May 2004

Words for reflection from John Wesley in the wake of Judicial Council decision May 1.

Our highest church court ruled Saturday, May 1, that Methodist law "clearly teaches that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching," according to AOL News reports.

The Judicial Council, which met during our General Conference in Pittsburgh, under way now and ending Friday, May 7, said violating that church law could be cause for removal from church office.

This is the gathering that happens every four years to plan ministry for the future and to make decisions about the book of discipline and our social principles.
Please pray for our delegation, including our bishop, three voting delegates and Mark Williams, first alternate.

At least two websites carry daily updates on the conference; the second one given here carries insightful reports and commentary (copyrighted) by Mark Williams:

www.gc2004.org <http://www.gc2004.org/www.elltel.net/ellensburgumc/genconf/

Whether at the General Conference or locally, the following quotes (using the exclusive language of the day) from John Wesley's sermon on the “Catholic Spirit” seem apt:

“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? ‘…It is certain, so long as we know but in part, that all (people) will not see all things alike. It is an unavoidable consequence of the present weakness and shortness of human understanding that several men will be of several minds in religion as well as in common life. So it has been from the beginning of the world, and so it will be ‘till the restitution of all things.’”

“Every wise man, therefore, will allow others the same liberty of thinking which he desires they should allow him; and will no more insist on their embracing his opinions, than he would have them to insist on his embracing theirs. He bears with those who differ from him, and only asks him with whom he desires to unite in love that single question, ‘Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?’”

In his sermon, “A Caution Against Bigotry,” based on Mark 9:38-39, Wesley said even if we disagree with another preacher and do share a common theology, liturgy or understanding of the Bible we should not prohibit him from preaching or fulfilling his vocation.

“Do not in any wise strive to prevent his using all the power which God has given him. If you have authority with him, do not use that authority to stop the work of God. Do not furnish him with reasons why he ought not any more to speak in the name of Jesus.”


(Source: The Reconciling Ministries Network Digest, April 2004)


Five young men move up...by Niis Bue

Skyler - Eric - James - Andrew - Cameron

All the trees of the field clapped their hands Easter Sunday when eight vibrant people joined our church, five of them young men who are embracing a variety of life changes. (See Tilly’s Tales for news of the remaining new members, Jan Hatt, Becky Hutchins and Nicole Cenci.)

Skyler Dillman, 18, Mark Morris Class of 2004

Skyler’s Eagle Scout court of honor packed ’em in. Loved ones and friends, including his church and Troop 516 families, gathered in April to celebrate with him as he received scouting’s highest advancement rank.

He tore down, removed and rebuilt the fence around the parsonage as his leadership service project with help from other scouts, their leaders and community members. Skyler had lots of leadership training and experience in Scouts. He earned 23 merit badges. He has hiked a 50-mile section of the Pacific Rim trail.

The MM senior is going to Lower Columbia College through the Running Start program. His area of study is business. We couldn’t catch up with Skyler for comment.

“He’s really nice,” said Skyler’s 15-year-old brother, Cameron. “He’s a hard worker and he likes to achieve his goals.” They have fun playing video games together and tossing the football around, Cameron said.

Parents - Rich and Loreen Dillman of Longview

Eric Worth, 18, Mark Morris Class of 2004

The U.S. Marine Corps is getting one good man when Eric enters initial training Aug. 9 at Camp Pendleton on the California coast in San Diego County. Following boot camp, he will receive two years of computer data training.

At MM, he participates in track, sings in the symphonic choir and is an honor student. He works at Bruno’s. Eric enjoys hunting and fishing with his dad.

“He’s a wonderful kid; that’s grandma speaking,” said Vernette Deckman. “Besides that, he’s goodlooking.” She is smiling over the phone. She also said Eric is a lot of fun while kidding around and playing games during family outings.

We couldn’t catch up with Eric for comment either.

Parents - Mike and Lynne Worth of Longview

James Arnold, 17, R.A. Long Class of 2005

Look for an Eagle Scout court of honor for James, perhaps in the fall, as he completes his last two requirements – a church storage room project and one more merit badge. He has made a banner hanger and installed shelving in the closet, and needs only to finish the lighting.

In the fall James starts his senior year at RAL and a second year of classes at LCC in Running Start. He’s checking out universities that offer degrees in biomechanical engineering, or human robotics. “I like the idea of linking man to machine to help the physically impaired,” he said.

