Executive Minister

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford | salford@germantownumc.org

Social media is all the rage, from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to whatever else. Like in all things, it is important to approach social media as proper stewards and in ways that reflect who we are as a people of faith. Eric Seiberling has an article on the Resource UMC website, and I thought I would share it with you in three parts. It is entitled “Three Simple Rules of Social Media.” Seiberling writes:

In his book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, retired United Methodist Bishop Rueben P. Job uses John Wesley's three general rules to give Christians a guide for living a faithful life. The book is published by the United Methodist Publishing House. The rules from Wesley, the founder of Methodism, are simple: "Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God."

These rules also apply to how we live our online lives in social media. The Rev. Dan Gangler, director of communications in the Indiana Conference, expanded on Job’s ideas in his article “Three Simple Rules for Social Media.” Michael Rich, communications coordinator in Western North Carolina Conference, did the same in his article “Social Media – Three Simple Rules.” Both advise ways to follow the rules when using social media.

Rule #1: Do no harm.

Job writes, “To do no harm means that I will be on guard so that all my actions and even my silence will not add injury to another of God’s children or to any part of God’s creation.” Doing no harm means respecting the cultures and life situations of those with whom we minister.

When we engage with others online, we may forget that living, breathing people with thoughts and feelings are on the other end of the digital conversation. With almost 70 percent of all communication being nonverbal, we may easily misunderstand what someone is trying to convey or how another interprets our intentions. It is easy to focus so much on proving a particular point that we cause unintended harm.

When engaging in social media activities, take the time to discern both the intention and the potential consequences of online engagement:

• What is the intent of the post? Does it show Christ’s love or does it focus on judgment and condemnation?

• Do I speak disparagingly about anyone involved? Do I try to use facts and opinions to

• manipulate others to my viewpoint?

• Could this post “do harm” to the reputation of Christ, the church, or another person or

• organization?

• Could someone interpret the post as harmful, offensive, rude, or distasteful?

• Does this interaction recognize each person involved as a “loved child of God – a recipient of love unearned, unlimited and underserved – just like myself”?

Rev. Dr. Steve Stone | sstone@germantownumc.org Rev. Mimi White | mwhite@germantownumc.org

In Acts 20:35 Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you have ever spent time serving others or have ever given someone a gift - even if it was just the gift of your time - then you know this saying is true. There is so much joy to be had in serving others! It is a true means of grace as John Wesley would call it. Whenever Wesley had a person come to him who was depressed or lonely, service to others is what he would recommend. Service is a privilege and a great blessing to us!

Prism has many opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings. We currently have a Hospitality Team, Set-Up and Take-Down Crew, Greeting Team, Communion Team, Stewardship Team, and Prayer Team. Volunteers are always needed in any of these areas. If your spiritual gift is “Hospitality” you might find you are a perfect fit to serve as one of our Sunday morning greeters, smiling and meeting folks as they enter the parking lot, the OLEC entrance, or the worship area. This is a vital part of our Sunday morning celebration experience – especially for the first-time guest! If you can move chairs around, you are a perfect fit for serving with the Set-Up Crew. If your gift is finances, then you are a perfect match for the Stewardship Team. If your gift is Faith, then you have been equipped to pray for others, or assist in serving the sacrament of Holy Communion. Whatever area you are passionate about, that is the area where God is calling you to use your gifts in service to others.

Don’t miss an opportunity to give back to the flock and practice the spiritual discipline of service. We meet new friends, discover skills we never knew we had, and grow spiritually! Come grow with us this summer at Prism!