The Kerusso – November | 2024
Thanksgiving is About Much More than Pumpkins
Max Edwards
In late November of 1620, a group of Christian settlers from Holland landed off the coast of what is now Massachusetts and Cape Cod. They had come seeking religious liberty … the freedom to worship Almighty God, out from under the oppressive overwatch of European tyrants.
Unfortunately, the settlers were unprepared for how harsh their first winter would be in this newly established colony. Only about half of them would survive to see the spring of 1621.
But with the aid of an English-speaking Indian named Squanto, the Pilgrims learned to build stronger and more sturdy homes. Governor William Bradford’s writings recalled that Squanto was “a special instrument sent by God for their good beyond their expectations…” In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, Squanto, Chief Massasoit, and the Wampanoag people feasted on maize and wild game, giving thanks to God. This would be the headwaters of the celebration we know as “Thanksgiving Day.”
Please don’t miss the solidly Christian underpinnings of this American holiday. The Pilgrims signed onto the “Mayflower Compact” before making landfall. It is a document which deeply influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. In the Compact, these freedom-seekers openly declared their intentions: “In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid …”
The old English may take a bit of time to weed through, but the motivation of the group, and ultimate goals are clear; to seek the Glory of God and the advancement of Christianity. They wished to be governed democratically, rather than to languish under the ungodly lordship of an earthly King.
When we sit down at the table with our family and friends in the coming weeks, I hope that we might take a few minutes to recognize the heart of these pilgrim disciples. Their Governor for 30 years, William Bradford, penned these words that we might do well to reflect upon this Thanksgiving: “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.” (excerpted from William Bradford’s work, ‘Of Plymouth Plantation.’)
Board of World Missions
Bill
& Lisa Walker, GBWM Co-Chairs
November is a time of traditions let’s keep these traditions going.
Two months ago, Lisa and I were in South Africa, and our brothers and sisters welcomed us enthusiastically! When we arrived at EMC Headquarters in Lusikisiki, we were welcomed in a unique way. Some brothers asked our group to come outside, and they were waiting to present us with a gift. They explained that in their culture, they cannot just say, “Welcome.” They explained that to welcome guests truly, they must show it tangibly. So, our welcome gift was this sheep he became our lunch the next day!
Let me draw a parallel to our Christian-American tradition of Thanksgiving Day. We are not generically thankful, but rather, our thanksgiving must be first directed to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. In Deuteronomy 16:16-17, God set a precedent for expressing thanks: “No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” So, as we in the EMC thank God this November, let’s come before Him with an offering.
Many have given to help our fellow EMCers in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We applaud that it is a critical need. Another way to demonstrate thanks to God is by giving to EMC Missions. Take time to pray and discuss with your family what God wants you to give this year as part of the November Missions Offering.
Like the loaves and fish of that boy in Galilee, Jesus will multiply our gifts today many times over for His kingdom. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Your gift designated for the November Missions Offering will be received now through the end of January and will be distributed to our Global Conferences in February.
The leaders of each Global Conference will administer the use of their respective portions for effective ministry:
• Opening of new mission fields in Myanmar, and continuous news of converts and baptisms despite some churches closing due to the civil war
• Establishment of the South Africa Evangelical School of Ministry, new churches planted in unreached areas
• Business as Mission projects in Mexico, and the continued ministry of the Life and Truth Bible Institute, producing trained Christian lay and clergy leaders for local churches
• The vision of each EMC in The Philippines planting a new church in the next two years and the continued operation of the Asia Pacific School of Ministry
• Business as Mission, church planting, and youth ministry in Christ for All Nations conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Canada (Montreal and Toronto)
Board of World Missions, con’t…
These things and more are the result of your faithful and generous giving to the November Missions Offering. Send your gifts to the EMC Board of World Missions through your local church or directly to:
EMC International PO Box 17070 Indianapolis, IN 46217
You may also give online at https://emchurch.org/online-giving
THANK YOU and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Annual Reporting
Rev. Brian Hammond, General Secretary/Treasurer
As we near the end of the calendar year, I want to remind you of a requirement for all EMC credential holders and our churches. As you can tell from the title, I am speaking of the annual reporting requirement. The deadline for reporting, January 31st, will be here before you know it.
I was asked to share the importance of reporting at a couple of our Journey District Meetings. During that talk, I shared a few reasons why I believe reporting is essential. Here is an overview of what I shared:
Reporting is important because…
1. We are accountable.
We are accountable to our denomination; therefore, filing our annual report is a matter of integrity.