“We’re a lot alike and get along together great,” said Stan McDonald, a friend since fifth grade. “He’s a very sarcastic man and he’s fun to be around. He’s a good guy.”

James is on the football and track teams and is “looking to run for senior class vice president. I’m (also) looking forward to being active in the community.”

Parent - Eileen Arnold of Longview
Guardian - Diana Thomas of Longview

Andrew Vining, 16, Kelso Class of 2006

A coveted driver’s license is in hand. Almost as important, Andrew will spend his junior year in Germany, destination and host family yet to be decided.

Just let there be soccer.

He leaves for Washington, D.C., in early August for a three-day gathering of 250 students from around the country. The next stop is Berlin for three weeks of language immersion before going to their host homes, rural or urban, for the 10-month stay.

Andrew is co-captain of the KHS soccer team and undoubtedly will remember to pack the Zidane shirt his brother Jeremy gave him.

“I love Andrew,” said Janey Austin. “He’s just a wonderful, charming person – and he’s polite and sensitive and everything wonderful a person can be, especially for a boy.”

Andrew said he looks forward to building social skills by learning about German culture, and more about our own culture, “the skills you need in life that are more than just fundamental.” He added: “It’s Europe, so I want to experience a little more freedom and come back more mature and independent. Just what my Mom wants to hear.”

Parents - Barbara Vining of Longview and Larry Vining of Longview

Cameron Dillman, 15, Mark Morris Class of 2006

Cameron, a life member of Scouts, mows grass at the church weekly, participates in work parties and will be showing up at the church even more frequently this summer as he tears up and replaces broken sidewalks. “I’m one step away from Eagle,” he said.

Once he completes the sidewalk repairs and earns two more merit badges, an Eagle Scout court of honor is planned, possibly in late summer or fall.

Cameron enjoys playing defensive tackle for the Monarchs and likes science classes, especially biology. He describes his science teachers as “interesting – and nice.”

He plans to do a lot of camping this summer. The life skills one learns “are going to help… so I’ll have a better life when I get older,” he said.

The Fosburgs have known Cameron since he was a young kid and say his football player size makes people think he’s older.

“He’s very intelligent,” Gene said, with Sharon adding, “I think he’s going to be gentler, like his Dad.”

Their grandson Christopher chimed in with, “He likes corndogs.”

Parents - Rich and Loreen Dillman of Longview

 

A music note…by Shannon Christensen

Music is truly the universal language, exemplifying the best of our diversity. As a fundamental element in every culture and religion, we come together in our music to celebrate, mourn, protest, and praise.

From Gregorian chants to gospel choirs, Christians have long demonstrated the breadth of their talents though their music. And it appears that the twenty-first century will be no exception in this long line of creative offerings. Ranging from quiet contemplation to resounding exaltation, today’s Christian music provides a meaningful experience in virtually every style available.

The quality and variety of Christian music being played on the radio is amazing. This genre has undergone an evolution and burst forth into the worlds of jazz, rap, and alternative rock. Many of these artists have web sites where you can download their music, read lyrics, or check out their biographies.

One band making a huge splash on the Christian music scene is Casting Crowns. This Georgia based group is following a rich history of music to come out of the peach state, adding the unique sounds of violin and accordion to their guitar-based rock.

Straight-forward lyrics spell out the tenets of a down to earth life for modern Christians, taking on issues that commonly burden today’s youth and adults alike. Songs like Life of Praise and Who Am I blaze out onto the airways with an increasing prominence, only superceded in popularity by a song that speaks straight to the mission of Longview United Methodist Church; If We Are The Body.

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

Casting Crowns, check them out at http://www.castingcrowns.org/.

Tilly's tales

Tilly apologizes for her tardy appearance 'round the church. The trauma of dodging carpet-layers and losing all those shortcuts under the old stuff pushed me into a funk 'til I got used to the new color and the soft feel underfoot. Now that I've got my wheels back under me and have a feel for the place again, I can get back in the swing of adding my two cents worth to the life of our LUMC.

Easter was nice, REAL nice. Having 110 in church on Sunday morning with District Superintendent, Rev. Michael Graef participating with communion, baptism and reception of new members all in the same service was almost more than one can take unexpectedly. Speaking of new members, how 'bout those three ladies who signed on with this diverse group of believers that Sunday.

