What Makes Us United Methodists:
Why We Baptize Infants
Over the last six years, I have been privileged to baptize a number of infants, including my daughter. The baptism of infants is one of the highlights of my ministry at Scott. However, I am frequently asked why Methodists baptize children versus christening them. The answer to the question is twofold: First, Methodists baptize infants because we believe in Prevenient or Pre-Existing Grace; and second, Methodists honor the responsibility of the parents, family and church for instilling the principles of faith within children.
What is Prevenient/Pre-Existing Grace? Prevenient/Pre-Existing grace is a gift from God given to each of us from the moment we are born, to help lead us in the right direction. Within Psychological circles, it is called our conscience, but people of faith recognize that it is the presence of God (The Holy Spirit) that gives us our moral compass. The Holy Spirit is that little voice inside us that attempts to advise us to make good decisions. It is the Holy Spirit that drives us to return/renew our relationship with God. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us insight into our own faults and empowers us to overcome them. When Methodists baptize
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INSIDE:
Authentic Fellowship..................2
My Journey through Cancer.......3
Laugh Out Loud...........................7
M&M Landscaping.......................8
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infants, we honor and recognize that God is already working within the infant through the Holy Spirit. However, it is not entirely the Holy Spirit’s job to bring infants into a transformational relationship with God. On the contrary, it is the responsibility of the parents, family and church to mature, mentor and model faith for infants as they grow up.
On page thirty-nine of the United Methodist Hymnal is Baptismal Covenant II, which is tailored for children and others unable to answer for themselves. On pages 40 and 42 are sections that deal with the parents and church commitment to “nurture in Christ’s holy church (United Methodist Hymnal, p. 40). The implication is clear, that it is the responsibility of the parents, family and church to rear children into a transformational relationship with God. Unfortunately, some parents, families and churches merely repeat the words rather than make an authentic commitment. However, the commitment that is made during the baptismal ceremony is not with the people assembled, it is with God. Whether we were sincere or simply going through the motions, God holds us (parents, family and church) accountable for the commitment. The baptism of an infant is not a divine insurance policy for the child; rather it is a willful decision to commit ourselves and our children to a relationship with a loving God.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Anthony R. Hood
Authentic Fellowship
by Shanise Drake
Have you ever visited another church and left feeling no different than when you entered? Maybe you felt like an outsider because no one engaged you in conversation or even worse you realized from the demeanor of the people that they were there to be seen and not really to worship.
It is important to remember that when we greet our visitors we are not only representing our church, but also our God. The danger of having a church filled with inauthentic fellowship is simply that the cost is too high. If you roll your eyes at a stranger on the street, the result would probably be that they think you are rude. The consequence of that same action within a church is that as a member, you have now given the impression that the entire congregation will behave as you did. If we are rude or disrespectful, we have not only alienated someone from our church but possibly from an experience with our Savior. Even while we are working on our own relationship with God, we are still His ambassadors. When you are dismissive toward someone that is new to the church, you are telling them that they are not welcome and that they do not belong. One of the wonderful opportunities that we have is to give people who feel that they have nothing or no one in the world, a place to feel included and connected.
Recently, I attended a program at another church and before it was over I was clear that I would never return to that institution. While several of the people were friendly, there was one person in particular who clearly was not. As the evening progressed, I noticed that nearly every comment they made had an undercurrent of negativity and even at times a mean spirit. I could not believe that someone with such a personality was left to be the representative for this church. While I am sure that this person had no ill intent toward anyone, nothing about their actions or speech that day made me feel welcomed. I even noticed a more mild-mannered person began to pick up this person’s negativity whenever they were around.
In my dealings with them on that day, I chose to speak words of peace despite my disappointment in their actions. Even though that was not my church, it was important to me that I be a representative of the joy that Jesus has given to me. I left that day thinking, “I LOVE my church family.” Yes, we may have our flaws but one thing that I have constantly heard from visitors and even new members is that when they came to Scott they felt genuinely welcomed and loved.
Several months ago, one of my friends attended one of our services. Unfortunately, it was a Sunday that I could not attend. Though he was surrounded by strangers, he felt comfortable and was treated kindly. It makes me happy to know that I can invite someone to my church and I do not have to be present to know that they will be greeted in peace and welcomed with love.
A few days ago, several of us were leaving a concert at another church when a woman began to call out “Scott Memorial, Scott Memorial.” We turned around to see a woman who had visited our church several times before. While she did not know our names, she recognized our voices, looked around and then noticed our faces. That she remembered us is clearly a result of having worshipped with people who made her feel at home, even if she was just visiting.
As we continue to be blessed with people that choose to visit our worship service, I encourage you to remember our vision: “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 first step in reaching that goal is to be kind and welcoming to each new face that enters our church home.
SCOTT’S DINNER DANCE
SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
CHECK UPCOMING WEEKLY BULLETINS FOR FURTHER DETAILS
MY JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER
By Claudette McMillan
It all started in September 2010. I was busy, as usual, driving to the many different everyday places on my agenda. I had retired from my job in June 2010 at age 62 because I was just plain tired and stressed out from working 18 years on the midnight shift, and working a combined total of 33 years that included three other jobs. My husband and I had just purchased and moved into another house after 27 years in the old house. Packing, going through years of “stuff” that we’d accumulated and moving was an adventure, but nonetheless, very stressful. My husband Sam and I moved into the new house in August 2010. Almost immediately, Sam got sick with COPD along with his other illness of Sarcoidosis. He had to retire and his illnesses forced him to use oxygen 24 hours a day.
