NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

In just a few days we will celebrate another New Year.  People have different ways observing the holiday.  Some will over indulge in drinking and regret it the next day.  They will wake up January 1st having no memory of their activities or behavior the night before. (Probably a good thing they can't remember because they would be seriously embarrassed if they only knew!)  Some will bring in the New Year dancing to their favorite tunes and with some of their closest friends.  Some will stand in the freezing night air to watch the ball drop in Times Square or, closer to home, the giant "peach" downtown Atlanta.  Some, like myself, will do my best to stay awake until the stroke of midnight, kiss my wife goodnight and then go to sleep!

However we bring in the New Year, many of us will make the infamous "Resolutions."  We will resolve to exercise more, eat less, save more, spend less and, generally, take measures to make our life better, more productive in 2011.  If you are able to keep them, resolutions can be good.  They can help you make important changes in your overall life.  But even the best resolutions and the most faithful commitment to them  come up short of the life-change many of us need.  Far better than resolutions, are life "renovations."

Resolutions are things WE decide to do in our lives.  Renovations are things only GOD can do in our lives.  We'll focus on these "renovations" in worship this coming Sunday.  I hope you will join us!  I've attached a poll to the right of this message.  Let me know how many of you plan on making resolutions this year!  I'd love to know.

Happy New Year!
Stuart

WORSHIP IS ON FOR 11:00!

We WILL have worship today, Dec. 26th, at 11:00.  We hope you can make it, but please be careful.
Stuart

100,000 REVEALED!

"From Hunger To Hope!"

At the conclusion of last Sunday's worship, we announced the meaning behind the "100,000" banners all over the campus!  Did you miss it?  We are partnering with "Feed My Starving Children" to purchase and pack 100,000 meals for children facing starvation.  Our Christmas Eve Offering will go to purchase the food and supplies.  Our goal is to raise $19,000.  The meals will be packaged the last weekend of March when we as a church family will all participate in a "30 Hour Famine" to raise awareness of hunger around the world.  

I want to thank Tami McLaughlin and the volunteers from our  "Beyond the Walls" ministry department for presenting us with this amazing challenge!  You will be hearing lots more details in the upcoming weeks.  If you would like to volunteer in the planning and implementation of this event, check out their page on the church website.

We are only a few days from Christmas!  I hope you and your family have a wonderful celebration of the holiday and that you fully grasp the joy of the season!  Becky and I feel so very blessed to be part of this incredible church family.  

Merry Christmas!

Stuart

100,000

Have you noticed them around the campus...all  those signs saying 100,000?  Our hope was that they would stimulate some conversation as people tried to guess their meaning.  Not surprisingly many people have assumed it is a reference to money.  We let you know last week that is not the case.  And as much as I hate to keep you in limbo, I'm going to have to keep you guessing for another week!  We will let everyone in on the "secret" this Sunday!

I think you are going to be pleased when you realize the meaning behind the message.  Here's a hint.  It will all make sense Christmas Eve!  Until then let's have some fun trying to figure this thing out.  Check out the poll to the right and submit your response.
 
As we enter another Christmas Season with each of you, Becky and I feel truly blessed to be part of this church family!  Thank you for everything you do to make this such a wonderful place to serve Christ!

We love you,
Stuart

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

What will be the priorities of Sugarloaf UMC moving forward?  What is our vision for the future?  What will define us three, five, ten years from now?  These are important questions and ones we need to be thinking about and planning for today!  That's why I am excited to let you know about the "20/20" Vision Team meeting for the first time this coming Sunday.

 Why the name...20/20?  Two reasons.  In the world of sight, 20/20 is a reference to perfect vision.  We want to discern God's "perfect vision" for us as a church.  Secondly, ten years from now we will be in the year 2020!  Hard to believe, but true.  The "20/20" Vision Team will seek to discover God's vision for us for the next ten years.  

The Team will meet this month to begin the conversation.  We will spend all of next year in study, prayer and serious dialogue.  We will explore possibilities, dream the "what ifs", ask the "why and why nots" and seek God's direction for His church here at Sugarloaf.  We will do a lot of talking but even more listening...listening to the community, listening to the membership, listening to the Holy Spirit.  At the end of the year, our plan is to submit a report to the Council and to the church family with our findings and recommendations.

 It is obvious God has blessed Sugarloaf and anointed our ministry over the years.  He hasn't done that just to get us to where we are today.  He has done that in order to prepare us for the future which lies ahead!  The things He has yet to accomplish in us and through us are beyond our wildest dreams!  Please be in prayer for the "20/20" Vision Team as they begin their important work.  Pray that God's vision for us would become crystal clear as we seek His spirit!


Till next time.

Stuart





 

This Sunday...