2. It forces us to reflect on our year and be grateful to God.
Reporting gives us an opportunity to reflect on our year and praise God for all that was accomplished and seek His help in areas that need improvement or guidance.
3. It is an encouragement to others.
When we report what God has done and is doing, it encourages the Body. Acts 15b-4, 12.
4. It is modeled in Scripture.
Counting, recording, and reporting are found throughout Scripture.
PLEASE NOTE: We are always trying to improve our reporting tools and procedures, and this year has been no exception. We have shortened the form once again and have made other design changes. There is only one link for both church and credential holder reports now. So, it is essential that you read the directions on the website and follow them closely on the actual form.
If you want to get an early start on your report(s), here is the link: Credential/Church Reports - The Evangelical Methodist Church
If you have any problems or questions, don’t hesitate to contact me or Karen Parsons.
TonyMeads–Virginia
Excerpts from Pastor Tony’s 2023 Ministry Report
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) It’s hard to believe Julie and I’ve been at Christ Church for over two years now. It’s amazing how God is faithful to move mountains as we faithfully join together in seeking His perfect will. This is a life lesson for us all, in that God knows those things we have need of most and He remains forever faithful to provide.
2023 was an eventful and interesting year for us at Christ EMC. We saw God’s provision in several ways. Our Stewards and Building & Grounds Committee began discussing the need for a new roof and after talking with multiple contractors, we chose one who was able to work through our insurance to provide a top-of-the-line roof at no cost other than the deductible! About that same time, we discovered 2 of our outside HVAC units had been stolen! Thankfully, again, our insurance company came through with the full replacement and installation of 2 brand new units! There’ve been many other instances where God has met our needs: We needed an electrician and God provided… we needed help installing a monitor in the Sanctuary and God provided… an iron gate was donated to help deter future theft… and we have been able to improve several other aspects of the building and church grounds.
We’ve also been praying that the Lord would increase our numbers and once again the Lord faithfully provided. In September of this year the newly formed Korean congregation, Church of The Lord Jesus Christ, who disaffiliated from the UMC, began renting our fellowship hall to hold their church services. Yes, God did increase our numbers here at Christ Church; however, not as we were expecting. But I can’t express enough how I thank and praise God for bringing the two congregations together. You see, we needed each other.
SeanScribner–NorthCarolina
Excerpts from Pastor Sean’s 2023 Ministry Report
I am humbled and honored to be a part of God’s work, and my family and I are committed to His call upon our lives at this church for this season, together with the church body! 2023 in Review: As I reflect on the year, several things come to mind that are of great personal significance to me.
First, my transition into working with the youth on a weekly basis has been a great joy. Throughout the spring and summer, we prayed and deliberated long and hard concerning the Lord’s direction for the Infused Student Ministry. What started as a search for a full-time Youth Pastor evolved into a beautiful, team-based approach to the ministry with an amazing, dedicated team of volunteers, the hiring of a part-time Student Ministry Coordinator to handle the logistics and administration, and me providing the pastoral oversight. We transformed our Wednesday evening program to a small groups format with 5 different groups divided by age and gender, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Over the past year, our youth group has doubled.
Another highlight of the year (and of my entire time at EMC) has been the implementation of the Ministry Residency Program (MRP) and hiring of Courtney White. The MRP is designed for followers of Christ with a calling to full-time vocational ministry yet with limited experience to have a space to explore their calling and gain valuable experience alongside our church staff. The development process combines theological study and practical ministry application focused on clarifying the Lord’s calling, identifying the resident’s passion and skill set, and creating a personalized plan to prepare them for a future in ministry. I have found training future leaders to be a deep passion of mine, and the opportunity to invest in Courtney on a weekly basis for the sake of the larger church has been a true joy. In addition to working alongside one another throughout the week, we meet every Friday for direct mentoring and discipleship. Her hunger for the things of God and eagerness to dive in and be used wherever needed has been a huge value-add for the church. I look forward to how this program will benefit the EMC beyond our local church!
Several other new additions to our church are also worth noting. The new Family Recreation Area (FRA) is nearing completion, and I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses it to be a blessing to our church, preschool, and community. A new, growing young adult ministry named LateGen is beginning to gain traction. This is a much-needed area of ministry. Also, we have formed a new social media team consisting of several gifted members of the church to improve and expand our church’s digital presence Let us continue to remain faithful to Jesus and the work he has called us together to do!