Jan Hatt started attending with Don and Jacq and the rest of her family last summer and fall. She has quietly added strength to the group we are becoming and stability that goes with faith and experience. Becky brings the flush of justified faith, new-found acceptance and a perspective of and about life a lot of us have no knowledge of. As a result, this church will grow in new ways with new vigor. Nicole brings with her strength of character that can only be demonstrated by the celebration of one year sober. Her young life has already developed coping skills that most people never need. I welcome all three ladies -- each adds her own special grace and beauty to the congregation I call "home".

The gentlemen who joined LUMC on Easter are special as well. Others, I am told, are highlighting their presence in the congregation. Welcome, guys.

All the folks who stayed around for the potluck and party following church on April 25 had a good time saying goodbye to Willis and Gale Williams. Of course, it is not a forever goodbye. I've got a whole blue room waiting to accent my pink tubby roundness when I go down to Ocean Park Camp for a visit. Will have to stop off more often to see my son, Wilbur, working in a similar capacity to mine at the Ocean Park UMC, now that I have those sumptuous quarters waiting for me up on the dune. Oh, you mean EVERYONE was invited, not just little old me? Drat.

Another highlight in April was Tim and Thom? coming to church. Looks to me like they will be staying on. Thom? sings tenor and Tim leads choirs. Janie P has known them both in another venue and invited them to practice and share their talents. Was listening and watching at choir practice Wednesday last -- sounding pretty good. It will take the choir a little time to learn to pay attention to the guy out front and follow his lead. Believe me, I know how difficult a bunch that group can be to lead. You know the old saw about a horse and water. The choir is a talented group with a lot of good ideas how things should sound. Unfortunately, the large number of choices do not lend themselves to agreement all the time. Thank you, Tim.

For you counters out there in the congregation, 61 attended church April 25. With the crowd at Easter, our average attendance for April was in the middle 60s. With Easter out of the average, we were in the middle 50s. Things are looking up real good. Grace and blessing do abound.

Tilly's gotta run now -- hugs and kisses to all.

Actual quotes from church newsletters... via Peggy Mueggler's son

Thursday Night: Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

IN A WORD…by Niis Bue

Getting the Love you Want, A Guide for Couples, by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., isn’t just another self-help book clamoring for our attention from retail book shelves: it has staying power.

This book is laced with useful and sometimes humorous stories in which you might recognize yourself. I did. In fact, the book may inspire me to enroll in a weekend workshop by Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), which Hendrix and his wife Helen LaKelly Hunt started.

Hunt is a psychologist and women’s activist. Hendrix’s background includes a doctorate in psychology and religion from the School of Divinity at the University of Chicago. Getting the Love you Want was first published in 1988 and is based on 30 years of therapeutic and educational experience.

Imago Relationship Therapy keeps the traditional focus on the individual and uses a variety of therapeutic methods, but transcends this tradition through “a new paradigm of relationality,” Hendrix writes. It helps couples and singles understand the unconscious reasons leading them to choose their particular life partners and, he explains, “the inevitable power struggle” that follows. We are trying “to restore connections that were ruptured in childhood.” The goal of IRT is to help people realize “‘a conscious marriage,’” Hendrix says.

Toward that end, the 2001 revised edition adds something new – a third section of 10 exercises people may follow, with the Hendrix caveat that it’s essential to read the first two parts before attempting to follow the steps in the third. Exercise titles include, “Childhood Frustrations,” “Partner Profile” and “The Surprise List.”


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy
800-729-1121 or 407-644-3537
www.imagotherapy.com

Boycotts close apartheid's door, free Mandela

The Cowlitz County Fellowship of Reconciliation will present the third video in a PBS series, "A Force More Powerful," on Friday, May 21, 7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 30th and Pacific Way.

It features a consumer boycott against apartheid led by young activist Mkhuseli Jack in the black townships of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in the mid-1980s.

Radicalized at 18 by laws that kept him from enrolling in school, Jack founded the influential Port Elizabeth Youth Congress and became a key leader of strikes, boycotts, and other grassroots efforts that reverberated throughout the country and were instrumental in defeating apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela.

After a brief conversation about the Mkhuseli Jack video, preliminary discussion of today's military recruitment efforts and the rumored rebirth of the draft will get under way.

Refreshments will be provided.

FOR co-chairs are Dan Smith, 360-431-0245, and Jody Chastain.