I will miss seeing all of you this Sunday.  After 13 years, I will be returning to preach at Mountain View UMC, a church I planted back in 1983.  In addition to preaching at the morning services, Becky and I will attend their annual Bethlehem Walk, a recreation of the Nativity story which has reached tens of thousands over the years.  It will be a little strange preaching in a place I have been away from for so long, but I am looking forward to the opportunity.  As much as it will mean to return to a former church, I hate having to miss worship with my Sugarloaf family.  

In my absence, I have arranged for our District Superintendent, Rev. Jim Cantrell, to be our preacher for the morning.  Sugarloaf is part of the Atlanta-Emory District of the UMC.  Jim oversees the 50 plus churches in the district, including ours.  He is a great pastor, leader and preacher.  I was so glad when he agreed to preach for us.  I'm sure you will be blessed by his message.

One more thing.  I had the pleasure of experiencing this week's "Meet Us At the Manger" with Becky, our son and daughter-in-law Tucker and Kim and grandson Landon.  We had a blast!  Great job Lori Cotter and your whole Sugarloaf Kids Team!  We love you all!

Till next time...
Stuart

Christmas Truth...

In his book "Radical", David Platt shares the following story. 

"I remember sitting outside a Buddhist temple in Indonesia.  Men and women filled the elaborate, colorful temple grounds, where they daily performed their religious rituals.  Meanwhile, I was engaged in a conversation with a Buddhist leader and a Muslim leader in this particular community.  They were discussing how all religions are fundamentally the same and only superficially different.  'We may have different views about small issues,' one of them said, 'but when it comes down to essential issues, each of our religions is the same.'

I listened for a while, and then they asked me what I thought. I said, 'It sounds as though you both picture God (or whatever you call god) at the top of a mountain.  It seems as if you believe that we are all at the bottom of the mountain, and I may take one route up the mountain, you may take another, and in the end we will all end up in the same place.'
They smiled as I spoke.  Happily they replied, 'Exactly! You understand!'

Then I leaned in and said, 'Now let me ask you a question.  What would you think if I told you that the God at the top of the mountain actually came down to where we are?  What would you think if I told you that God doesn't wait for people to find their way to him, but instead he comes to us?'
They thought for a moment and then responded, 'That would be great.'
I replied, 'Let me introduce you to Jesus!'

I love it!  Don't be mislead by all those who try to minimize, commercialize, neutralize, or sanitize the meaning of Christmas.  It is the story of God coming to us in and through the person of Jesus Christ!  It is the greatest and most important news the world has ever received!  We gather every Sunday at Sugarloaf Church to enjoy his company.  We'd love to have you join us!

Stuart

How Are You Doing?

In most conversations, the statement above would be a routine question without the expectation of any specific response.  When we use here at Sugarloaf, it means something very important!  Once a quarter we ask each of you "How are you doing" as it relates to the commitments you made when you joined the church.  Each of us promised to Worship God, Grow our Lives, and Serve the World.  So...how are you doing with that?  Are you following through?  Are you getting and staying involved?  Are you participating in meaningful ways in the life of the church?

For the last two weeks I have preached on the three-fold priorities of this church - Worship, Grow, Serve.  This week I will be reminding all of us of the importance of  "serving" as followers of Christ.  Our service will conclude with an opportunity for us to make commitments in these areas.  You will be asked to review the many ministry and serving options available and then find those areas where you can make a difference.  

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.  

Stuart

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!!!

Aside from another great day with my Sugarloaf family, Sunday was extra special as we celebrated Becky's Birthday!  We enjoyed lunch with Tucker, Kim and Landon, and Tim and Sara.  I have a wonderful family and am truly blessed to have each of them in my life.  We finished the day sharing dinner with some wonderful friends from the church who wanted to treat Becky and I to a celebration of her special day.

I love Becky with all my heart and think she gets more beautiful every year!  Forgive me for using my blog for personal sentiments, but I just want the world to know how much I love and appreciate this very special woman!


We were married on July 30th, 1977!  God has since blessed us with three great sons, three beautiful daughters in law and one grandson (with another on the way!)


There is only one thing about my wife that really bugs me and it was noticeably obvious this past weekend.  Having grown up in Alabama and gone to school there, she is a huge Auburn Fan!  She has really taken advantage of the opportunity to "rub it in" this week over Auburn's defeat of Georgia!  Oh well, I guess no one is perfect!


Love you, honey!
Stuart

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS

This coming Sunday we will take a moment in our worship to recognize the Veteran's in attendance.  You probably already know that Thursday, Nov. 11 is Veteran's Day.  Take a moment to thank a veteran because, the truth of the matter is...

It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Veteran, not the  reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag.

It is the Veteran, who serves under the Flag. 