During all of these events I still continued my routine of taking care of my mother with doctor appointments, picking up prescriptions, buying her groceries, doing her banking, housekeeping for her household as well as my own, working the food pantry, church activities every week, so it was no wonder that when I thought I felt a hard lump on the side of my left breast, I was too busy to acknowledge it. I ignored it until I fell in my basement on my breast in October 2010. I started feeling this lump more and more, so I made an appointment with my MD in November. He felt the same lump and referred me to an Oncologist Surgeon.
As we well know, most of the time you can’t get a doctor’s appointment for months, but the Oncologist was able to see me on December 7, 2010. The Oncologist felt the same lump and immediately ordered a breast biopsy the same day. Five very painful needle injections were performed on the left breast where the mass was located. I left that experience feeling uncertain and confused regarding my life. That Friday I received the results – the mass was malignant. I was frightened and emotional thinking I was going to die even though the doctor assured me my cancer was treatable with chemo that would ensure me a long life. My cancer stage was diagnosed between 2 &3, closer to 3, and it was also in my lymph nodes. I had all kinds of tests to see if the cancer had spread, but God was in the plan, as He always is, so all the tests showed the cancer was contained in the left breast. HALLELUJAH!!
My chemo was scheduled for six cycles, every 21 days. When I learned of my cancer in December I immediately talked with my sisters Donna and Sandra regarding my options. Both Donna and Sandra are nurses so their input was very important to me. I also decided to research this frightening thing called cancer on line and after consulting with my sisters I decided I needed to strengthen my immune system. I contacted my health food store (Zerbos Health Foods located on Plymouth Road west of Farmington Road) and spoke with a representative who suggested several natural supplements. I chose to use a supplement called AHCC nutrients which is used by the Japanese to help control cancer and other diseases that attack the immune system. I also take daily doses of 5000 mg of vitamin D3, a mixture of cottage cheese and flaxseed oil mixed in a smoothie, plus the other everyday vitamins. I feel these supplements were a definite advantage to my health during the chemo treatments, which can be very debilitating.
My first chemo treatment was in January 2011 and my treatments ended in May. I never became nauseous to the point of vomiting, but after each treatment I felt very low spiritually; however, I was able to continue my everyday activities until the chemo effects wore off, which usually took 4 to 5 days. As the treatments continued, the tumor began to shrink and that was a boost to my spirits.
My surgery on June 13 was successful and my surgeon gives me a clean bill of health, fusses at me to do my arm exercises and declares I am now cancer free! THANK GOD!!
My Scott Church family, my husband, mother, other immediate family members and friends have all been my anchor through encouragement, prayers and concerns throughout my journey of cancer.
I love and appreciate you all. I pray this article will help someone get through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, or if I can help in any way, feel free to contact me personally.
LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME – DON’T STOP THEM
The true story is told about a Special Olympics gathering for young people with various disabilities. At one point, several of the “special” youngsters lined up for a 100 yard foot race. The starter gave the signal and off they trotted down the track with varying degrees of efficiency. When the group was about three-quarters of the way to the end, one youngster tripped and fell to the ground. The entire group heard his cry, stopped where they were and hurried back to their fallen comrade. They helped him to his feet and, joined together arm in arm, they finished the race as one group.
Perhaps it was something like this that Jesus had in mind when he told His followers, including us, that we were to become like children, to be caring and concerned for the weak of the world.
Submitted by Janice Mashatt
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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.
CONTACT INFORMATION IS LISTED IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN.
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When I Say “I am a Christian”
When I say 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and His strength gives me the fortitude and strength to carry on.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's grace, somehow.
Sharing the love of GOD to Christians and to the ones who still don't know Him....
Author Unknown
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Hello Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The United Methodist Women (UMW) would like to thank all of you who attended our Prayer Breakfast in May. We were most gratified to see you there and hope you were blessed by our program. It was such a Godsend to have Cheryl Alston as our main speaker. Also, we had a student who spoke and shared her personal experiences at Covenant House.
This month, we thought we would write about one of our dedicated members. She is Barbara Walker, mother of six children and grandmother of twenty-one. Three of Barbara’s children attend Scott, as well as three of her grandchildren.
Barbara loves the Lord, and believes she was called to serve Him in UMW as Vice Chairperson of our unit. She was elected in 2008 and her term will end this December. The position proved to be larger than she expected, but she rises to the tasks. She must see that various programs occur and are useful and successful. She is responsible for securing speakers who can project our themes to our members and congregation. There are a number of required mission projects that every unit must do in order to keep a Gold Star Status. For example, we have our upcoming 2011 “In Gathering Project” this September, and Women’s Day in October.
Barbara serves as Chairperson of Nominations for the Detroit West District and on the Nominations Committee for the Detroit Conference, where she served in the past as Nominations Chairperson.
She has been the leader of our Urna Turner Sub-Group since 2010. Barbara has attended our School of Christian Missions (SCM) since becoming a member of U.M.W. and served on the SCM Team. Since 2002 she has attended every National Assembly.
We are concerned about involving our youth and young adults and Barbara was responsible for having two of our youth attend our SCM last year. She hopes to attract even more during this year’s Summer SCM.
Barbara is a true blessing to UMW and we want to give her a sincere “thank you” for her enthusiasm and dedication.
E. Dolly Gunter,
UMW Communications Officer
Our goal is to provide you with a clean/healthy environment that you can enjoy.
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.
