there by your side

to bless you

most abundantly

and be your loving guide.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Hello Again, Brothers and Sisters,

I trust that God has heard and answered your prayers; if not yet, continue to be diligent and thankful. We welcome spring because it keeps us busy at our United Methodist Women (UMW) activities and services.

First, we want to invite everyone to join us on May 7, the day before Mothers’ Day, at 9 a.m.at Karas House, 23632 Plymouth Roadfor our 34^th annual Prayer Breakfast. Mothers, it will be a lovely way to be honored! Our speaker is Cheryl Alston. There will be sincere prayers to benefit us all, and we’re looking forward to a double musical treat – our youth choir, Joy of Judah, and the Gospel Ensemble will be performing and both will be a blessing to hear. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased from UMW members.

Calling all members and friends, we have been invited to a Prayer Breakfast at First Dearborn UMC on April 16, just before Palm Sunday. There is no cost for this event. They are asking all to wear white outfits. See Norma Hood, UMW President, for additional details.

We are sincere in our quest for new members. Our next Unit Meeting is Saturday, April 9 at 12 noonin the Fellowship Hall. Come and learn more about our missions and programs. We believe you will find it informative and interesting.

During the month of March, the subject of one of our programs was “Women’s History Month United Methodist Women Style”. March is nationally recognized as Women’s History Month and the program told of predecessor organizations that were integral in movements to eliminate child labor, to give women the right to vote and in support of temperance.

Coming Events:

May: 12-14 Church Women United 82^nd Annual Assembly; Best Western Inn, Mackinaw City, MI

19-22 DetroitAnnualChurchConference; AdrianCollege, Adrian, MI

In the Love of Jesus Christ,

E. Dolly Gunter

UMW Communications Officer

CHRIS AND COMPANY

Sunday, January 30, found a large number of Scott’s members at St. JohnCMEChurchfor the Chris and Company event, “A Sunday Evening Program with Host Rickey Smiley.” Chris is the son of Albert and Mary Hale, and two members of Scott participated in the program, his sister Gwen Hale, and Sarah Williams.

The program was outstanding, with something for everyone. The musical offerings were varied with traditional gospel, sacred music, and contemporary gospel. The vocalists included the Chris and Company ensemble, a young woman who sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria, and a more seasoned male group who, on one of their songs, every few phrases dipped down with a modified squat and had the whole church joining in. Rickey Smiley, a well-known comedian and radio DJ, provided the laughs. His skill is taking everyday situations and pointing out the humor in them. He is like that one member of your family that when you get together, if they are there, you KNOW you are going to have a good time.

There is a DVD and CD available that can be purchased by calling 313-454-7611.

Thank you Chris and Company and we look forward to the next event.

Cheryl A. Alston

THE TOP TEN THINGS GOD WON’T ASK YOU

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but He will ask you how many people you drove who did not have transportation.
God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but He will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won’t ask about your social status or titles, but He will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but He will ask if they are what ran your life.
God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but He will ask if you compromised your character or values to obtain that salary.
God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but He will ask if you spent enough time loving your family and loved ones.
God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but He will ask what you did to help others.
God won’t ask how many friends you had, but He will ask how many people you were a true friend to.
God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but He will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
Now that you’ve got the idea, name something else in your life that God won’t ask you about.

Submitted by Janice Mashatt

3 C’s MINISTRY

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke may help you save your life or the life of a loved one:

Numbness or weakness on side of the body.
Can’t understand or speak clearly.
Can’t see well in one or both eyes.
Unsteady, feeling dizzy or falling.
Bad headache.

If one of these signs is apparent, act quickly by calling 911 or by rushing to the hospital.

This is one of the many things members of the 3C’s Ministry learned on Monday, April 4, when Dr. Vicky Gordon of ProvidenceHospitalwas a guest speaker at their monthly meeting.

Dr. Gordon also explained some preventive measures we can take to prevent strokes:

Don’t smoke.
Don’t use alcohol excessively.
Get 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily.
Lose Weight.
Control Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Diabetes.
Eat a Healthy Diet.

The 3C’s meet the first Monday of each month. They begin at 10:45 amwith Chair Exercise led by Dorothy Faulkner. The meeting follows at 11:00 amand often includes speakers who share information that is important to the quality of life for seniors.

The 3C’s are led by President Essie Martin; all seniors are invited to join.

3C’s Mission Statement:

Caring for the needs of others.

Concern for all seniors, youth and children.

Committed to prayer, praise and worship.

Janice Blackma

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Congratulations to Shanice Rupert, Cassaundra Miller and Camille Bryant, all of whom are graduating from high school this year. We extend our best wishes for success and happiness and as they enter into the world of higher education.

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR MEMBERS WHO ARE ILL, IN NURSING FACILITIES OR CONFINED TO THEIR HOMES. THEY ARE APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR PRAYERS, CARDS, TELEPHONE CALLS AND VISITS.

Your Newsletter is brought to you as a result of the hard work of the Editorial Staff and those who contribute articles. We are thankful to all of you who make it possible to bring this publication to the Scott Church Family on a quarterly basis.

If you would like to contribute an article you can give it to one of the following persons:

To be a progressive church committed to the winning of souls, and the revival of personal commitment to Jesus Christ through religious teaching, Bible study, inspirational worship, and meaningful ministries to service our community.

THE MESSENGER