It was never my privilege to serve in the armed forces of our nation, but I have only the highest regard and respect for those who did, and for the sacrifices they made.  Whether you worship here at Sugarloaf or somewhere else, make sure you find a veteran next Sunday and let them know how much you appreciate their service!

Stuart

Our Trip to Wilmore

This past weekend Becky and I made our first trip to Wilmore, Kentucky to visit our son and daughter-in-law.  Tyler is a first year student at Asbury Theological Seminary.  Jessica has a wonderful job with the University of Kentucky.  They are loving being in Wilmore and experiencing life as a newly married couple.  We had a wonderful visit.  The greatest thing was seeing the two of them so happy!

This was my first visit to the Asbury Campus.  I have admired the school for many years and it was great to walk the grounds of a place that has prepared so many for Christian ministry through the years.  Along the way, we came across this statue of a famous Christian leader.  You probably know who he is, but I thought I would have some fun with this photo.  Take my survey to the right of this article and see if you can name the person featured between my son and I!

Kentucky is beautiful this time of year.  In addition to beautiful mountains casting their colors of red, yellow and orange leaves, we saw mile after mile of horse farms and stables.  We even made our first trip to the race track!  We were only a few feet away as the horses broke from the starting gate and made their way around the track.  What an experience!

A highlight for me was having the chance to worship with Tyler and Jessica.  They currently attend Southland Church there in Lexington.  It was a amazing place with over 5000 people in attendance during the morning services.  I don't have many opportunities to simply be a worshiper at a service.  I have already heard wonderful things about the services we had here at Sugarloaf.  We missed being with each of you!

Till next time...

Stuart

What's An SPRC?

I was reminded Sunday we need to be careful of assuming people understand the terminology we sometimes use in church.  As part of the morning service, I called on Bob Meadors who wished to say something on behalf of the "SPRC."  Bob proceeded to acknowledge the four pastors on Staff as part of "Clergy Appreciation Month."  (Thank you Bob!  We feel so blessed to be here!)

After the service someone said to me, "What is the SPRC?"  I had to apologize because I assumed, wrongly, that everybody would know what that meant.  SPRC is a reference to the Staff Parish Relations Committee in the local church.  They are an extremely important group and I want to make sure you know who they are and the work they do.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee could best be described as a "liason" between the church staff and the congregation.  They help communicate needs of the staff to the membership and commuicate concerns and needs of the congregation back to the Staff.  They provide support and encouragement  the Staff need in order to be most effective.

The SPRC is the group that makes annual recommendations to the Conference regarding pastoral leadership.  It is the group that determines Staff  positions needed by the church to fulfill its ministry objectives.  Working with the Finance Committee and Sugarloaf Council, it is the group that sets the annual salaries for all paid Church Staff.

This past month, the four pastors have completed annual evaluations with the committee.  These evaluations help me, Larry, Kerry and Mike set the priorities for our work in the year ahead.

I wanted you to know who these folks are in case you have any questions.  The current Chairperson is Leroy Toliver.  Other members are Bill Garrett, Sara Hove, Bob Meadors, John Dillard, Wendell Tarkington, Susan Lane, Laurie Clough, and Josh Axelberd.  These are great folks and I am truly indebted to them for all they do!

Till next time...

Stuart

Thought You Would Like to Know!

Recently the Foundation for Evangelism created an online resource called "Celebrating Vibrant Churches."  The site is meant to be a resource for pastors and laity looking for creative, innovative ideas for ministry.  Sugarloaf is the first church to be highlighted!  I thought you might like to read the article yourself.  Click here for the Foundation for Evangelism
This recognition only reminds me how blessed I feel to be part of such an incredible church family.  The Staff we have here are the absolute BEST!  The laity who make up this congregation are among the most faithful and committed I have ever observed!  It is such a privilege to be part of a church that is helping inspire and motivate others to reach people for Christ.

On another note...WOW!  I was literally blown away by our first baptism offering last Sunday!  In case you weren't there, we have implemented a new plan to support the work of our two Children's Homes in the state.  Whenever we have an infant baptism, we are giving persons who wish to do so, an opportunity to leave a contribution at the altar after the service is over.  Every penny of the donations left will go to the United Methodist Children's Home in Decatur and the Murphy-Harpst Children's Home in Cedartown.  Money collected will be sent in honor of the children being baptized.  The total offering received was $2105.36!  Amazing!  I want to thank everyone who participated.

Have a great day today and enjoy this beautiful fall weather...finally!

Till next time,

Stuart

Caring For The Children

Are you aware of the ways we, as United Methodists, are caring for children in need in our area?  Let me tell you about the United Methodist Children's Home in Decatur and the Murphy-Harpst Home in Cedartown.  

