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A bimonthly e-mail letter
from agency officers and staff
to leaders of United Methodist Men
August, 2017
Click here to view the full newsletter with expanded articles.
Bishop Gary Mueller, vice president of the General Commission on UM Men, says Christians come to partisan issues from different cultural perspectives, life experiences, political leanings and personalities. He suggests it’s time to see issues through Jesus’ eyes and follow where he leads.
Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the commission, recalled a sermon delivered at the National BSA Jamboree. Dr. Bruce Reed asked, “Are we the fishers, or are we only taking care of the aquarium?” Hanke suggests pastors should care for fish in the aquarium while church members should fish for those not in anyone’s tank.
Larry Coppock, director of scouting ministry, also serves as acting executive director of Strength for Service Inc. He tells a story of Morris Dennis, a 91-year-old World War II veteran who provided free warehousing for 30,000 Strength for Service books at the Dennis Paper Company in Nashville.
The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, director of men’s ministry, recalls a sermon in which a younger member of a church staff spoke about his “December,” a cold, lonely and bitter time, and how a small group of fellow travelers accepted and loved him into his “July,” a place where he met Jesus anew.
“Jesus calls each one of us to be his disciple,” says Steve Nailor, president of the National Association of Conference Presidents. “If you need some support and guidance I would suggest ‘The Class Meeting’ approach. Take a chance, find a friend or a small group and be motivated for the Lord.”
Mark Lubbock, a deployed staff member of the commission, lists keys to a successful men’s ministry: Provide personal invitations, Have a purpose. Provide food fit for men. Recruit, train and empower younger men. Evaluate and update. And, include all the men who are touched by your church.
Jim Boesch, a deployed staff member of the commission, discusses each of the words contained in the theme of the 12th National Gathering: “Discipleship The Contact Sport.” “The most effective way for us to enable others to become disciples is to help them discover who God created them to be,” says Jim.
A reminder:
Make sure that your church’s UMM charter is recertified for 2017. Check with your local treasurer or church secretary to ensure your church is still connected with GCUMM. If you are unsure whether or not your church has recertified, please email jstrausbaugh@gcumm.org. To recertify online, click here. Many thanks!
Also, catch up on the latest news and opinions at the Facebook of UM Men.
Expand the ministries of Strength for Service by purchasing material from a Home Depot store. The General Council on Finance and Administration provides step-by-step instructions. Do not try to register your credit card at a store.
Find resources and news about the commission here.
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