For many years, the Children's Home in Decatur was primarilly a residential care facility, or what we used to call an "orphanage."  There are still a number of children living there, but because of changing attitudes and government policies, the focus of the home has changed over the last several years.   Rather than housing children in group homes, the thought today is that children do better in Foster Care environments.  The Children's Home has adapted and is, today, very heavilly involved in this effort.  For those older teens and young adults needing to become more independent, the Children's Home now devotes much of its resources to teaching life skills and helping persons secure an apartment, learn a trade and find meaningful employment. 

Murphy-Harpst Children's Home is a residential care facility for high risk children and teens.  The children living there have experienced unspeakable emotional, physical and, in some cases, sexual abuse.  They have nowhere else safe to go.  At Murphy-Harpst they encounter an environment of love, support, and hope; all offered in the name and on behalf of Christ and the Church.  What they do in the lives of these kids is truly remarkable!

Why am I telling you this?  Two reasons.  One of our own members, Ralph Jones, currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Children's Home in Decatur.  He will be sharing information about the ministry in this Sunday's worship.  

The other reason for sharing is this.  These ministries...these kids need our support.  Neither program is funded in the conference budget.  They depend on the support of churches like Sugarloaf.  We have decided to support these ministries in the following way.

Whenever we have an infant baptism, I will be offering you an opportunity to make a gift to the Children's Homes in honor of that child.  We will NOT be taking up another offering!  This is simply a way for any who want to give to do so.  At the conclusion of the service, you are simply given an opportunity, if you wish, to leave loose change, a few dollars, a check, whatever you wish.  ALL the money left at the altar will be sent to the two Children's Homes in honor of the child being baptized in worship that day.  I will be saying more about this this week.  I believe this is a way for us to make a meaningful and significant contribution to support the work of these two amazing programs.

I look forward to sharing more about all this with you on Sunday.

Stuart

GROW GROUPS ARE HERE!!!!!

After months of conversation, planning and prayer the Grow Groups have been launched!  We have nearly 200 persons involved in these small groups but the hope is to eventually have most every church member connected to a group.  Currently the Grow Groups are utilizing material associated with our Sunday worship series "Just Walk Across the Room."  We are already getting great reviews about the experiences people are having in the small groups as they reflect on the messages from Sunday morning.
  
After the first of they year we are hoping the expand the number of Grow Groups being offered.  If you are not currently involved, let me encourage you to reconsider your decision.  The spiritual and personal growth offered by such groups can not be over stated.  As you come together on a regular basis with a group of 10 or 12 others to pray, study and support one another, amazing things can happen.  God's Spirit flourishes in such settings and works to infuse lives with His power, grace and love.  Joining a group is one of the best things you could do for your relationship with Christ and others.  

To learn more about Grow Groups, go to www.sugarloafgrowgroups.org.  There you will find information regarding existing groups and plans for the future.  Check it out!

Hope to see all of you in worship this week as we continue our study.  This week we will be learning what it means to live in "3D"  Come find out more!

Stuart

Stuart's Weekly Letter 9/6/10

O.K., I realize for most of you this may not sound like a big deal, but for my wife Becky, this is a monumental breakthrough! After years of resisting, dodging and downright running from; she finally got up the nerve to ride a ski lift last week! I know, it doesn’t seem remarkable by most standards, but trust me, for her it was huge!

We were attending the “Leading Edge Conference” of United Methodist pastors in Park City, Utah. It was absolutely beautiful in September. I can only image what it would look like in the winter with all the slopes covered in snow. We had a couple of free hours during the meeting so we decided to take the lift to the peak of the mountain, stopping at a little restaurant half way up.

Becky is afraid of heights. The last time she rode a ski lift, she tripped on her skis getting off the lift at the very first slope. Medics had to carry her on a sled down the mountain to the lodge. Her day of skiing; no her career of skiing, was over! Talking her into riding again, this time without skis and without snow, took some convincing, but I finally prevailed at getting her to join me in the ride.

You may know people who view going to church like she did riding the lift. They say, “Been there, done that, not doing it again!” Maybe they had a bad experience. Maybe they found the service to be boring and irrelevant. Maybe they felt uncomfortable with not knowing when to stand or sit at the “proper” time. Here’s a thought! Tell them about the worship they will experience at Sugarloaf! Let them know it will probably be a whole lot different from what they experienced earlier. Let them know the music will be powerful and the message will relate to real life issues. Let them know they need not fear coming dressed casually. Let them know they are likely to meet some truly amazing and friendly people before the day is up!

Once Becky was on her way up the mountain, she was so glad she made to decision to act on my invitation. It was the highlight of the trip for her. I am convinced people who choose to visit Sugarloaf will come to the same conclusion. Who is waiting for your invitation and encouragement?